A Year In The Merde: 1 (Paul West, 1) Paperback – 1 April 2005

This is a book that is so funny, so honest in its delivery and so correct in its depiction of Parisians that I wonder why i haven't read it before." The innocent abroad" stance taken allows Mr Clarke to not only gaze in wonderment at a race of people who think that working is always on their terms, but also to talk with affection about a place and a group of people who seem to have much better lives than ours.I f you love the french, dislike the french, are french, or even eat french food then you should read this book

I actually bought this book on an off-hand recommendation by my Parisian colleague. It turned out to be both a great read and a fantastic insight into the way business is done in Paris - the deals done over a coffee or in the smoking room, "You scratch my back", long lunches (and their purpose) and just about every other bizarre occurence I have encountered (And many more I can now hopefully avoid). Excellent read for anyone who either:a) Has/wants to work in Parisb) Wants to get served in the numerous street cafes

Not quite what I expected. I thought it would be a funnier and insightful look at the differences between us and the French but it was a so-so story that may be autobiographical. I finished it but didn’t love it.

This book is really witty - a lot of genuine laugh out loud moments (so be warned if you're on the train..). The writer has a great turn of phrase and excellent description (woven into the plot), so you can really envision what and who is being described. This feels almost like reading someone's journal, because it's that believable. Really enjoyable read.

I chose this book as i started reading it in Sri Lanka, i put it down and it was gone when i went back.Laugh out loud funny especially if you have ever been to France, you will fully understand where he is coming from.

Stephen Clark, author of this gem, claims it to be an account of what may or may not have happened to him during his ten years residence in France. Well Stephen whatever didn’t happen to you certainly did happen to one or other of the many English “Bif-stek “ visitors to that fair Country. They will recognise themselves and chuckle and look out, as I will, for Stephen Clark’s next rib tickling picture of our French neighbours through British eyes.

I bought this after following links from books about real people who upped sticks and moved, so I was a little surprised by the candour in this - until I realised the character is fictional. This allows the author to explore Parisian relationships more fully, giving a different and urban slant to the usual 'move to rural France' offerings. A lively and informative account of twenty-something life and attitudes in Paris.

A good book and a humorous read. Some knowledge of Francais is helpful but not essential and there are many Laugh Out Loud moments. Recommended.