chapters.indigo.ca: A Year In The Merde: Stephen Clarke: Books

About this Book

Format:Trade Paperback

Dimensions:276 Pages, 6 x 8.26 x 0.78 in

Published:May 31, 2006

Publisher:Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The following ISBNs are associated with this title:
ISBN - 10:1582346178
ISBN - 13:9781582346175

From the Publisher

Based on Stephen Clarke''s own experiences and with names changed to "avoid embarrassment, possible legal action, and to prevent the author''s legs being broken by someone in a Yves Saint Laurent suit," "A Year in the Merde "provides perfect entertainment for Francophiles and Francophobes alike.

From the Critics

"Highly entertaining...Clarke renders the flavor of life in Paris impeccably."--"Washington"" Post"
"Call him the anti-Mayle. Stephen Clarke is acerbic, insulting, un-PC and mostly hilarious."--"San Francisco"" Chronicle."
"The antidote to Peter Mayle, this ''almost-true memoir'' will appeal equally to Francophobes and Francophiles."--"New York"" Post "(4 stars)
"The book is laugh-out-loud hilarious. Like the best of British comedy, "Merde" is a comedy of errors...[with] great interlingual puns, a vivacious spirit and a playful attitude about the absurdities of a foreign culture."--"Rocky Mountain News"
"Combines the gaffes of Bridget Jones with the boldness of James Bond... Clarke''s sharp eye for detail and relentless wit make even the most quotidian task seem surreal."--"Publishers Weekly"

From The Community

Who's Listing it as a Top Ten

This title has appeared in 8 Top Ten lists. See the most recent lists below:

Great Travel Books

Tova White , 2 years ago
Some Favorite Books

Erin_Bella , 2 years ago
Least favourite books

tealady , 2 years ago
My Faves

artisticrox , 2 years ago
Comedies

Susin , 18 months ago
Books I read over and over again

Rockady , 17 months ago
Humorous books

Penguin lover , 16 months ago
Li's Favourite Reads [2008 edition]

Li , 10 months ago
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Who's Blogging

This title has been mentioned in 1 blog. See the most recent post below:

2 March 2009 A Year in the M**** - Facilitator: Christine N

Helen Norman , 12 months ago
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Average Customer Rating:
Reviews from the Community8 Reviews

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B00kl0v3r
- 2 people found this helpful
Highly entertaining!

9 months ago

This book was so funny I actually had to laugh out loud on quite a few occasions. Now I can't wait to read the following ones with Paul West's adventures.
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ZazieS
- 3 people found this helpful
Formidable !

15 months ago

It's a must read, not only for those who have ever lived in France or who have any experience with the French way of life ( you will find yourself transported back), but for anyone who loves a good laugh. I thoroughly enjoyed every single word and have read all the books that have followed in the series, but none will ever compare to the one that started it all !
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Stuart @ Coles,Eglinton Square
- Coles Employee
- 3 people found this helpful
Un rosbif en Paris

17 months ago

Stephen Clarke manages to capture the essence of life in Paris and the philosophical outlook of the French with great humour. It's not just the French, though, he also manages to capture the stereotypes of his own Britishness - his fumbling awkwardness and his prefrence for orderly queueing. The regular clashes of culture he encounters (with French girls, French work colleagues and others) are highly amusing. The book would be especially funny to anyone who has had experience of the love… + read more
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This reviewer also recommends:
- Merde Actually
  | Stephen Clarke
- Merde Happens
  | Stephen Clarke
Dolly_271
- 3 people found this helpful
Paris has never been funnier!

2 years ago

This was a hilariously funny book that was not far off from the Parisian truth.
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This reviewer also recommends:
- Merde Actually
  | Stephen Clarke
- Merde Happens
  | Stephen Clarke
David Cavaco
- 3 people found this helpful
Vive la France!

2 years ago

One of the funniest travelogues I have ever read in the Bill Bryson mode except it is saucier. Hard to put down once you begin to learn of the adventures of Monsieur Paul West as he learns the nuances and mannerisms of the French. Highly recommended!
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