Books on Cultural Differences

Raymonde Carroll presents an intriguing and thoughtful analysis of the many ways French and Americans—and indeed any members of different cultures—can misinterpret each other, even when ostensibly speaking the same language. Cultural misunderstandings, Carroll points out, can arise even where we least expect them—in our closest relationships. The revealing vignettes that Carroll relates, and her perceptive comments, bring to light some fundamental differences in French and American presuppositions about love, friendship, and raising children, as well as such everyday activities as using the telephone or asking for information. 

A very useful book in helping the reader understand the essence of being French...It gives enough historical background, developments of ideas so that the idiosynchracies of the French life and work style are seen connected in a wider context...There is a fine balance between culture -- its origin and manifestation -- and descriptions of daily events and stories...A book that is a must for business people doing business with the French or wanting to understand the behavior of French citizens here in the US.

Before A Year in the Merde, Stephen had never written anything longer than a report on British coffee-drinking habits. Inspired partly by the culture shock on his arrival in Paris in September 2002, and partly by the enviable sales figures of Peter Mayle's A Year in Provence, Stephen started keeping a diary of his experiences. He turned the journal into a novel when Anglo-French relations were at their worst during the Iraq War of spring 2003. Stephen is still living in Paris with his French girlfriend and her lingerie collection.
Stephen Clarke- Links to more of his books