In the Merde for Love

I have only read the first two ( In the Merde for Love  and  A Year in the Merde ) in this series of novels about a British ex-pat who travels to Paris for business (What business you ask? Why the only business an Englisman could have in Paris - opening tea shops, of course...), but feel like I can fairly confidently recommend the entire series based on those two alone. Clarke's protagonist - the fairly goofy yet oddly self-confident Paul West - is a classic bumbler. He means well and genuinely tries, yet somehow keeps falling just that little bit flat. Whether this is due to his own shortcomings (his grasp of French is about as good as mine when he moves to Paris to conduct business, after all) or to the challenges inherent in being a Brit in Paris (which must be somewhat like being the pasty glasses-wearing girl in a lunchroom full of cheerleaders - no matter how smart you are, they are just so much cooler than you!) is up for debate. Regardless, the tales of his run-ins with French custom and law (as well as Frenchmen and -women) are silly and entertaining and sure to have you muttering a well-placed "merde!" or two of your own as the shenanigans unfold.

The author got great mileage out of English words that sound like French words which have very different meanings, and vice versa. He really captured many of the English and French idiosyncrasies. He is gently humorous about both cultures.

I found the first book in the series at the library and loved it. The author is clever in his use of words, mixing French with English in chapter titles with double meanings.I bought this second book because the library doesn't have it, although they have the third book. It's not as "laugh out loud" funny as the first book, but pleasant and entertaining. I plan to donate it to the library so they will have the complete series.Merde, by the way, is French for the word that rhymes with "spit."

After reading the first Paul West book, I thought the second would be a let down. But it too was great. I am now on to the next one!

Almost as fun as the first book in the series. Had to mark it down for the innumerable spelling errors, in both English and French words. Doesn't anyone proofread ebooks before pushing the publish button?

Not "great literature," really, an adventure book. But if you're interested in language and "culture," you'll appreciate Clarke's take on the French experience (he lived, loved, and worked in France for an extended period), admittedly, with his own slant on it ... and that's what makes it funny.

I am finishing reading the second book by Stephen Clarke, and I am enjoying it a lot. I kind of place myself in his "situations" and although I would not use the same situations (getting drunk, etc.) I feel that this writer knows how to entertain us with his books. Enjoy it!

I really enjoy Stephen Clarke's books. He has that British wit and I love reading about Paris, since it is my favorite city. I read a lot of self help and spiritual books, so Clarke's books fill my need for pure fun and laughs.

Was very disappointed. This book is very funny but its exactly the same as one of his other books which I'd just finished reading. I sent for this as a follow on and found myself reading exactly the same - word for word. So I compared the books and YES they're the same but with a different title. However, if you get chance to read his books they're brilliant. So funny but just beware.

love this guy, very funny and insightful. for sure it's a light read and it won't change your life, but don't discount the guy, he's very bright, clearly cultured and appreciates the nuances of life and people. however, be forewarned that he is writing very much from the perspective of a young healthy British male on the make, essentially at all times, and as a man, i find it amusing and refreshing but i suspect a lot of women would find this well off putting. maybe even some men.

da greif ich mir "in the merde for love", weil ich unbedingt wissen will, wie's weitergeht nach "merde actually" und dann ist das ein und dasselbe...das könnt man einem doch sagen!! bin ich sauer!aber das buch selbst ist sehr witzig geschrieben, eben englischer humor, äußerst kurzweilig, sehr lebendig geschrieben, keine öden stellen!

C’est une bonne description de notre beau pays vu par un étranger.C’est subtil, drôle et ironique.On passe vraiment un bon moment de lecture et on lit bien entre les lignes que l’auteur adore la France...

cool