Sixty Million Frenchmen Can't Be Wrong: Why We Love France but Not the French

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 351 pages
• Published by: Sourcebooks, Inc. May 1, 2003
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 1402200455
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-1402200458
• Book Dimensions: 8 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Weighs: 1.2 pounds

From Booklist
In 1999, Canadian journalists Nadeau and Barlow moved to Paris for a two-year fellowship to study France's culture and economy in an effort to understand why the French resist globalization. They began by looking at this puzzle: How does a country with "high taxes, a bloated civil service, a huge national debt, an over-regulated economy, over-the-top red tape, double-digit unemployment, and low incentives for entrepreneurs" also boast the world's highest productivity index and rank as the third-largest exporter and fourth-biggest economic power? By delving into France's cultural and political history, the authors show how it all works. Chapters are devoted to the French obsessions about World War II and the war in Algeria and how these events still shape attitudes and policies. Other chapters explore the French insistence on precision in language, their sense of private space, and the effects of immigration. In an era of irrational reactions to all things French, here is an eminently rational answer to the question, "Why are the French like that?" Beth Leistensnider
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Review
Jean-Benoit Nadeau and Julie Barlow, two Canadian journalists, have produced a fascinating guide to les Francais and la France, which should appeal to Francophiles and Francophobes alike. Their thoroughly researched book may not change opinions or dispel any myths about our continental neighbours, but it will help to explain their attitudes and modus operandi. Anyone who has lived in France will identify immediately with the joys and frustrations of Nadeau and Barlow, as they grapple with the politics, education, food and language of the country. Charles de Gaulle asked: "How can you govern a country which has 246 varieties of cheese?" Nadeau and Barlow have given it their best shot to understand how the French have answered this question, flinging themselves whole-heartedly into life outre-manche. By weaving anecdotes and observations with history, they have succeeded and in turn created an interesting and unique read. (Kirkus UK) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Reader Reviews
Even though I never bought into the whole "freedom fries" thing, until recently I would've been less than kind in my appraisal of the French. However, after visiting Paris for four days in June of '03, I came away with a whole new appreciation for France and its people. I backpacked through four different countries during my trip, and France ended up being my hands-down favorite. Why the change of heart? Well, first of all Paris has to be seen to be believed. I'm a history buff, and the city is soaked with centuries of it. However, it was the people that really made an impression on me. I was assisted in my wanderings by a number of kind French, including a woman who gave myself and some others an impromptu tour of Notre Dame, and even had three of us over for (free) dinner at her parent's restaurant. And all that just because I asked her for directions! I confess that I fell in love with Paris, and after returning home I began looking for books to learn more about a place that could turn my opinions around so quickly. I almost skipped over this one - the title and goofy cover art made me think it was some sort of satire. But I gave it a shot, and it turned out to be one of the best books I've read this year. It answered many questions I had about France and the French, from the turbulent history that formed the French national identity, to why a Frenchman spent about a minute correcting my pronounciation of "Champs Elysees." Better yet, the authors write in an accessible, entertaining style, even when dissecting the minutia of French government. A great read from start to finish - don't let this one get away. I can't wait to go back to Paris, and if you feel as I do, or just want to know why "60 Million Frenchmen Can't Be Wrong", then by all means get this book!