The Bonjour Effect (shelfworn) by Barlow Julie

Out of stock

200mm x 136mm x 20mm

Pages: 320

'The writing is as light as it is substantive, and if that sounds like a contradiction, I would refer you to a soufflé.' The New York Times

Why do the French like talking about the decline of France ? Why does broaching a subject like money end all discussion? Why do the French become so aroused debating the merits and qualities of their own language? Julie Barlow and Jean- Beno+«t Nadeau spent a decade travelling to and living in Paris. Yet one important lesson never seemed to sink in: how to converse comfortably with the French, even when you speak their language.

Through encounters with school principals, city-hall civil servants, old friends and business acquaintances during their time living in France with their twin daughters, Julie and Jean-Beno+«t explain why, culturally and historically, talking to the French is not about communicating or being nice. It's about being interesting.

After reading The Bonjour Effect, even readers with only a smattering of French will be able to hold their own the next time they are in a bistro on the Left Bank, on a wine tour in Bourdeaux or on a beach on the C+¦te d'Azur.

'Fascinating and insightful.' TLS