A Field Guide To The British (2008) - Plot & Excerpts
I really wanted to like this book. My husband played a portion for me when he was listening to it, so I thought I'd give it a whirl. I was looking for entertainment, but aside from a few laughs, I was disappointed. I found the flow very disjointed. I kept asking myself "what does this (pick a topic - government, teeth, preoccupation with boys and their lecherous headmasters)have to do with anything?" for me, it was like a train wreck. I wanted to stop, but I kept hoping it would get better. I just had a hard time finding any rhythm to the various parts of British culture explained. I didn't come away from this book wanting to learn more about the Brits; in fact, I felt annoyed at their portrayal as whiny, uncomfortable, and consistently self-deprecating. I'm now afraid a trip to England would cause me to encounter unpleasant people who don't like their jobs, dislike Americans, and apologize for everything. Maddening! I did, however, enjoy the honest feelings Ms. Lyall shares about trying to fit into a very different atmosphere and the occasionally comical way she describes encounters with her neighbors as well as the ridiculous political scene. How difficult it must have been to move to a new country and have to figure out all the ins and outs and for that she gets a lot of credit! Two stars will have to do, because one is just mean and at least I finished it. The author and I are both Americans married to Englishmen and both lived in England. After reading her article in the NY Times when she left England, I thought I'd love this book. Wrong. I gave it a chance, I really did! I kept reading even after her ridiculous spanking/gay British man chapter. But this book is seriously flawed.1- It appears the author has never met a British person who is not upper class. So it's like writing a book about Americans when you've only met the Kennedys or Astors.2- She doesn't seem to like the British very much.3- I'm not sure if she feels very insecure about being American, thinks her writing style is witty or is really just a 14-year-old mean girl.
What do You think about A Field Guide To The British (2008)?
Reminded me of Bil Bryson's writing but not quite as funny. Definitely worth a read.
—tory
I enjoyed it. A lot of insight into the Brits with an element of humor.
—Eileennncas1
Very humorous yet helpful guide for an American living in Britain!
—bertoni12
