Across The Pond: An Englishman's View Of America (2013) - Plot & Excerpts
Working in Kenya (a country colonized by the Brittish) and with other Doctors from the UK...I developed an interest in those that lived "across the pond." Of course there were the different words..sacked (for fired), knickers (for pants), and bloody..etc. But there were many other differences between the way we interact (Americans very direct---"you need to be on time", Brittish will tend to tell a long story with an indirect reference or question at the end. The Brittish share a charm, politeness, that we Americans could never have..everything sounds better when you use the word Brilliant or fantastic.I can only give this book by Eagleton 2 stars. I didn't find this book funny or engaging. For a better read look to Bill Bryson's, "Notes From a Small Island." I'm going to have to shelve this one. I know, it's sort of a disgrace considering I only read 63 pages of a 178-page book.At first I thought it was really hilarious so I read quite a bit but then the book started to get dull to me. Eagleton lost his wit and went into some sort of professor road. And I know a lot of people may say something like: That's the natures of these types of books. But that's not true. This isn't my first book I've read about the culture between two countries. I'm a Francophile and I have read numerous books on French culture which I find fascinating. And it's not like I'm uninterested in English culture. I was just living in London this past summer and I absolutely loved it. And so far everything I've noticed about the differences Eagleton has pointed out. So he is being through....he's even pointed out somethings that I didn't think about which I can agree with. I just find that I'm going to have to attack this book later on when I have time to dawdle around....like when I'm retired.
What do You think about Across The Pond: An Englishman's View Of America (2013)?
Somewhat boring, and it made me feel horrible for being a friendly, enthusiastic American.
—Lucy09
Truisms about the US put in a humorous light.
—My2ticalWolf
