Au Contraire: Figuring Out the French, 2nd edition

Chapeau to the authors who wrote such a well-done book! It was not an easy job, yet they did a superb analysis, it’s accurate and thorough. They don’t judge one side or the other; they present both perspectives (e.g. how the French and Americans think and why, how they see relationships, etc.). I laughed hard to some of the anecdotes.I'd say it's a must read for expats, for any American married or dating a French person or who are friends, and for anyone taking French (knowing the culture is at least as important as knowing the language).The first half is about personal stuff (self, family, school, friends, romance, work, religion, and the regions), it made me very nostalgic of my French culture. The chapter about the French society made me sad - still the same issues, maybe worsened.The second half is about the workplace and doing business. It reminded me why I prefer working with Americans but I was raised and did all my schooling in France and I definitely think like a French! It was interesting to realize that.The 2004 version of the book exists in French, see: “Français-Américains : Ces différences qui nous rapprochent” on Amazon.fr.

This is a good book. It is very readable, it flows nicely, its enjoyable, its interesting. BUT, it is irritatingly obvious throughout the whole book how much the authors prefer french culture over american culture.... it is irritating.

I like the historical and in depth analyses of the French perspective. I am an armchair travellor now. i have been to France twice as a tourist but am not planning a return trip. The cultural sophistocation Au Contraire is adding to my thinking not just about France but about being an East Coast American is valuable to me adding to the value of having travelled a few short weeks to paris, Normandy and the Dordogne . the book greatly increases myt desire to return to France.

The book summarizes the basic differences between American and French culture in a readable and organized way. It is fairly thorough. The author uses some stories to illustrate points, which help. It is a fairly dry read but worthwhile for travelers to France. Understanding cultural differences is useful so that one doesn't make negative assumptions about a people and culture based on ethnocentric differences.

We'll be doing business in France, so I bought Au Contraire to find out what to expect. Boy am I glad I did! This book is so much more than the cute anecdotes I read in the promo. This book covers everything, and I mean everything, about the french culture and how it could impact my business and social contacts. Buy this book! You won't be sorry.

I believe that this book is written mainly with the American businessman doing business in France or with the French, in mind. For that, it would be very useful. For me, as an American retired in the French countryside, it wasn't the ideal book although I did learrn some useful things about the French political and educational systems.

It sets out the differences between the French and Americans in all aspects of life. Very interesting.Clearly written.

I have visited France several times and own property in the French Antilles. The French are, as one might surmise, exasperating. This book did not tell me a whole lot that I didn't already know. But I did recognize many of the characteristics mentioned.

Fantastic view of the French from a American point of view. Thought it would go deep into French history but gladly it stays relevant in the modern view point. worth a read to understand where you stand if you ever come across a polite French person. Which will never happen but you can see why you shouldn't take it personal, they are french... Enough said

Très bonne lecture. Ça ouvre les yeux sur pas mal de choses bien que cela ne remplace une réelle expérience

En tant que couple mixte de nationalité, tout ouvrage sur les différentes cultures nous intéressent.Déçus que c'était surtout une comparaison Franco-Américaine, nous attendions à une comparaison Franco-Britannique. Mais intéressant quand même pour moi française , même si moins pour mon mari Britannique, car j'ai qussi vécu aux Etats-Unis.Je recomanderais quand même à tout imigrant voulant en savoir plus sur la culture française.