French Toast: An American in Paris Celebrates the Maddening Mysteries of the French

by Harriet Welty Rochefort

Book Overview

Peter Mayle may have spent a year in Provence, but Harriet Welty Rochefort writes from the wise perspective of one who has spent more than twenty years living among the French. From a small town in... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312199783
• ISBN13: 9780312199784
• Release Date: November 1998
• Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books
• Length: 119 Pages
• Weight: 0.62 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.7" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

A refreshing, realistic look at Parisian life

Finally - a book about Paris that actually tells it like it is. As an 8-year resident of Paris, I've been disappointed with most books on the subject which give a starry-eyed, unrealistic account of life in the City of Lights. French Toast should be considered mandatory reading for anyone considering living in Paris. Ms. Rochefort is refreshingly honest about her experiences in France and I found myself nodding along after reading her anecdotes - they all rang true as I've encountered similar situations countless times. In addition, it was a real relief to realize that I'm not the only American female perplexed by Frenchwomen's behavior! Her straightforward American style infused with dry French humor is a perfect vehicle for her insightful commentary on Franco-American cultural differences. Anyone who wants a book about Paris that goes beyond the superficial should definitely pick up French Toast.

clever and witty

I thought this book was terrific. Harriet Welty Rochefort tells of Parisians and their idiosyncrasies with a sharp eye and a lively wit. I laughed all the way through.After reading a few of the other reviews, I wonder if some readeres just don't get Mrs. Rochefort's sense of humor. One or two people claimed the book was terribly negative, and I don't think it was negative at all. Mrs. Rochefort, for the most part, clearly loves Paris and Parisians. It's just that she also makes fun of them. Mrs. Rochefort also makes fun of herself in a most amusing way, implying she's a loud, ill-mannered, Iowa bumpkin compared to the French. Apparently, some readers took this literally, judging from a review that calls her "narrowminded." Once again, I think it's her playful sense of humor exaggerating for effect. My only criticism is that I don't believe Mrs. Rochefort's explanation for French merchants' rudeness to their customers. She suggest that it's a byproduct of the French attitude toward money. I think it's more likely a byproduct of the negative attitude toward the world outside of the family, combined with a system that makes it difficult to fire people.

Le Livre Exquise!

Harriet had a difficult time adjusting to life in Paris, France. She tells us the cultural differences an American must expect if planned to move into this country. I thoroughly enjoyed her takes on food, cafes, French women and how the French in general feel about Americans. I, too, would love to live in France one day (if only!), and so this book could prepare you to enter the realm of what it's like to be a "foreigner." This is an exquisite book! Great fun!

French Toast: An American in Paris

What a fabulous little book. Easy to read and packed with every day, helpful information. Even though my wife and I are devout francophiles, and live part of every year France, we still are astounded by the little nuances that can bring a conversation or meeting to a halt. For example, when four people say goodbye never cross each others hands when you shake - it seems to invoke the devel.This book is now standard issue in our family for any friends who come to stay with us in France. Five stars for entertainment and practical information. Let's hope there is a sequel.

an informative, quick read

After years of misunderstanding my French sister-in-law, the mystery has been cleared up thanks to Harriet. I read this book in one sitting, laughed quite a bit and came to understand many things which have puzzled me over the years: differences in child rearing, eating habits and attitudes toward people, life, marriage and many other things. I even lent the book to my sister-in-law and she thought it was amusing and insightful.