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Summary: It was a great book and I recomend it.
Review: I thought that the book was very well writen, and highly recomend it to anyone who has viseted or will be viseting France! The book explains their customs, what to do and what not to, ex...
The book is fun and entertainig so give it a chance!!!!!!!!
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Summary: C'est magnifique!
Review: This extraordinary book details the pleasures and nuances of the French and their culture. For those wishing to travel or work in France this book is the perfect companion so as to not create those dreaded faux pas
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Summary: Read Polly Platt's books to enrich your French experience
Review: I just got back from Paris, and I am so glad I read "Savoir Flair!" and "French or Foe." These two books prepared me for my trip and helped to make it even more pleasurable. I loved Paris! In fact, I loved it so much, I'm going back in August, so two trips in a matter of three months! The people of France were nothing but welcoming. Everyone was so nice. The French people went out of their way to be kind to me. I know for a fact that because of reading these books, I knew what to expect and how to handle myself in their environment. Everyone should read Polly Platt's books and take a few French lessons before they go to France, if they want to get the most out of their time there. I am now going to reread these books before I go again. I have purchased many books about France, but these were by far the most helpful.
Teresa in California
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Summary: Essential reading for Americans moving to Paris
Review: Polly Platt can save your vacation! I am a huge fan of both of her books on getting along with the French. They have had a huge impact on my travels and my comfort level abroad--and not just in France. They start you thinking about the different mindset of the Europeans in a way that makes it easy (with minor adjustments for each country) to get along practically everywhere. I've lived in Geneva, Florence, London and Rome since reading French or Foe and Savoir Flair, as well as traveled to Paris and other parts of France, and cannot tell you the number of times her tips have gotten me out of sticky situations or helped me understand the undercurrent of a conversation in a way that others who have not read them do not. With respect for Americans at an all time low world-wide, Platt's books clue you into a way of behaving that not only will make you look "in the know," but will also reflect well on your country. A great present for anyone traveling to France, especially exchange students interested in an exclusive picture of French life and culture.
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Summary: Outstanding cultural immersion in the safety of a paperback
Review: French or Foe was not only an entertaining read, but it was also highly enlightening. Polly Platt provides countless examples of Americans who just couldn't grok the French, suggests how the French perceive the world and recommends ways of approaching the situation better. She covers the gamut of common situations from business meetings (e.g., the importance of shaking hands), the systeme'D, and the delicate etiquette expected during the highly coveted dinner (assume you won't see a toilet during the evening, never ask the host for the recipe, and keep quiet). THere's a wealth of French history filling out some of the more curious angles, as well as copious emphasis on core values such as education in mathematics and science. After reading this I began to understand them more and appreciated their uniqueness.
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Summary: Oui, Je comprends maintenant...
Review: As an anglo saxon with a French boyfriend, living and working in Paris, I often found myself thinking, "Oh. NOW I understand!" while reading this book. Several friends have complained about the unorganized, rambling nature of "French or Foe" but if you are like me and merely reading it to learn rather than to hunt for specific information, that shouldn't be a problem.
My biggest complaint? Platt's clear desire to impress upon all her readers the fact that she is of a certain social milieu. The name-dropping throughout begins as annoying but quickly becomes embarrassing. Yes, Polly, we are very very impressed that you know endless numbers of top-ranking foreign service people, CEOs, and all other sorts of rich and famous folk. But I, for one, would be more interested in hearing their tales mixed with some about the experiences of more 'common folk'. Also, Platt seems to assume that her readers all share her social aspirations and often wastes pages which could be used for more practical information, I was quite taken aback when she described the "Rally," which is a sort of French Cotillion where teens of the french upper crust meet other rich teens. Platt claimed that American mothers in Paris are dying to get their daughters into a good Rally, then explains the difficulty of doing so, all the while broadly hinting that her children were, of course, accepted into them. I couldn't believe it! No anglo saxon parent I've met here would give a hoot about having his or her child in a Rally. Again, I think Platt often writes for an audience who makes up a very small percentage of her readers.
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Summary: Moving to France? Buy this
Review: About four years ago I discovered "French or Foe?". I had just found out that my husband and I would be moving to Toulouse, France, on joint expatriate assignments. We devoured the book, eager for any insight on what our new lives would be like. At the time, we found the book entertaining and full of information, but we couldn't believe some of what Polly Platt was saying, such as her dinner party descriptions, peeing in public, making friends. But, as we went through three years of living with the French, making friends with the French, growing into France as it became our second home, we realized that Polly had called it all correctly. Time after time, we faced real-life examples of subjects in her book, even though we lived in a different part of France. The book proved to be invaluable, an aide that went a long way toward making my relationships with the French successful along with giving me the courage to find French friends, friends that are now as dear to me as my family. For anyone considering making a move to France, "French or Foe?" is a must!
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