An entertaining and novel satirical examination of the relationship between the French and the English. Ostensibly written by an upper class Parisian exiled in London, the book was actually written by an English woman who lived for more than 10 years in France. The slightly condescending tone is superb and applied with equal venom across all aspects of English culture - 'My favourite Shakespeare play is "Hamlet", because there is something almost French in the sensibility of this archetypical modern hero ('sulky' is how Bee put it). However, the play is far too long, with unnecessary details that a more rigorous dramatist would have removed. Racine would have made a better job of it.' ( )