BY CATHERINE ARMITSTEAD

 

A British-born writer sets out to debunk the myths that surround the French nation. Having lived in France for ten years, she searches for the truth behind the stereotypes and examines the aspects we find amusing, envy or condemn, in our neighbours.

Eatwell has searched through statistics and historical evidence in order to question a range of propositions. She starts with ‘Onion Johnny’ in his stripy top and beret, and follows this with a lengthy section on a gastronomy based on horse meat, frogs’ legs and snails, along with vast quantities of cheese, garlic and wine. The discussion covers our image of chic women, adulterous sex within marriage, dodgy sanitation, history and culture. Serious issues of revolution and war are interwoven with our confusion about bidets, and shock at topless bathing. Eatwell gives only a little personal information but the research is nicely broken up with pictures, quotes and potted histories.

She reverses some situations and amuses us by contrasting French conceptions with ours. We are not only rosbifs (roastbeefs) but lobsters in French eyes, fond of tanning until we burn. We share in the embarrassment when our fellow Brits' attempts at speaking the lingo are met with a haughty sneer from a French waiter, or our terror of their custom of exchanging numerous kisses with near-strangers.

Myths, she says, are propagated because we are long-standing rivals and tend to romanticise or condemn things we do not understand. She thinks there may be more to the attractive lifestyle than the so-called ‘Froglit’ writers like to portray. Behind the façade is a hierarchical society, with a code of manners (or savoir-faire) that she thinks we would not wish to adopt. I would argue that British society is hierarchical, in its own way.

This is not a slim book but neither is it exhaustive. The French Literature student or art-house film buff may want more detail, and Eatwell does not cover issues such as immigration or religion, recognising that subjects such as these would merit a book in themselves.

This is an entertaining read for the Francophile. The author challenges preconceptions with evidence but in a manner that is not overly academic or stuffy. Even if we do not alter our ideas and opinions, we have to admit that our Gallic neighbours are different, sometimes baffling, but always fascinating.

 

This book was published by Head of Zeus and is available to buy for £15.99. It can also be borrowed from The Hive as well as other Worcestershire libraries. Click here to check availability and check it out.