I don’t think it is a matter of religion, (protestant vs catholic) but how one functions in their multi-generational family system. In this case, some women can be more focused on to maintain traditional roles, versus another child that is more free to be them “self” and not what is expected.

I do think that Anglo-Saxon Caucasian women have more of a hang-up of family place and power. in the context of feminism. If I were to ask this question to my peers and students who were Latino, African or Asian American, they would really find it a curious debate between the French and British Caucasians.

One things we do agree is that French women do know how to accessorize, but sex, hell, they simply their men in a way they want. Yet, I wonder if today’s French woman is truly content?

I feel less crazy now that I know others have experienced the same situations. I’m also very happy here, and not tempted to move back to the UK.

I couldn’t put the book down, and have recommended it to all my friends here.

I’m especially touched by the school experience of your son, I’m having problems with mine (he’s 8), my daughter sailing through (14), but I battle with their dad about the school system all the time (he’s a teacher!)

I also loved the historical and political references, very interesting, I learnt a lot.

Anyway, MANY THANKS,

If every you come down to the south, don’t hesitate to look me up, I’d love to meet you.

I left England at 16 and have spent the lat 50 years in Australia and New Zealand. I met my French wife in New Zealand in 1992, and since then have nurtured a secret wish to live in France. For various reasons, we finally took that decision nine months ago; she somewhat reluctantly.

When the honeymoon period living in this beautiful country was over, the reality of cultural difference set in.
It’ a familiar story. Months of frustration trying the find a way through the compost heap that is the French administration has left us disillusioned. We have struggled with rude and unhelpful public servants and telecoms employees who seem to have no conception of customer service. Being something of a free thinker, it has been difficult for me to come to terms with the crushing conformity apparent in France and that the notion of ’status’ is so well-entrenched. No flirting with the checkout girls here. I’m tempted to tutoyer everybody just to see the reaction. It’s only being friendly after all.

My wife is feeling less French than ever, having great difficulty relating to the country she left 20 years ago. It’s a familiar syndrome apparently, with French people who have spent long periods abroad. Despite the temptation to return to a country where things are a good deal less complicated, we will continue to focus on the many good things France has to offer, and re-read “the Secret Life of France” at regular intervals.

I have since very much enjoyed reading “Greater Love” and am looking forward to starting “Lost” which arrived in the post today. If I can pay you the greatest compliment I can – my literary hero Graham Greene would have loved your writing. I hope you are well now and send you my best wishes.
Michael Stanton
Dordogne

Last night, over a good meal near La Madeleine, I was recommending your book to friends (who, like me, have lived in France for 30 years or more) as it is bedside reading for anyone who comes to stay.
While checking website details to send to them, I came across your blog which is interesting in itself in terms of the comments – what a motley crew we are, the cross-Channel (long-term) expat community!
I did so enjoy meeting you at Shakespeare and Co in the summer, and now learn you might be poorly? Do take care – the French system is ….awfully good.
In the meantime, it may please you to know that recommendations of your book are spreading “virally”, or some such newfangled term, and by next year you may be recording a Christmas message on YouTube for your faithful readers.
Warm regards,
Ann C.

Hope you are (by now) recovering from your medical treatment. I miss seeing your blogs. As a Southern American, I am fascinated with Europe. I read the posts written by you and others, and realized how insular my life is, particularly with regard to the history and politics of Europe and the Middle East. I know and understand so little, but am learning.

I am intrigued by the recent news of Iran’s opposition to a scholarship offered by Oxford in memory of Neda, the woman who was recently killed during election protests in Iran. While I was in Oxford this past summer (my son studied there for about 6 weeks), I was approached by a group asking for signatures on a petition being sent to Iran. The petition requested that (I’m paraphrasing here) Iran citizens be given the right to voice opposition without fear of retaliation. I remember Neda’s plight being discussed.

Also, you might find it interesting to know that the state where I live banned a bottle of French wine from being sold here because of the sultry image of a nude woman present on the label. I find the hoopla amusing, because apparently the label has existed since the late 1800’s

Get well soon.

April