Long after completing my dissertation and finishing my degree, my boyfriend (who happens to be English) came across the book, Watching the English by Kate Fox, and bought it for me since he knew of my interest in Englishness and that I had studied English culture for my dissertation.
After finishing this book I can tell you without doubt: it's fantastic! Although some topics in the book may not be as funny to someone who is not a) English or b) has not resided in the country/visited for a period of time, it is still a worthwhile read that will delight and amuse anyone who enjoys and appreciates English culture.
Having lived in England for nearly four years now, I loved and fully understood many chapters in this book. I'm not a native, but my time spent in England allowed me to really understand and enjoy the humour of this book. Kate's work made me reflect and giggle at certain pages/chapters which exactly replicated moments/experiences I've had with English people while living here. Moments such as: train delay reactions from English passengers awaiting the upcoming (and late) trains - which often provoked responses from English rail passengers like "typical!" (which is mentioned in the book), pub etiquette and how to queue up properly in Britain.
So many chapters in this book are really "spot on" about how things work in English society and will really make you laugh - or at the very least give you a better understanding of the workings of this proud island nation.
Those who have visited or lived in Blighty or those who are actually English will definitely enjoy this read but it would also entertain any Anglophile.
In the year of the Diamond Jubilee for her Majesty the Queen, this book is a must read!!
If you should read the book, please let me know your thoughts!
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