21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Focuses on PEOPLE, not BUILDINGS, June 29, 1998
This review is from: Culture Shock! Denmark (Culture Shock! A Survival Guide to Customs & Etiquette) (Paperback)
This book is a dream come true for the serious traveler to Denmark who really wants to know about the Danish people, not just their historic sites, architecture and museums. This is not a travel guide, but it is a map of the heart and soul of the people who inhabit the country.
Strange teases out all the uniquenesses and eccentricities of his fellow countrymen, and, because he has lived and worked outside of Denmark, is able to compare the Danish culture with others, notably American and British culture.
The book is chock full of facts and statistics about Denmark, and, though it is written ostensibly for people who are moving to the country, I found it excellent preparation for my upcoming two-week vacation in Denmark. I feel that I have a headstart now in entering into conversations with people and interpreting their actions and reactions. Even the parts that are specific to those who will live in Denmark are interesting, as they give insight to the way Danes live their everyday life.
Lest this book be labeled a "Chamber of Commerce"-style full-length advertisement for Denmark, it is important to point out that Strange is blatantly honest about the shortcomings he sees in his country.
Overall, this book is an easy read, with short, digestible chapters. It has convinced me to check out the "Culture Shock" books for all of the countries I will travel to in the future.
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22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting, but more discouraging than insightful., January 15, 2003
This review is from: Culture Shock! Denmark (Culture Shock! A Survival Guide to Customs & Etiquette) (Paperback)
I purchased this book prior to moving to Denmark from the US. This was the second Culture Shock book which I purchased and I have been disappointed with both books. Overall, I find the Culture Shock series to present the worse stereotypes of a culture. Some people may find these stereotypes to be true, but I certainly have not experienced all of the difficulties which the author has described. The author is Danish, but has returned to Denmark after living in Asia for a good number of years. You will find the author lamenting about such things as not being able to find someone to wire his stereo for him which he blames on the Danish mind of being self sufficient. I do think that the author does have some valuable insights into the Danish culture, particularly the welfare state. However, overall I found the advice to be discouraging rather than useful and not indicative of what I have experience during my past year and a half in Denmark. I would recommend referencing one of the guide books such as Rough Guide or Lonely Planet instead.
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20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
VERY VERY GOOD, July 8, 2001
This review is from: Culture Shock! Denmark (Culture Shock! A Survival Guide to Customs & Etiquette) (Paperback)
The only reason I did not give this book 5 stars is because I would have enjoyed more pictures. But that is my own personal preference. I am moving to Denmark soon and marrying a Dane. This book was fabulous! My husband-to-be would TELL me things about Denmark; The Law of Jante, the no-nonsense way they provide service, and the humanitarian attitude for all people, but I didn't really understand it as being universal until reading this book. It enlightened me and I am extremely grateful that I found this book and read it. I recommend it for anyone planning to travel to Denmark or planning to live there, as I am.
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