Customer Reviews

Czech Republic (Festivals of the World)

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I thoroughly enjoyed the book, I had a good laugh, I learned something
about myself (after twenty five years out of Prague, in Africa) and I
also realised how difficult it is for a non-European to appreciate
complexities of a small nation which lived for more than forty years
under communism. The book is amusing, open-mined, tolerant and
kind. It generally assesses well the character of the Czech
nation. Where it hits shallow ground are the issues related to life
under communism: incorect or insignificant problems like limited
shopping opprotunities, non-availaibility of goods, banning of western
music overshadow the real issues of the evil of communism: its grip on
people's life, its control of persons' destiny. And what really jabbed
me was a very ethnic view of the author on what is a polished
culture. Athough numerous habits and customs encoutered in the Czech
culture are rather ethnic, American mannerism is equally culturally
challenged....The notion of crasness is indeed
different in different cultures. Overall, a great book to buy so that
you can return to it and enjoy its wits and successful attempt to search for ethnic diversity.

As Czech living in Canada I really enjoyed this book. I was amused and often surprised how exactly our manners and traditions were described. I would recommend this book to anybody who are visiting Czech republic and wants to understand czech people.

I bought this book for my 18-year-old daughter who is going to the Czech Republic to teach English. She said it was simple and clear to read and entertaining. It is very informative regarding habits and beliefs of the local residents, very down to earth.

I loved this book but it needs much more czech to english phrasing to help you get by while in Czech.