Customer Reviews

Finland (Culture Shock! A Survival Guide to Customs & Etiquette)

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I, unfortunately, found the book after our recent trip. I had to laugh at so many of the customs and especially the traits, as I am of Finnish decent. It was light hearted, and I found it to be right on the mark, especially in helping me find out why I am the way I am. Have passed the book around and everyone agrees that it's a winner!

I'm leaving in August to be an exchange student to Finland and this book told me everything the Lonely planet guides were afraid too! This book was divided into nicely planned sections with a wonderful section dedicated to doing bussiness in the country. No book about Finland would be complete without the sauna chapter- and this book spares nothing. It has been by far the best preparation book I've read. The only downfall is that it is written by a Brittish woman- but she makes both Bristtish and American comparisons whenever possible.

I have actually read many of the Culture Shock books, as I have lived in, traveled to, and/or reported to managers of several countries. I find it fascinating to learn about other cultures and nationalities, and so find the Culture Shock series indispensable. Although I have lived in Sweden, I realized that I knew little of the Finns and of Finland.

This book covers the level of detail that I would expect from a cultural overview, and it provides insight from other individuals beyond that of the author's. The previous Culture Shock book I had read was about Canada, and that one was terrible -- I did not feel that I knew much more about the country than when I had started reading. In contrast, the Finland edition is very detailed and engaging -- I have learned a lot. Perhaps it is simpler to write of a relatively small country with a population of less than 6 million as opposed to the 2nd largest in the world with great diversity, but nonetheless, I can attest that the Culture Shock! Finland guide would be a necessity for anyone contemplating a move to the country, or for someone who works for a Finnish company/manager.

Perfect for the person who will be going to Finland, and live for any length of time there. I am not entirely sure it would be necessary reading for the tourist, but much better for a person who will actually live amongst the Finns. So, if you are in business and will be spending any significant time in Finland, this is very much essential reading. It would be good for Diplomats new to the country or their jobs to read the work as well.

However, for the children of Finnish Immigrants, ( I can really only speak for Canada, but think it would apply evenly to the United States, specifically Minnesota ) I think the work to be ESSENTIAL READING. Much of Finnish culture was imparted to me, and my cousins while growing up, but it was Swallow's attention to the details, and her "anglo-sizing" events that made many things much more clear to me.

Swallow has a wit and humour to her writing, and it was an enjoyable read. I have kept it secret, and away from my wife, as I am sure that she would poke fun at some of the Finnish idiosyncrasies.

Excellent book.

This book is fascinating. I was in Finland for a year for Fulbright and this book helped me to begin understanding the culture of Finns. It is honest and at times hilarious!

I shared it with my Finnish friends while I was there and we roared with laughter because it is all dead on!

I am Finnish and bought this book for my foreign friend.

After a quick browse I noticed many spelling errors in Finnish words (han, Seinajoki, Nasijarvi, Pyhajarvi, pitka, kaupa, siipeilisa (what is that even?)) and in several names. It's like half of the time the writer had lost umlauts and hadn't proof-read the text.

The book also contains some old facts (opening hours, etc.) which could use revising or replacing with links.

Otherwise the book seems solid and contains a lot of truthful (and funny) things about our culture. I'm sure my friend will find this useful.

This book is an excellent reference for everyone from the casual tourist to the prospective employee, who may not know much about this amazing country and its customs. Swallow's book is informative, humorous, and comprehensive, and I strongly recommend it to anyone traveling to Finland.

This book was delivered perfectly on time and in perfect condition. It is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks!

The book is certainly what I wanted, the advertizement was exact and the delivery
was efficient. RITA

Where was the editor on this? The author repeats herself all over the place, even from one page to the next, and there are other editorial shortcomings (pg. 75: "Poland and East Germany are contributing..."; hmmm, East Germany hasn't existed since long before this book was supposedly first published, which makes me think that the 2008 edition is a regurgitated 2001 edition, with even that being dated; pg. 86: "spend together" vs. "spend time together," etc.) These are just a few of many such examples that take away from the content, which is overall quite good.