Customer Reviews

A Tall Man in a Low Land: Some Time Among the Belgians

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Briton Harry Pearson's long travels to virtually every nook and cranny of Belgium provide a nuanced and enjoyable portrait of a little known culture. Longstanding ethnic and linguistic differences between Wallonia and Flanders are carefully explained, as are major episodes of the country's history, from colonialism in Africa under King Leopold II to the new status of Brussels as the bureacratic heart of the European union. Though Pearon's travel itinerary often meandered, he covers much ground with dry wit and a close eye for seemingly eccentric behaviour. Long regarded as the poor cousin of France and the Netherlands, Belgium and its people are the punchline of many European jokes. Yet for all his chronicles of dubious Belgian aesthetic tastes and futile do-it-yourself construction projects, Pearson's bemused affection for the nation yields a pleasurable and informative read.

...could fill a library. And this would be a good place to start. Slightly surreal, slightly baroque, very funny. If you enjoy this odd travelogue as much as I did, you might also like Tim Moore's "Frost on My Moustache."

What a great book! As someone who's a Belgian-afile at heart this met my expectations and more. Interesting and funny, I read it cover to cover in one sitting. Afterwards I felt like I had enjoyed a wonderful,special dinner; full and satisfying. I found the book in good condition when it arrived as was promised. Only a few used copies were available when I ordered. Not sure if it's going out of print...

"A Tall Man in a Low Land" was both funny and informative from beginning to the end. Should be a must read for anyone making their first trip to Belgium, or for that matter old hands that have made the trip before. I learned more about Belgians and Belgian history from this book than I have from three visits to the country and a stack of travel guides. The author has perfectly captured the idiosyncratic character and customs of the Belgian people and their land that makes it a place I want to visit again and again.

All the foibles and oddities of Belgium (unbelievably numerous) are observed with a skewering wit. I found the book laugh-out-loud funny, but that's partly because I enjoy British humor and am very interested in the extremely strange quirks of Belgium since I used to live there. Pearson makes many similes with reference to British culture which will be lost on most Americans, but the point gets across.

Bought this for a recent trip to Belgium. Actually gave some really useful insights into how the country works--added a layer to the trip beyond the usual tourist guides. As funny a writer as I have read, wish he would publish more books. A fair amount of British cultural references obscure to this Yank reader, but they actually added more color to the writing. Very much recommended