Customer Reviews

The Xenophobe's Guide to the Swedes

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

 

 

If you are planning to travel (or have travelled) to Sweden then this book is a must! Not only does it allow you to understand the (sometimes strange) Swedish customs and foibles, but you'll be able to poke fun _back_ at the Swedes when they inevitably sit you down and tell you how their "paradise" is the best country on Earth. (And after reading the book you'll see that they certainly DO have quite a few skeletons in their closet). Arm yourself with this book before you meet Inga and Sven. Very very VERY funny book, don't go to Sweden without it !! (reviewer lived in Sweden for some months).

Hello there! This little book describes perfectly the Swedish people. In a funny but very exact way the author (Mr Berlin, he should know, he is married to a Swede) gives very funny anecdotes of this nordic people. He is at his best in the description he gives of the Swedish woman "While young and single, she travels the world tasting the local delights. Once married, she works and keeps what she makes to herself." Short but very funny book that gives a good insight look of this people "Thriving in their glorious past."

I bought this book after my trip to Sweden because it described hilariously the Swedish character.

The writing style is excellent: clear, concise, hilarious and at the same time very informative. Reading this book is like talking to a Swede who would present his culture informally, it really makes the difference with most travel guides that usually only present touristy activities. I understood many things I observed in Sweden but couldn't explain thanks to this book. I liked that the author is Swedish and I think this book gives information that only native people could tell you, but not encyclopedic information. For example, there is no queuing because everywhere Swedes use tickets and wait for their turn, or the "lagom" principle that explains the Swedes' excellent sense of simple design or their taste for efficiency.

You should definitely read this book if you want to discover and understand the Swedes better and have a good laugh in the process.

A must-read for any Scandinavian, wanting to know what others think about them. I had quite a number of belly-laughs readign this one!

If you're on your way to Sweden and you're looking for some insight into the culture, look elsewhere! The references are obscure (historical and political) and the information oblique...it only makes a small amount of sense after you've been there. The entire book pokes fun at the Swedes without relaying any substantial information. Don't waste your money on this one.

This "book" (really a pamphlet) sounds good from the description but leaves much to be desired after you actually get it. It is small and the text is large; you can read the whole thing in less than an hour. 30 min. if you're a good reader. It gives you only the most superficial glossover of Swedish culture and foibles. If you already know a Swedish person it won't tell you much you don't already know. It might be useful if you knew absolutely nothing about Sweden other than that there was such a country. It doesn't really explain anything or give you any insight into their ways. Basically a lot of expository writing. Don't pay more than 5 bucks for this if you decide you really need it.