Seriously British cover art

Seriously British

A Frenchman’s Adventures in Britain

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About this listen

 Bloomsbury presents Seriously British, an ode to the beauty, uniqueness and heritage of Britain, written and read by the UK’s favourite Frenchie, Fred Sirieix.

Perfect lawn stripes
Crisps in sandwiches
Barbeques in the rain
Not making a fuss
Cold pints in a beer garden

These are a few of Fred Sirieix’s favourite things about the British.

Ever since he boarded a P&O ferry bound for Dover with a one-way ticket and just two suitcases, this Frenchman has fallen head over heels for the UK.

Seriously British is his love letter to the country’s food, landscapes, culture, food and drink (yes, a sparkling white wine from Cornwall can be as crisp and delicious as a French champagne). Full of personal insight, fascinating history and hilarious stories, this is a book that celebrates all the great things about our unique country.

‘Moving here was the best decision I have ever made. Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité is still dear to my heart, but so is my personal motto: learn forever, enjoy life and make a difference. I’ve got Britain to thank for that.’©2024 Fred Sirieix (P)2024 Bloomsbury Publishing Plc Europe Travel Writing & Commentary
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Fred Siriex has always come across on TV as enthusiastic, personable and very watchable. That enthusiasm is transferred into his narration here, but it occasionally gets out of control in the telling. Has he written this book to convince the French that they are wrong about their cliched view of the British? Or was he looking to justify his preference for Britain over France?

Well, actually, it's both and so the narrative often falls between these 2 objectives, leading to a little confusion for this listener at least.

Not that it isn't enjoyable; it is and it's also entertaining. Not overlong, either; worth a listen whichever side of the Channel you're on.

PS. I'm British, but also a Francophile.

Fred is perhaps too enthusiastic....

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Really enjoyed this book, love his positivity and great to hear someone sing the praises of the uk with all the good things that happen in this country, things that we do well that we should be proud of. Thank you Fred for reminding us about these things, I think you should be one of our national treasures.

So uplifting

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Over 5 hours of listening to Fred talk....what's not to like!
He really loves the UK, and it was great to hear about his childhood and teenage years in France, and how he climbed the ladder working in restaurants.
I did wonder early on whether he dreams in French or English....and later on in the book, he answered that question. Won't say which in this review, you'll have to buy the book and find out yourself.

Really enjoyed it.

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Fred’s love letter to Britain ( and to France) is full of kindness and positivity, rich in anecdote and history. Read by the author in his lovely accent it is a wonderful way to spend a few hours. He left me feeling very energised!

Full of kindness and positivity

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Great book, really enjoyed it. For anyone that likes the French and the English for all of our eccentricities

Funny and frisky - loved it

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