The Anglo Files: A Field Guide to the British by Sarah Lyall Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Anglo Files: A Field Guide to the British
Book Review: A Fond But Caustic (And Hilarious) Look At The British
Summary: 5 Stars
Sarah Lyall is an American journalist married to a British journalist. The Anglo Files is part memoir, part traveler's advisory, part hate mail, and part love affair. If that seems like a lot to pack into a 263 page book not including index, it would be in the hands of a less gifted writer. Lyall's gift for sardonic observation and wry commentary is ably displayed here.
There are 14 chapters with snicker inducing titles like "Honorable Members" and "Invasion of the Hedgehog People", each examining a different foible easily encountered in present day Great Britain. Sometimes Lyall discusses subjects, like British class structure, that have been endlessly dissected by other writers, but her observations are still fresh and enjoyable. At other times Lyall tackles British traits which are less familiar to most Americans, such as the appalling lack of dental care and hygiene. While these chapters have a tendency to discomfit the reader (I stopped halfway through the chapter on teeth to floss thoroughly), they are nevertheless highly amusing. I suppose my favorite chapter has to be "More Than A Game", about cricket, because it recalled a bewildering afternoon I once spent at Lord's, accompanied by a British friend who did his best to explain what was going on, to no avail. And in light of current economic events Lyall's examination of the recent British boom, driven by inflated housing prices and disreputable lending practices, have a fresh clarity and significance.
I've been a rabid Anglophile (some say Anglomane) for many years, and while some of the material about drinking and chavs and yobs made me wince, I'll treasure The Anglo Files because because beneath the caustic commentary and wry comparisons Lyall's deep appreciation for that still green and pleasant land (in between rain showers)shines through.
Book Review: You must be joking!
Summary: 1 Stars
I fail to see how any one can compare this book to anything written by Garrison Keillor - he of the real talent to enthrall his readers with wit and gentle fun-making! Not only are there factual errors but it is completely devoid of real humor. I picked up the book expecting a little bit of mud-slinging but did not expect a continual, nauseating barrage of snide uppity comments. I'm surprised the author still wants to live in the UK. I understand this is her first book on the subject. One can only hope it is her last.Book Review: Great item/great service
Summary: 5 Stars
I not only enjoyed the book but was totally surprised by the level of professionalism from the dealer.Book Review: A Yank On Brits
Summary: 4 Stars
This book illustrates well the principle that love and hate are close relations. I have lived in Scotland and visited other parts of the UK over many years. Ms. Lyall has written successfully, and with a fine sense of humor,about the country's institutions, peculiarities, and frustrations. She is critical, to be sure, but she is rarely far from the mark.
I laughed aloud many times as I savored her lines and remembered my and my children's experiences while living there. I had some small bones to pick (typos, redundancies)but I suspect these will only be troublesome to editors and other writers who read the book for pleasure. And a pleasure it is.
Book Review: Funny!
Summary: 5 Stars
Fascinating look at British life, and British "oddness," and quite often very funny. Two of my friends and I were camping and, at night, we read sections of this book aloud to one another. Not your usual camping activity, I grant you, but we're all in our sixties. We laughed ourselves silly (not that drinking a good merlot while reading had anything to do with it). The author, Sarah Lyall, is an excellent writer; she knows how to turn a phrase to get you laughing. If you don't know much about the British, read this book. You'll learn a lot and have plenty of good laughs as you go.