vs.
Hi everybody!!!
In this semester´s class we have to read two books about expatriates, one of which we could choose ourselves. I have chosen Peter Mayle´s “A Year in Provence” and I must admit that I like it much better than the compulsory one by David Monagan “Jaywalking with the Irish”.
Although both authors have to deal with the problems they came across when moving to a different country for a certain period of time, Peter Mayle does a better job describing them than David Monagan. I would not go so far and call Monagan´s book bad because it certainly has its moments but on the whole Peter Mayle´s style of writing is wittier and more captivating. I think that he is a better author than Monagan because despite being an educated man he does not use such complicated vocabulary, thus making his book more enjoyable to read (for us students at least). Although his book is not packed with polysyllabic words Mayle´s is a fantastic and not in the least bit shallow read and it makes you want to move to Provence instantly. Monagan on the other hand, is trying too hard to convince the readers that his story is the wittiest and funniest one they have ever read. As a result his book can sometimes be quite exhausting to read.
Another reason for my preferring the other book is that Peter Mayle moved to Provence in the South of France and I am sure that the cultural shock he had to suffer from was much greater, because he could not even speak the same language which definitely complicated the whole process of getting accustomed to the new environment. Not having to learn a new language made things a lot easier for Monagan when it comes to things such as inviting new friends to his house.
What is more, Monagan already spent some time in Ireland when he was a young man. He also mentions his previous trips in the book, so he is not coming to Ireland totally unprepared. Of course a lot of things have changed since he as living there as a student back in the 70´s but at least he has a faint idea of what he could expect. Mayle did not have the slightest clue of what was coming his way and this making the book funnier and more interesting to read. For example, nobody told him that it could be very cold in winter due to the fierce wind, the mistral.
For these reasons and one or two others I really think that Peter Mayle´s book is superior to “Jaywalking with the Irish”. Mayle is a better writer and he can describe people, places and situations in simple, clear English. I can recommend this book to everyone who loves a good read.
Although both authors have to deal with the problems they came across when moving to a different country for a certain period of time, Peter Mayle does a better job describing them than David Monagan. I would not go so far and call Monagan´s book bad because it certainly has its moments but on the whole Peter Mayle´s style of writing is wittier and more captivating. I think that he is a better author than Monagan because despite being an educated man he does not use such complicated vocabulary, thus making his book more enjoyable to read (for us students at least). Although his book is not packed with polysyllabic words Mayle´s is a fantastic and not in the least bit shallow read and it makes you want to move to Provence instantly. Monagan on the other hand, is trying too hard to convince the readers that his story is the wittiest and funniest one they have ever read. As a result his book can sometimes be quite exhausting to read.
Another reason for my preferring the other book is that Peter Mayle moved to Provence in the South of France and I am sure that the cultural shock he had to suffer from was much greater, because he could not even speak the same language which definitely complicated the whole process of getting accustomed to the new environment. Not having to learn a new language made things a lot easier for Monagan when it comes to things such as inviting new friends to his house.
What is more, Monagan already spent some time in Ireland when he was a young man. He also mentions his previous trips in the book, so he is not coming to Ireland totally unprepared. Of course a lot of things have changed since he as living there as a student back in the 70´s but at least he has a faint idea of what he could expect. Mayle did not have the slightest clue of what was coming his way and this making the book funnier and more interesting to read. For example, nobody told him that it could be very cold in winter due to the fierce wind, the mistral.
For these reasons and one or two others I really think that Peter Mayle´s book is superior to “Jaywalking with the Irish”. Mayle is a better writer and he can describe people, places and situations in simple, clear English. I can recommend this book to everyone who loves a good read.
Keine Kommentare:
Kommentar veröffentlichen