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Kristen Murphy (no login)
Posted Apr 15, 2007 5:12 PM
Although I have not finished Windows on the World yet, I must say that I like the book. I find that naming the chapters for the time (8h30, 8h40, etc) was powerful. We all know what happens at 8h46, so there is suspense as to what happens after.
I’m reading the French version of Windows on the World and I really liked how Beigbeder mixed French and American words, like “en glissant 25 cents,” (14), “les Large Coke” (15), and “le marché étant bearish” (17). Mixing words certainly happens when speaking French like “C’est cool,” or “le marketing.” I found this to be a truthful part of French culture; although most French people would never want to admit it (especially the Académie française!), many English words have become everyday parts of conversation.
I also appreciated this quote. “Anti-Americanism is in large part jealousy and unrequited love. Deep down, the rest of the world admires American art and resents the United States for not returning the favor” (18). I found this quote to be very interesting and true to European behavior. For all Europeans who scoff at American culture, many of them go home and plug into that same culture that they supposedly loathe. They listen to our music, see our movies, and pick up our slang and curse words. I feel that Beigbeder correctly diagnosed this hypocrisy in Europe.
Questions for Frédéric Beigbeder:
What motivated you to write this book?
How was your book received in France?
Did you like the translation of your book into English?
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