WIN! A copy of ‘The Bonjour Effect’

Enter our competition to win a copy of ‘The Bonjour Effect’ by Julie Barlow and Jean-Benoît Nadeau

Julie Barlow and Jean-Benoît Nadeau spent years travelling back and forth to France and even lived in Paris for a year with their twin daughters. It was during that year that they decided to chronicle the lessons they learned on their journey in the art of French conversation. For the French do not communicate, they converse – something the couple discovers through their encounters with bus drivers, school teachers, city hall employees, friends and business acquaintances. They explain why, culturally and historically, the aim of conversations in France is not about listening or being kind, it’s about being interesting.

Julie and Jean-Benoît are the award-winning authors of Sixty Million Frenchmen Can’t Be Wrong and, with this new book, they explain the basic principles and codes that dictate how the French talk. The first rule, and the one giving the title to this book, is that one must always begin any encounter with a French person by saying ‘bonjour’. In fact, the authors point out that if you feel you’re saying ‘bonjour’ too much, you’ve just about got it right.

This book isn’t a language learning tool nor a conversation guide; it’s more a reflective and witty insight into the French. Written in a light and friendly tone, The Bonjour Effect is an inspiring and fascinating read that will help you understand why the French act and speak the way they do.

We have three copies of The Bonjour Effect to give away. Click here to enter the competition.

The Bonjour Effect, Julie Barlow & Jean-Benoît Nadeau, RRP £16.99, St Martin’s Press, ISBN 978-1250051851