Newspaper Review by Barbara Hertenstein:
Savoir-Flair,
211 Tips for Enjoying France and the French

Ms. Hertenstein's column, "postcards" :

Savoir-Flair! is packed with the kind of insight into French culture that can come only from an outsider who has lived there for years. Platt has lived in France since 1967 and realizes exactly what baffles Americans about the French.

She focuses on the differences between French and American attitudes, some of which seem subtle, but make a difference in the way simple day-to-day situations are handled. Such as:

And advice: Don't expect any information to be volunteered. You have to ask. Politeness counts. Before any transaction, always say "bonjour" (hello) first. That includes clerks and ticket agents, grocers and hotel staff. Always add "monsieur," "mademoiselle" or "madame" when greeting or leaving someone.

Many of Platt's tips come in the form of short stories, which make for interesting reading, and in letters from fans of her first book, French or Foe?


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