The Gallic Cooking-Pot: Why Can’t The Rest Of The World Get On With The French?

By Marie-José Astre-Démoulin

Have you ever imagined that fabulous qualities could be hidden behind the moody exterior of the French? No? Then you have not discovered their full beauty. It will be revealed to you in this highly entertaining yet informative book. The author, a French national, also provides you with tools and tips on how to interact with her compatriots, should some situations turn a little tense – as they well might. The risk is that, after reading this book, you will not only appreciate the culture, food, wines and landscapes of France, but you will never again mutter « shame about the French » under your breath. Instead, you will be proclaiming : «Vive la Différence!»

• Language: English
• Publisher: John Hunt Publishing
• Release date: Sep 24, 2021
• ISBN: 9781789046144

Marie-José Astre-Démoulin

Marie-José Astre-Démoulin is a French published author and a conflict management specialist, with 20 years of experience within the United Nations. She also acts as an Expert for cross-cultural communication issues in the Museum of Communication in Bern, Switzerland. She lives in Geneva, Switzerland.

Book preview

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What people are saying about

The Gallic Cooking-Pot

I absolutely love this book! It has been beautifully crafted. It educated and entertained me throughout. The Gallic Cooking Pot is such a witty and wonderfully woven gem of a book and I would highly recommend it.

Liggy Webb, Award-Winning Author and Presenter

The author is turning for us foreigners the key in the lock of the mystery on how to understand French people or Frenchness. Only a French could do this. The book is humorous and serious all together. Jan Abellan’s illustrations achieve the perfect balance: just right and not too much.

Dr. Dr. h.c. Walter B. Gyger, Retired Swiss Ambassador

This is a succinct and pleasurable read with considerable depth. It imparts a great deal of wisdom for non-French and French people alike, and confirms my conviction that even after decades of living with the French, there’s always something new to learn—and of course, to discuss for hours while enjoying a delicious meal together!

Ruth Mastron, MA, Intercultural Specialist, Writer

This easy-to-read book explains how some qualities and specificities can cause misunderstandings. I was particularly interested because I have a PhD in Risk Management...and I happen to be French myself ! I intend to use those skills in my daily life and work.

Julien Chorier, Ultrarunner - Speaker

Achieving a successful recipe means being light-handed and balanced with the ingredients. As the author shows us, the rule has application well beyond the kitchen. Between gastronomical courses we learn about the Académie Française, Jean Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir. That is the France I, a Cuban-American, have learned to love and admire. A fun book to take with you on vacation!

Dr. Alfred de Zayas, Editor-in-Chief and Founder of the United Nations Society of Writers, Past Président, PEN International Centre Suisse Romand 2006-2009, 2013-2017

The author presents her compatriots with a touch of self-deprecating irony. As a specialist in self-development and conflict resolution, she is experienced in analysing human behaviour. In this book she applies her skills to enable Anglophones get a better understanding of the French mentality—which may seem a little bizarre at times ...

Huguette Junod, Swiss Publisher

As a former rugby player, as well as with my business partners, I know that it’s important to go beyond stereotypes to put messages across and have an impact. The Gallic Cooking-Pot does exactly that; it’s a very instructive book about French culture and specificities, and a good read : illuminating, for any visitor to France.

Serge Betsen, Former Rugby Player, Coach and Speaker, Founder of Serge Betsen Academy

Marie-José Astre’s years of working in the United Nations gives her an in-depth awareness of what is profoundly French. She explains what is specifically French in an easy to read and pleasant format.

Katrina Burrus, PhD, MCC, Leadership catalyst-speaker-author

The Gallic Cooking-Pot

Why can’t the rest of the world get on with the French?

The Gallic Cooking-Pot

Why can’t the rest of the world get on with the French?

Marie-José Astre-Démoulin

Illustrated by Jan Abellan

Adapted/translated by Caroline Thonger

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Winchester, UK

Washington, USA

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First published by Business Books, 2021

Business Books is an imprint of John Hunt Publishing Ltd., No. 3 East St., Alresford,

Hampshire SO24 9EE, UK

[e-mail]

www.johnhuntpublishing.com

www.johnhuntpublishing.com/business-books

For distributor details and how to order please visit the ‘Ordering’ section on our website.

© Marie-José Astre-Démoulin 2020

ISBN: 978 1 78904 613 7

978 1 78904 614 4 (ebook)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2020943572

All rights reserved. Except for brief quotations in critical articles or reviews, no part of this book may be reproduced in any manner without prior written permission from the publishers.

The rights of Marie-José Astre-Démoulin as author have been asserted in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.

Design: Stuart Davies

UK: Printed and bound by CPI Group (UK) Ltd, Croydon, CR0 4YY

Printed in North America by CPI GPS partners

We operate a distinctive and ethical publishing philosophy in all areas of our business, from our global network of authors to production and worldwide distribution.

Contents

Cover

Half Title

Title

Copyright

Contents

Epigraph

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Four Elements of French Culture

1 – The Spirit of the French Revolution

2 – The Age of Enlightenment

3 – The Logic of Descartes

4 – Contradiction as an Artform

In Summary

The Gallic Cooking-Pot

What about you non-French?

The Magic Touch

Author and Illustrator Biographies