Gaspard Chevallier

Out of all the other countries in the world, apart from the ones that make up Great Britain, Spain is the one I have spent most time in. As an adult learner, I’ve picked up some of the language, some of the culture and plenty of the food and drink. That was why I was keen to pick up a review copy of Gaspard Chevallier’s Everything you always wanted to know about the Spanish* (*but were afraid to ask).

Yes, that is a French name (Spain is his country adopted through marriage) and, yes, it does seem a bit strange to be reading an edition written in English but it works wonderfully well. Next time I sit down with a Spaniard, it will be interesting to find out what they make of it but it seems to match up on many of the things about which I do have some experience and so I’m inclined to give it a fair amount of credence.

Chevallier gives a humourist’s view of the foibles of Spain but he does so with warmth and generosity; he is clearly inside the world he is commentating on rather than taking potshots from a distance. There are several points which indicate that his view is about the current state of the nation which means it may date over the next few decades but, for now, this is an excellent resource for would-be Hispanophile Anglophones and, I suspect, for the Francophones as well, given the right edition.… (meer)

The book is an interesting take on Spain from the perspective of a French author. I personally enjoy the approach as it offers both an introspective experience while maintaining a resoundingly “outside looking in” point of view. Covering a spectrum of topics; family, religion, sports, food, and politics to touch in a few prevalent points. It is, unequivocally a love letter to the country of Spain and its people. The sheer passion the author has for the country seethes appreciably through the writing, punctuated with humorous takes on the culture idiosyncrasies unique to the country. While I wouldn’t necessarily call it a final authority on Spain, the people who are proud to call it home, and the fascinating aspects of Spanish society in an all-encompassing read, it will easily lay the groundwork to pique the curiosity of those who grow enamored, or more so if they’re already, with a nation that is so vibrantly evocative. Definitely worth the read for anyone with an interest in Spain, European culture, and the vast, diversity the continent - and each individual country therein - has to offer.… (meer)

This is a general essay about the country but also has a few anecdotes by the author, who is French. It covers sport, customs, religion, food and a bit of history, particularly around the origins of the various regions. As the author is an outsider, but also a long time resident he give a good perspective from the outside, but also a deep understanding of the culture. I've never been to Spain, but having read this I'd feel really equipped to go and to have an understanding of the people. The subtitle is "A social-historical-humorous essay on the Spanish people" and that sums it up really well.… (meer)