This is what readers are saying
Readers' Comments on Richard Hill's new book 'The Art of being Belgian'.
Jacques van Acker, Brussels, Belgium: "You are saying a lot of things about us Belgians that are most certainly true, but that were new to me and quite revealing. Indeed, when looking in from outside, you see things differently: when you are inside, you take them for granted."
Richard Kubicz, editor, connect, the inflight magazine of SN Brussels: " Here is an exemple of how useful your pertinent observations are to people at a loss to explain what makes them so original."
Denis Buckley, Toastmasters Capitol Club: "It has to be essential reading for anyone coming to Belgium for a weekend and getting to stay there for a lifetime!”
Velocity’, VLM In-Flight Magazine, Belgium: “Richard Hill; an Englishman living in Belgium for the last 40 years, has gained a uniquely detached perception of the Belgians. He is at once familiar with and irreconcilably distant from his chosen subject or, as he puts it, “I can see the woods and the trees.” What follows is required reading for both Belgians curious as to how they appear to other Europeans, and for anyone who has extended contact with the Belgians. All told by a visitor with an unmistakable love for the country.”
Dorothy Oger, Business Consultant, Brussels: “The book is very popular with the teachers at IHECS.” (Institut des hautes Etudes en Communications Sociales, Brussels).
Anonymous Belgian national: “It takes a foreigner to tell us what we’re worth!”
Anna-Lisa Beeth, Hindås, Sweden: “What I like especially about it is that it defends the Belgians against a lot of unqualified and unjust criticism they get from arrogant foreign visitors and expatriates who have been in Belgium only a short time."
Readers' comments on Richard Hill's books WeEuropeans and EuroManagers & Martians.
Martin Linger, Osnabrück, Germany: I am a German national, raised in Germany, studied in Britain, worked in France and Italy and am now about to go to Spain. When I first embarked on a course of European Studies and Modern Languages at Bath University I bought your book 'WeEuropeans' and I loved it at first sight. Later I added EuroManagers & Martians to my personal library, which gave me a wonderful insight into European business culture. I think, my lecturers never heard of you but that didn't stop me from quoting your work in course work and presentations... So I take the opportunity to thank you. Although it is sometimes hard I have always been a europhile and your books make it so much more fun.
Sandra Papp, Targu Mures, Romania: I have read 'We Europeans' at least three times, it gives me so much pleasure to read it again and again. Thank you for all the joy your writing brings into my life.
Richmond Adjei, Ingolstadt, Germany: You are a genius. Some of us will keep reading your thought-provoking and enlightening articles.
Hélène Barthelet, Nancy, France: 'We Europeans' seems to me to be a fount of knowledge, while being written in a light and humorous way.
Gábor Rácz, Budapest, Hungary: Your fantastic book (We Europeans) is just simply excellent. I read it in one night.
Marta Rabikowska, Warsaw, Poland: I have my own reason to be grateful for your books and your attitude to business, which I dare name a humanist approach to hard reality.
Lt-Comm (rtd) José Martins, Parede, Portugal: I have just read the magnificent book 'We Europeans' and should like to take this opportunity to congratulate Richard Hill for having written it.
Klára Falk-Bano, Budapest, Hungary: One of my students simply couldn't put 'We Europeans' down, it was so interesting and instructive.
Ulla Ladau-Harjulin, Helsinki, Finland: I find your books clever, informative and interesting.
J Sonderhoff, Munich, Germany: This book (We Europeans) is for those who are interested in going a little deeper into those peculiar national traits that often burst to the surface in a character. You will find many examples of national habits and tendencies which you may vaguely have noticed before but could not really put your finger on. Not only are these traits described (which in itself is hilarious to read), but they are also, where possible, convincingly explained. Hill leaves you the impression that he has seen a great deal, but what does he make of it all? I think the idea is to extract as much amusement as possible from the variety of habits throughout Europe and to avoid taking these differences too seriously. If there's one chap needed in a sensible future European Parliament, then it is him. This book is simply fantastic!
Renata Schmit, Prague, Czech Republic: It is just so good! I am preparing a training and am quoting from your book (EuroManagers & Martians).
From amazon.com: As an Australian in Europe trying to study and work, this book (EuroManagers & Martians) provided me with some fantastic tips on what and what not to do when!! The mix of anecdotes and factual content means that it is very readable and the relaxed style and humour are very refreshing!!
For any non-European it is a definite must, whether you are going over to work or to study and irrespective of what country you are going to! The appropriate theoretical basis and use of Hofstede's cultural dimensions give Richard Hill credibility and allow readers of any education level to understand the points being made.
A thoroughly enjoyable and informative read!
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