The Almost Nearly Perfect People

The Almost Nearly Perfect People
Funny, witty, wry, curmudgeony, and extremely well-observed. I lived in Denmark for two years and have been a Scandiaphile for about 30 years -- I've spent lots of time in Sweden and Norway, less time in Finland and Iceland -- and I found this book insightful, sharp, and extremely sensitive to many subtle and not so subtle facets of modern Norden. Sociological, historical, ethnographic, and journalistic in equal measure, this extremely engaging book will be loved by those who love Scandinavia, as well as those who kinda hate it.
The Almost Nearly Perfect People

Funny, witty

By Phil Zuckerman on November 1, 2014
What`s behind the statement that the Nordic cousins are "the happiest people on the planet"? It deserves an investigation. Michel Booth a resident of Copenhagen provides a good extended synopsis; written with a dry sense of humour. What makes these nations enjoy an unrivalled security; cradle to grave social care? The recurring concept of "hygge" (an untranslatable that means a complete absence of anything annoying). A word that appears in everyday speech in Denmark, but a concept that permeates the Nordic world. However, if all is well in the northern front, why not an en masse migration from their European cousins? Perhaps all is not well in the "state of Denmark" and its Nordic neighbours. The author explores the paradoxes, and taboos that permeates the Nordic world. A great amusing and educational read.
Funny, witty, wry, curmudgeony, and extremely well-observed. I lived in Denmark for two years and have been a Scandiaphile for about 30 years -- I've spent lots of time in Sweden and Norway, less time in Finland and Iceland -- and I found this book insightful, sharp, and extremely sensitive to many subtle and not so subtle facets of modern Norden. Sociological, historical, ethnographic, and journalistic in equal measure, this extremely engaging book will be loved by those who love Scandinavia, as well as those who kinda hate it.
The Almost Nearly Perfect People

An interesting social journey through all things nordic

By Toxoscot on February 10, 2014