Product Description

Paul West is in deep financial merde. His only way out of debt is to accept a decidedly dodgy job that involves him touring America in a Mini, while pretending to be typically British. Also in the car is Paul's French girlfriend, Alexa, and his American poet friend, Jake, whose main aim in life is to sleep with a woman from every country in the world. Preferably in the back of Paul's Mini. But as the little car battles from New York to Miami, and then heads west, leg-room turns out to be the least of Paul's troubles. His work is being sabotaged, his tour plans are in tatters, and his love life becomes a Franco-American war zone. And as Paul knows better than anyone, when you mix love and war - merde happens...

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #31429 in Books
• Published on: 2008-03-24
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 384 pages

From the Back Cover
‘Edgier than Bryson, hits harder than Mayle’
The Times

The Englishman - Paul West is in deep financial merde and has taken on a decidedly dodgy job touring America in a Mini.

The Frenchwoman – Alexa, his très Parisienne girlfriend, claims to despise everything American, but ends up getting a little too friendly with the locals for Paul’s liking.

The American - Jake is a poet whose main aim in life is to sleep with a woman from every country in the world.Preferably in the back of Paul's Mini.

As the little car battles from New York to Miami and then heads west, leg room turns out to be the least of Paul's troubles.

His work is being sabotaged; his love-life has become a Franco-American war zone; and as Paul knows better than anyone, when you mix love and war – merde happens …

About the Author
Stephen Clarke lives in France. He has experimented with Gauloises, petanque and suppositories, but only as research for his writing. His first novel, A Year in the Merde, which introduced Paul West was first self-published in Paris where it became a word-of-mouth bestseller, and has now been translated into nineteen languages including French.

Customer Reviews

Another hilarious Paul West's adventure
The author of best-selling novels "Merde Actually" and "A year in the Merde", published a new novel "Merde Happens". The novel shifts from the traditional setting of Paris to selected locations of the US for a promotional campaign, including New York, historical Boston, beach culture Miami, swamps of the deep south, casino city Las Vegas and movie world Los Angeles. The cast includes funny Englishman Paul, French madamoiselle Alexa and poet Jake. The mission is to promote Royal Britainnic to the Yanks, by driving a mini coated in the distinctive colours of the British flag. Is the mission a looming discaster, bearing in mind of Paul ignorance and naive handling of a tea room shop in Paris? All will be revealed in the novel.

Stephen Clarke is an experienced stand up comedian which is clearly evident whilst reading the novel. Interesting and funny facts about typical American's culture is beatifully and clearly pointed out and narratted in a richly entertaining novel. For example the historical insults inflicted on the idea of an English tea room in Boston, the yanks loving of maple syrup pancake, Shakesphere presence and French influence in America.

I really enjoyed reading "Merde Happens" as it filled with endless humour and colorful range of characters that you would expect to find in the States or maybe it is stereotype views. The novel is well balanced. It consist of a fine blend of facts and humour. The novel is a real pleasure to read.

Out of all previous novels by the author, Merde Happens stands out the most. The plot to the story is well defined and clearly coherent, with sub headings for chapters. The characters are strongly represented in the novel. Overall, a great entertaining and light piece of reading.

Best one yet!
My entire family has been following the adventures of Paul West. As much as we enjoyed the others, this is the best one yet. Very funny with lots of interesting information about the Americans added to the usual great look at the French.

Better than ever
I really think that Clarke takes it to the next level here. There's the same wit and insight as ever, but there's a whole new -- even richer -- field of discovery: the Americas. Paul West (and his adventures) is funnier than ever.