Raymonde Carroll presents an intriguing and thoughtful analysis of the many ways French and Americans--and indeed
any members of different cultures--can misinterpret each other, even when ostensibly speaking the same language.
Cultural misunderstandings, Carroll points out, can arise even where we least expect them--in our closest relationships.
The revealing vignettes that Carroll relates, and her perceptive comments, bring to light some fundamental differences
in French and American presuppositions about love, friendship, and raising children, as well as such everyday activities
as using the telephone or asking for information.