XENOPHOBE’S GUIDE TO THE SWEDES by Peter Berlin

XENOPHOBE’S GUIDE TO THE SWEDES

by

Peter Berlin

            The Xenophobe’s Guide to the Swedes is a cute and amusing little book about the Swedes. As it says on the front cover (perhaps a subtitle of sorts), the book provides “[a] frank and funny look at what makes the Swedes SWEDISH.” The Xenophobe’s Guides provide a brief look at the beliefs of a people.

The Xenophobe’s Guide to the Swedes is a quick and easy read. Some of the topics covered include beliefs & values, manners, custom & tradition, and language. The book is short, sweet, and amusing. I found it difficult, however, to discern what is true from what is tongue-in-cheek. For example, regarding dinner party etiquette, the book discusses guests removing shoes and the providing of slippers: “It is therefore up to the guest to bring his own slippers in a bag separate from the one containing the gift, and to remember which is which.” (p. 50) Those knowledgeable about Sweden will find familiar topics mentioned, such as Stieg Larsson and ABBA; while discussing Advent and the lighting of windows, the book states that “[w]alking along snow-covered streets at night amidst all that light is a unique experience, the more so since the darkness of night descends in the middle of the afternoon.” (p. 65) This light-hearted little book is fun and would make a nice little gift.

Note: all citations are from the 2016 edition (copyright 2013).