A Half-Century around Europe

This is a light-hearted and illustrated account of the experiences of a British baby-boomer and his family in coping with the cultural differences living in continental Europe.

The account covers the period of fifty years from 1973, when Edward Heath took the U.K. into the “Common Market”. The author recounts what it is really like to integrate in four different European countries and draws contrasts with life in the U.K. and the U.S.

Interesting after-effects of WWII are a recurring theme and are treated sympathetically as well as Leisure activities, which are enthusiastically described. The surprises and the joys of life in Switzerland, the country in which the author’s family has settled, are recounted with special loving care.

The author tries to allay any suspicions which Brits may have harboured against our continental neighbours. He maintains that we should, on the contrary, treat them as close friends and concludes with an appeal for deeper trust and co-operation between the members of geographical Europe.