How to be an Alien in England

‘In England everything is typical. If your train is late, it is typical. If there are no seats on the upper deck of a bus, it is typical. If its start to rain at five o’clock just before you leave work, it is typical.’

‘The English do not like to be wished “Have a nice day”, because to them it sounds like a command. They think, Who the hell do you think you are to order me to have a nice day?’

Ten years ago, Angela Kiss arrived in the UK without a word of English. All she brought with her was a small bag, a sense of adventure, a desire to work and a copy of George Mikes’ classic 1940s’ humour book about the peculiarities of the British, How to be an Alien.

Through every dodgy flat share, low-paid waitressing job, awkward date and office mishap, Angela held tight to George’s wit and wisdom. With his help she began to understand how to live amongst the English – with their eccentricity, spirit and singing train drivers – and fell in love with a land rich in green spaces, pubs and puddings.

A wry, often affectionate view on the English, and how to navigate our national personality.