Review: Has some good moments but a bit too scattered
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 08 23, 2010
When Chris and Shelagh Dolley move from England to France, everything that can go wrong does go wrong. But their problems with their animals, plumbing, cars, and language barriers seem small when they discover someone has stolen Chris's identity - and their life savings. The case turns out to span four countries and the police in each country are of little help. Chris decides to investigate the case himself, along with the help of Shelagh, her 80 year old mother, and their puppy."French Fried" is an odd mixture of a book. The first part of the book is mostly humorous filled with the misadventures of moving to France. At times it is laugh out loud funny and at other times the humor is over exaggerated and forced as if Dolley is trying too hard to make readers laugh. Some of the things that happened weren't their fault and those are the funniest moments in the book. Other events that happen (mostly because of Chris Dolley's male stubbornness) aren't so funny and make you wonder about the intelligence of both Chris and Shelagh. Halfway through, the book takes a more serious turn when Chris discovers his identity has been stolen. At that point the book becomes like a mystery novel as Dolley struggles to get various police to help him and finally strikes out on his own. Readers will follow the clues as Dolley does and no doubt be surprised by the various twists the story takes. There is still some humor there, but for the most part Dolley treats it with the seriousness it deserves. This is perhaps the best part of the book - the forced humor is gone and Dolley's fears, frustration, and anger clearly come through."French Fried" is a bit too scattered but has some interesting moments.Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."