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The Year of Living Danishly

Uncovering the Secrets of the World's Happiest Country
Apr 04, 2017ryner rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
When Helen Russell's husband is offered his dream job working at the LEGO company in Denmark, the English couple uproots themselves from their urban London lifestyle and embarks on a hilarious year of culture shock as they immerse themselves in "the happiest country on earth." Helen, a freelance journalist, devotes each chapter to a month and a cultural topic, educating and entertaining the reader as she attempts to get to the bottom of just what makes Danes so happy. Although I had some initial trouble getting used to Russell's tone, I was soon engrossed in this cultural study. Having lived in another Scandinavian country for a year in my youth, many of the topics were familiar, causing me to reminisce fondly about my own experiences. I can't help but contrast Danish society and culture with the consumerism-driven culture of my home, yearning for something a bit more simple and meaningful.