He cites the young North African immigrant population as a case in hand. “They believe in their Frenchness,” he says, “but they have their own culture which is vibrant, resilient and funny.” He also cites the different regions of France, each of which is highly aware of its idiosyncrasies and its individual cultural identity. And the case of Jose Bove, the farmer who gained fame for his attack on a McDonalds outlet in 1999. “He didn’t destroy the place, he dismantled it. He unscrewed the whole building, plank by plank, and put all the materials on the steps of the Prefecture. The guys at the top understood the humour of his revolt, but nevertheless, they sent him to prison.”
“The book,” says Kedward, “is all about the two conflicting and fraternal aspects about French society, which always makes French politics, and France in general, a fascinating place.”

The British view of their Transmanche neighbours is pretty divided, too. “There’s a historical tradition of Francophobia in this country,” says Kedward. “People go back to dimly remembered notions of Napoleon and Agincourt to justify their attitudes, which are propped up by certain elements in the national press, like the Daily Mail,” he continues. “But I also find there is a tremendous amount of Francophilia, here, too. People admire French art and cinema and food and philosophy. A lot of the people I meet want to live in France. We have a funny relationship, our two countries, like good neighbours, looking over the fence at one another with suspicion and respect, wondering what one another is up to.” AG