Synopses & Reviews
Part reportage, part travelogue, this is a fascinating introduction to contemporary Danish culture for anyone who wants to know more about the world’s happiest nation.
Denmark is the country of the moment. The motherland of the TV series Borgen and The Killing, it’s the runaway champion of Eurovision and home to Noma, the world’s most eccentric restaurant.
But though we wear their sweaters and read their thrillers, how much do we really know about the Danes themselves? How to be Danish fills in the gaps as an introduction to current Danish culture that spans politics, TV, food, architecture, and design.
Welcome to the happiest country on Earth.
Review
“A brilliant introduction to the coolest country in Europe."
Review
“Kingsley is an eloquent and inquiring observer.”
Review
"Patrick Kingsley’s introduction to Denmark...makes fascinating cultural connections between everything from the Nordic food revolution to Danish modern design and the Muhammad cartoon controversy."
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"[A] delightful guidebook."
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“Engagingly written and incisively reported...Kingsley renders the quality and complexity of life in Denmark with an outsider's fresh perspective and a journalist's sharp instincts.”
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"[A] delightful guidebook." Wall Street Journal
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"Part reportage, part travelogue...a delightful guide."
Synopsis
Denmark is the country of the moment. Recently named the happiest nation in the world, it’s the home of The Killing and Noma, the world’s best (and most eccentric) restaurant. We wear their sweaters, watch their thrillers, and covet their cool modern design, but how much do we really know about the Danes themselves? Part reportage, part travelogue, How to Be Danish fills in the gaps—an introduction to contemporary Danish culture that spans politics, television, food, architecture, and design.
About the Author
Patrick Kingsley is the Egypt correspondent for The Guardian, having been a feature writer for the newspaper for two years. In 2009 he was named journalist of the year at the Guardian Student Media Awards, and in 2012, MHP Communications named him one of the top five young journalists to watch. Kingsley’s work has also appeared in Wired, Time Out, Daily Mail, and The Sunday Times (London). He lives in Cairo, Egypt.