Stephen Clarke

Stephen Clarke is a bestselling author known for his satirical works that poke fun at French culture. He has written seven books of fiction and nonfiction, which have been successful in critiquing contemporary French society. Clarke's works are popular for their humor and wit, which have helped him establish a significant following.

Before writing "A Year in the Merde," Clarke had no experience in writing anything longer than a report on British coffee drinking habits. However, he was inspired to start writing this comic novel after experiencing culture shock upon arriving in Paris in 2002. Clarke began keeping a diary of his experiences, which eventually became "A Year in the Merde." The novel was an instant success, leading to numerous follow-ups, including "Dial M for Merde" (2008), "1,000 Years of Annoying the French" (2010), and "Paris Revealed" (2011).

Clarke's career as a writer took off after he self-published "A Year in the Merde" in 2004. Before becoming an author, Clarke worked as a journalist for a French press group for ten years. Currently based in Paris, Clarke has a regular spot on French cable TV, where he continues to poke fun at French culture. His works are popular for their satirical take on French peculiarities and offer a unique perspective on French society.