9 Funny Books About Moving Abroad

Introduction: Moving abroad can be an exciting and life-changing adventure, filled with new experiences, cultural discoveries, and unexpected challenges. While it may come with its fair share of stress and adjustments, humor can be a great coping mechanism and provide a unique perspective on the trials and triumphs of living in a foreign land. In this article, we present a compilation of the best funny books about moving abroad, where laughter takes center stage and offers readers a lighthearted look at the expatriate experience.

A Year in Provence

Join Peter Mayle on his journey as he relocates to the picturesque region of Provence, France. With wit and charm, Mayle recounts the humorous mishaps and cultural clashes he encounters, from renovating a house to navigating French bureaucracy, making this book a delightful read for anyone dreaming of a life abroad.

“Eat, Pray, Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert

In this bestselling memoir, Elizabeth Gilbert takes readers on her transformative journey across Italy, India, and Indonesia. With a healthy dose of humor, Gilbert shares her experiences as she seeks self-discovery, indulges in delicious food, and navigates the complexities of love and spirituality in different cultures.

Almost French: Love and a New Life in Paris

Sarah Turnbull’s memoir recounts her experiences as an Australian woman adjusting to life in Paris. With self-deprecating humor, Turnbull explores the cultural differences and comical misunderstandings she encounters, providing an entertaining glimpse into the challenges and rewards of adapting to a new culture.

“Swiss Watching: Inside the Land of Milk and Money” by Diccon Bewes

Diccon Bewes, a British expat living in Switzerland, offers a humorous and insightful exploration of Swiss culture and the idiosyncrasies of living in the country. With a blend of wit and observation, Bewes delves into Swiss traditions, punctuality, and the country’s obsession with rules, painting a vivid and amusing picture of life in Switzerland.

“The Caliph’s House: A Year in Casablanca” by Tahir Shah

Tahir Shah’s memoir takes readers on a hilarious and magical journey as he relocates his family to Casablanca, Morocco. Shah’s eccentric encounters, cultural misunderstandings, and fantastical experiences provide a comical and enlightening portrait of adapting to a new environment.

“My Korean Deli: Risking It All for a Convenience Store” by Ben Ryder Howe

Ben Ryder Howe’s memoir tells the story of his family’s leap into the challenging world of owning a convenience store in New York City’s Koreatown. With humorous anecdotes about cultural clashes, language barriers, and the daily struggles of running a business, this book offers an entertaining and enlightening glimpse into immigrant life.

“The Year of Living Danishly: Uncovering the Secrets of the World’s Happiest Country” by Helen Russell

Helen Russell’s witty and insightful memoir follows her journey as she moves to Denmark with her husband. Through humorous observations and experiments, Russell explores the Danish way of life, from the pursuit of hygge to the mysteries of Danish happiness, making this book a delightful and laughter-inducing read.

“Grape Expectations: A Family’s Vineyard Adventure in France” by Caro Feely

Caro Feely’s memoir follows her family’s ambitious decision to leave behind their comfortable life in Ireland and start a vineyard in France. With wit and warmth, Feely shares their humorous and often challenging experiences, from learning the art of winemaking to navigating French bureaucracy.

“Vroom with a View: In Search of Italy’s Dolce Vita on a ’61 Vespa” by Peter Moore

Peter Moore’s travel memoir chronicles his hilarious and adventurous journey across Italy on a vintage Vespa. With humorous encounters, mishaps, and cultural nuances, Moore captures the essence of Italian charm and the joy of exploration on two wheels.

1 thought on “9 Funny Books About Moving Abroad”

  1. Thank you for this list. I am familiar with several of these titles, but am always looking for more fun books about life abroad. I have recently read the following expat books you might enjoy as well. They are well written and entertaining:

    Kept: An American Househusband in India
    Gregory E. Buford

    The Crinkle Crankle Wall: A humorous tale of starting a new life abroad (New Life in Andalusia Book 1)
    Sabina Ostrowska

    A older title that I found hilarious, with great writing: Extra Virgin: A Young Woman Discovers the Italian Riviera, Where Every Month Is Enchanted
    by Annie Hawes

    Do let me know if you find more fun books about life abroad

    We need more laughs in our life! Happy reading, and greetings from the rainy south of France.

    Reply

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