Sweden - Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture (5)

As a swede, I read this book for my enjoyment. I downloaded it along with other culture guide books to get a feel for how accurate a general description of another culture might be. And though I imagine a great deal of the advise might be helpful, such as the removal of shoes upon entering swedih homes, large parts of the way swedish culture is described comes with strange political bias which would not be helpful to swallow without scrutiny. For example, the book critizises swedish unions "strangelhold" on workplaces and how it affects swedes. This is a political opinion, and not how most swedes would describe the situation. It is, however, the political opinion of a part of the (swedish) liberal right. For those familiar with swedish political landscape, it is clear that those opinions are not mainstream in Sweden and thus not very representative of the country. When I read the book I get the impression that the author has spent a lot of time with rather insular groups of well-to-do business people, and that she has turned their bias (and hers) into "facts about Sweden". Alternatively, she has her own right wing bias and it shows through how and what she is writing about. Her description of the "Jantelagen" is lifted in its entirety from the grievances of right wing pundits, and what most swedes would describe as a deeply rooted tradition of social justice and equal opportunities is described by the author as "the royal swedish envy" - which also is an expression used by the right wing, with clearly political connotations, it is often heard when discussiong the high taxes for the wealthy, meaning that transferral systems is all about envy of the rich. This is also not a discussion unique för Sweden.Anyway. Some interesting and some fun things, but read this with more than a pinch of salt - the ordinary swede might feel a little confused or even insulted of you assume this content is common conceptions. I was rather offended about how the writer says the high taxes makes swedes unmotivated and uninterested in work. What does she base this on? What facts? What numbers? Just her own ideas. On the other hand, if you are only going to interact with urban right wing people, the upper classes and/or business leaders you might fit right in. But they are a smaller portion of swedes. This book will make the rest of swedes seem harder to understand than before you read the book. Even though you yourself as a reader might not agree with swedish politics or the swedish system, a travel guide should help you understand the culture and the system in a more objective and nuanced way.

Very good, interesting and complete book about Sweden; understandably it's directed to American public, so I was actually more surprised with the author not liking some aspects of Swedish culture that are just like here in Argentina (e.g. "cold" attention by waiters in restaurants, numbered queues, etc.); but I recommend it a lot! Don't go to Sweden before reading it.

I found this small book to be informative and well written. There is good presentation of interesting facts as well as analysis of certain aspects of the Swedes and their culture.

Small book, 168 pages, really useful for long period stay in Sweden talking about social behavior, business and friendship in sweden.

I am Swedish myself and this book gives the reader very good insights on Sweden, the culture and also useful tips on how to "act" in Sweden.I would recommend to buy this book to anyone who wants to know more about Sweden.

gave as gift

I'm quickly becoming a fan of the culturesmart series. This particular book was well-written, full of necessary information and more than worth the meager price.

Our son and his family is moving to Sweden and we have read this book before going to see them. Full of great info about the country.

I gave this a four star as I do like it. The author covers many valid points - I know as I grew up in Sweden. However, a major failing is that she focus 99.99% exclusively on Stockholm and a little on Sweden's two other major cities, Gothenburg and Malmö. Sweden is a large country area wise, and culturally the rest of Sweden doesn't get a look in. It's like describing New York and thinking that you are then also describing Kentucky! There are significant difference. So for anyone coming to stay for a while in Sweden, do a bit more research before you leave your home turf. Food, for instance: the author appears to rely on very expensive outlets in the wealthier parts of Stockholm. If you have to rely on the mor e 'normal' outlets your experience may well be rather different.

Short and enjoyable read. Whetted my appetite for more. About to visit Sweden so will check out the generalisations on the ground.

This book is a nice read and will provide an informative overview of Sweden, it is also quite dated. But I would recommend that if you are planning on working in Sweden to read.

Interesting read, good insight into Swedish culture.

Bought as a present for someone who is on a cruise as we speak. The book has helped them through their visit and has been a great reader before visiting. Would recommend