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1. How does the book begin? What does this lead him to say about the French?

British writer Peter Mayle is living in the Provence region of France. After returning home from the pharmacy with several mundane purchases--toothpaste and suntan lotion--Peter finds a brochure in his bag which discusses the problem of constipation, which apparently is quite a prevalent condition among the French. The French pharmacist is a major source for the people to discuss and resolve their health problems--be it constipation, engorged throat or tender kidney. Mayle asserts that hypochondria is the most common ailment that the French encounter.

2. How is Peter Mayle confused by the American visitor? How does this lead to a jab at Americans?

Mayle picks up an American visitor at the railway station. As soon as the young man, Benson, steps off the train, he claims to be deathly ill with "mono." At first Mayle does not realize what this disease "mono" is but later realizes it is mononucleosis. Mayle takes a jab at Americans who create their own lexicon for common diseases: mono for mononucleosis, hematoma for bruise, and migraine for headache.

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