Drinking and Misadventures in the Land of Abstinence (French Edition) by Lawrence Osborne

Why exactly do we drink? Is it a refined pleasure, a social ritual, a dangerous addiction, or simply a cultural fact? Conversely, what can non-drinkers teach us? Between tradition, prohibition, and existential quest, Lawrence Osborne, a British writer and traveler, investigates.

Fascinated by the boundary between drinkers and abstainers, Osborne wonders: is the world divided into alcoholics and prohibitionists? To answer this question, he travels to regions of the world where alcohol is banned or taboo, thus exploring another aspect of the clash of civilizations.

His journey begins in the luxurious bars of Milan, passes through the vineyards of Lebanon, traverses the dark alleys of Soho pubs and the dives of Malaysia. In Pakistan, where alcohol is officially banned, he discovers clandestine gin, while in Sweden, he explores the role of vodka in society. Each stop becomes a pretext for reflection on the relationship between humans and drink.

Behind this personal and sometimes absurd quest, Drinking and Misadventures in Abstinence Land reads like a provocative narrative, often funny, but also tinged with melancholy. As a good inveterate drinker, Osborne hides neither his love for Islay malt nor his rejection of the ban imposed by certain societies. He describes in detail the effects of alcohol on the body and mind, and above all, the human relationships it shapes.

This book is a journey of initiation that questions the values and contradictions of humanity in relation to drinking. It takes us through cultures, beliefs, and experiences where pleasure and repression confront each other. Osborne reminds us that behind every glass of alcohol, there is a story, a philosophy, and sometimes an invisible war.

Ranked among the 10 best books of the year 2013 by the New York Times, this narrative is a literary gem that combines immersive writing, anthropological reflection, and personal adventure.

Book Features:

• Title: Boire et déboires en terre d'abstinence
• Author: Lawrence Osborne
• Publisher: Hoëbeke
• Series: Étonnants voyageurs
• Format: Paperback
• Language: French
• Publication Date: April 13, 2016
• Number of Pages: 248
• Dimensions: 22.5 x 14 x 2 cm
• Weight: 336 g
• EAN13: 9782842305536
• ISBN: 978-2-84230-553-6

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