Posted by David Brooks on March 22, 2001 at 16:30:02 from 216.64.124.156:
In Reply to: Re: USA Readers posted by Colin Havard on March 21, 2001 at 20:47:29:
I think part of S&A's appeal in the U.S. is that it plays into the stereotypes of Britain that we still hold, despite the Sex Pistols, "Trainspotting" et al: That green, idyllic land of no-nonsense but kind-hearted folk, with a sprinkling of amusing characters - a group that could whip Hitler but still nurture a childhood paradise in their midst.
Of course, a lot of books play into this stereotype; the deeper reason for S&A's success is the writing, character development and plots. But the "English-ness" of S&A has great appeal in the U.S., too.