Informative and entertaining read

If you enjoy Hugh Dennis' laid-back approach and the light-hearted tone to his voice, then this is the audiobook for you. You will learn a lot of surprising information about Britain and its people through history, and the present day. The clearly defined subjects for each chapter mean you can dip in and out if you so wish. I would recommend this book to anyone.

9 people found this helpful

Google It!

I like Hugh Dennis, and he does an excellent job of narrating his own book here, as he has done with the tomes of others when drafted in to read BBC Radio 4's "Book of the Week" on more than one occasion.

The idea is a good one - what IS it that makes the British feel that they stand apart? He explores this using a thematic structure - food, weather, sport etc.The content is even interesting for the most part and I learned some stuff I didn't know.

Here's the rub though; it is not an audiobook I'd listen to again in a hurry because the overriding thought I had as I listened along was that I was merely listening to one man's internet surfing results. I had this mental picture of Mr Dennis sat in front of his computer late at night just filtering the results that Google turned up when he entered his chosen search terms.

It's a pity, but I didn't enjoy this book as much as I wanted too. He's an engaging author with a good book in him I'm sure, so I hope that he has another go.

5 people found this helpful

Light but interesting book

What did you like best about Britty Britty Bang Bang: One Man's Attempt to Understand His Country? What did you like least?

I wanted something light to listen to during a hospital stay. I enjoyed the book and was just what I was after but I think if I had read it when on top-form it would have been less engaging. There were some parts that made me laugh aloud but on the whole is mildly amusing rather than side-splitting.

2 people found this helpful

Excellent listen

Very informative and educational with added humor. A book you could easily listen to twice.

Decent listen.

I love Hugh Dennis as a comedian and whilst an interesting historical take on understanding Britain, I felt dissatisfied with the quality of Hugh Dennis humour being interwoven into the narrative. I wish there were more jokes. Other than that, a decent listen.

A man with access to google does not a book make.

A shame, I'm a big fan of Hugh and had high hopes for a good car journey book. He literally reads out entries from wikipedia for the first hour. I don't know what this book is trying to be, it's not a Bill Bryson-esque travel and witticism exercise. Avoid, sadly. Go for one of the Stuart Maconie books instead.

very entertaining

great book, pure Hugh dennis at his best . very funny and we'll read thanks

excellent, entertaining and fun

A Great book, interesting, entertaining, factual,fun and one that can be enjoyed more than once.

Enjoyable but possibly a little meandering at times

I enjoyed listening to this and learnt quite a lot about Britains history. I did get a little tired of the meandering from time to time but overall this is a good book to listen to, especially on long car journeys

good performance story not great

hugh dennis sounds good story isnt too good its a bit boring even to be honest