Notes From a Small Island

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Notes From a Small Island

By: Bill Bryson

Narrated by: William Roberts

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About this listen

Featuring a special introduction written for the audiobook edition and read by the author

After nearly two decades in Britain, Bill Bryson, the acclaimed author of such best sellers as The Mother Tongue and Made in America, decided it was time to move back to the United States for a while. This was partly to let his wife and kids experience life in Bryson's homeland, and partly because he had read that 3.7 million Americans believed that they had been abducted by aliens at one time or another. It was thus clear to him that his people needed him. But before leaving his much-loved home in North Yorkshire, Bryson insisted on taking one last trip around Britain, a sort of valedictory tour of the green and kindly island that had so long been his home. His aim was to take stock of modern-day Britain, and to analyze what he loved so much about a country that had produced Marmite, zebra crossings, and place names like Farleigh Wallop, Titsey, and Shellow Bowells. With wit and irreverence, Bill Bryson presents the ludicrous and the endearing in equal measure. The result is a social commentary that conveys the true glory of Britain.

Europe

Travel Writing & Commentary

Western Europe

Funny

Witty

Feel-Good

Thought-Provoking

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Bill Bryson has a specific style of writing. He looks at things from humorous angle. Sometimes he exaggerate the description but overall I enjoy his accounts which include some local history of the areas he visits and his portrayal of the people he meet. William Robert's narration suits Bills style. He is a good narrator and makes the whole audio experience worth listening to. Britain is an interesting historical place to visit. Bill's travel through this island is interesting because he did it on public transport and hence describes the places that generally remain out of usual tourist itinerary.