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The Lost Continent

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The Lost Continent

By: Bill Bryson
Narrated by: Kerry Shale
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About this listen

In an ageing Chevrolet Chevette, he drove nearly 14,000 miles through 38 states to compile this hilarious and perceptive state-of-the-nation report on small-town America.

From the Deep South to the Wild West, from Elvis' birthplace through to Custer's Last Stand, Bryson
visits places he re-named Dullard, Coma, and Doldrum (so the residents don't sue or come after him with baseball bats). But his hopes of finding the American dream end in a nightmare of greed, ignorance, and pollution. This is a wickedly witty and savagely funny assessment of a country lost to itself, and to him.

Travel through small-town America with Kerry Shale's popular BBC Radio 4 reading of Bill Bryson's comic travelogue.

© and (P)1993, 2003 BBC Audiobooks Ltd North America Travel Writing & Commentary United States Funny Witty

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All stars
Most relevant
Listened to this on radio 4 in the car back in the day and remembered it as being extremely funny and erudite. Still in the car now with my son splitting his sides with laughter seems to have not lost any of it's charm. Kerry Shale is a star narrator!

Just as funny as I remember

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I like all of Bryson and love most. Unfortunately as others have remarked, this version is read simply far too fast. Articulately and well pronounced, easy to understand if your first language is English, yes. But.
Shame because it does spoil it. Audiobooks are for relaxation. I'm afraid I shall probably think twice if I notice this narrator and I want a relaxing listen.

This version isn't great

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Have read this book, twice. It is excellent. All his books at. A walk in the woods, is my favourite,, it's the top of my dessert island discs list. 5 star

Fabulous

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This is the only Bill Bryson book I can find here read by Kerry Shales. When I Was younger we used to listen to Bryson in the car - and all were read by Kerry Shales. His delivery, and his character voices are superb and really make me laugh and listen.

I haven't listened to the other narrator but I'm worried it won't live up to the superb Shales.


Audible PLEASE FIND THE OTHER BOOKS HE'S NARRATED!

Kerry Shales is the best

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I love Bill Bryson. I have read and listened to his books so often I can tell that this version has been edited down slightly. It isn't indicated as abridged but it is not the full work. I'll stick with the William Robert narration.

Abridged for no good reason

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