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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.

©1995 Bill Bryson (P)2014 Audible, Inc. Europe Travel Writing & Commentary Western Europe Funny Witty Feel-Good Thought-Provoking United States

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I could listen to Bill Bryson's books forever. The detail, humour and wit is first class, and I often find myself laughing out loud at his superb ability to jovially describe various situations.
This is a fun, interesting jaunt around the UK. Okay, he misses out large parts of the country, but the general overview from the eyes of an American is good fun.
A really fun, easy listen. Recommended.

Bryson at his best...

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What made the experience of listening to Notes From a Small Island the most enjoyable?

William Roberts narration is excellent, bringing each individual anecdote to life. Embarrassingly, i found myself laughing out loud in public.

What did you like best about this story?

Bill Bryson has hit on an excellent formula for travel writing. The sbort anecdotes make it easy to pick up and put down in short bursts without losing the thread.

Have you listened to any of William Roberts’s other performances? How does this one compare?

Not heard him before but thoroughly enjoyed his potrayal. To me he is Bryson.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I enjoyed whole thing from start to finish. I am now working my way through the whole Bryson catalogue.

Any additional comments?

This was first audible book. Due to deteriorating eyesight, I have been able to discover 'reading' again.

Amusing anecdotes had me laughing out loud.

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So lovely to hear a sensitive highly educated foreigner see Britain as the extraordinary wonderful place that, warts and all, it truly is. We have a rich and beautiful heritage which is under assault from those who hate this country and its native culture and heritage yet would be hard pressed to find anywhere better for many if not most things anywhere on earth. This book gives an independent and very personal view of why this is so.

Still one of the best places for most things

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I've listened to the self narrated "home" by Bill Bryson, and it's a perfect case why you shouldn't narrate your own books. This guy has a great adaptation to the story, which is really intrredting. really recommend.

great performance

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The best read ever, he had me misty eyed at the descriptions of the good things (that we never seem to see) and really gut laughing at the mad things that we do see. This is the only book that I will definitely read again.

Brilliant

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What did you like most about Notes From a Small Island?

Bill Bryson's amusingly accurate observation of people and circumstances.

What did you like best about this story?

Bill Bryson's sense of humour

Which character – as performed by William Roberts – was your favourite?

William Roberts is excellent all round!

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me laugh, but not cry with laughter.

Funny and interesting

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Brilliant narration. With his American accent you could believe it was Bill Bryson himself. Loved it.

A great book.

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Good fun, well read. Shame it wasn't the actual author. Interesting when he mentions places you've visited before and know, otherwise loses something. Some very funny parts but I'd been spoiled by previous hilarious book by brian blessed (absolute pandemonium) and it didn't hit the spot as much.

Good fun

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Would you consider the audio edition of Notes From a Small Island to be better than the print version?

I haven't read the print form. However, William Roberts' performance always delivers and his delivery doesn't disappoint. I actually think William Roberts' performance elevates the book.

What did you like best about this story?

I thought Bryson's account was really relate-able. I wasn't surprised at the fact that when Bryson entered a new town he was greeted with grey skies and rain. Welcome to Britain!

Which scene did you most enjoy?

I think I really enjoyed Bryson's account of Princess Diana driving behind Bryson in Windsor park whilst Bryson was unaware. When Bryson finally came to know that there was a car behind him patiently driving behind him he stood aside to let the car pass. When the car passed Bryson, he realised that the driver was none other than Princess Diana. Bryson was greeted by her radiant smile as she passed him.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Not really.

Brilliant account of Bryson's travels in the UK

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Absolutely loved it. Especially the bits about Yorkshire. Mind you I am biased as I've lived there my entire life and have no intention of leaving.

A classic

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