In a Sunburned Country

By: Bill Bryson

Narrated by: Bill Bryson

Length: 11 hrs and 54 mins

Publisher's summary

Every time Bill Bryson walks out the door memorable travel literature threatens to break out. This time in Australia. His previous excursion up, down, and over the Appalachian Trail resulted in the sublime best seller A Walk in the Woods.

Now he has traveled around the world and all the way Down Under to Australia, the only island that is also a continent and the only continent that is also a country. Australia exists on a vast scale, a shockingly under-discovered country with the friendliest inhabitants, the hottest, driest weather, the most peculiar and lethal wildlife to be found on this planet, and more things that can kill you in extremely malicious ways than anywhere else: sharks, crocodiles, the 10 most deadly poisonous snakes on the planet, fluffy yet toxic caterpillars, seashells that actually attack you, and the unbelievable box jellyfish.

In a Sunburned Country is a delectably funny, fact-filled and adventurous performance by a writer who combines humor, wonder, and unflagging curiosity. Wherever Bryson goes he finds Australians who are cheerful, extroverted, and unfailingly obliging. They are the beaming products of a land with clean, safe cities, cold beer, and constant sunshine. Australia is an immense and fortunate land, and it has found in Bryson its perfect guide.

©2000 Bill Bryson (P)2000 Random House, Inc., Bantam Doubleday Dell Audio Publishing, A Division of Random House Inc.

Critic reviews

"Bryson's cheery Australian tale should entertain even the most listless driver. His strength lies in his ability to incorporate astounding facts about the country with nutty personal anecdotes." (Publishers Weekly)

Great book on Australia

I have a hardcover version and had listened to this book on tape years ago. I purchased the Audio book to hear it again. I worked in Australia for three years and this is a great book on parts that I’ve never been to and history of the continent and country. Well worth listening to, and very enjoyable.

Wonderful!

Loved it and was so sad that it had to end!…. I love seeing the world through Bill Bryson’s eyes. Beautifully and richly descriptive, humorous, educational, and wonder-full.

Humorous yet very serious

The author made me laugh, made me cry, but most importantly, made me think. I’m glad I listened to it and will add the book to my library.

Let's Go!

Wow! What a fabulously entertaining and informative book. Not only do you get to learn some of the history of Australia, you also get to take a trip around the country with this humorous author and enjoy his view of things "down under." Almost makes you want to go there--but then again, with all the poisonous critters and vast outback to get lost in, you might just be safer staying in your car with this audiobook.

excellent

Truly wonderful book especially as it's read by Bill himself
As an Australian myself I learned a lot from it that I had never heard before.

Another Adventure with Bryson

I loved Bill Bryson's A Walk in the Woods in audio form, and Sunburned Country is every bit as entertaining. His vivid and insightful descriptions make his work perfect for audio and a wonderful companion on long drives.

Funny and informative

I listened to the bit about cricket twice it was so funny. Bill is a great author and a wonderful narrator!

I couldn’t stop listening

As much as I like to read, hearing the author narrate was amazing. Lots of “wow”. Many vocal laughs. Facts my Australian friend didn’t even know (and maybe didn’t care about). I’ve referred it to several others and can wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who likes witty observant travel writing!

narration

Would you consider the audio edition of In a Sunburned Country to be better than the print version?

definitely NO

What did you like best about this story?

Love Bryson books, they always make me chuckle out loud...sadly with the author himself reading it...its like he throws a wet blanket n his work. weirdly the author himself ruins a good read..

How could the performance have been better?

someone else telling it

Great while traveling

Bill Bryson is a great writer, he makes you feel you are with him traveling about the outback. My husband and I were traveling through, Wyoming, Montana, and British Columbia during February while listening. Very interesting contrast. I would recommend this to all my traveling buddies.