Notes From a Small Island

By: Bill Bryson

Narrated by: William Roberts

Length: 10 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

Great Read, Great Laugh

I've been a Bill Bryson fan for years now, and as funny as his books are, listening to this one definitely made it even more enjoyable. It was a bit embarrassing when I kept bursting out laughing in public, but it's a very small price to pay for the great entertainment.

Bill at his Best

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

Yes, in a book like this is better than printed.

What other book might you compare Notes From a Small Island to and why?

Well it has to be Down Under by Bill Bryson too. I am English by birth but now an Australian, I learned more about Australian history from Bill reading Down Under than others as he seems to pick those stories that is well, just darn more interesting. He does the same here about the English.

Which scene was your favorite?

Bacon and Eggs, early morning rain and cold... I remember it so well. Cold wind Swept port towns dark and closed. Yep remember those well.

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

Cringe maybe, as I have memories like these myself. Cringe in a nice way Bill.

Any additional comments?

Enjoyable, if you grew up in England through the 70's and 80's a lot of this will hit home. But for anyone else, it is still a fun read/listen.

Feelgood therapy - a must-read!

If you could sum up Notes From a Small Island in three words, what would they be?

Humour, warmth and passion.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Notes From a Small Island?

The whole book is a pearl necklace of memorable moments!

What does William Roberts bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

William Roberts is the perfect narrator! Mr. Roberts - if you read these reviews - THANK YOU!

love bill bryson

i love bill bryson books and this is one of his best. listen to them all

Bryson delivers again

Probably not my favourite Bryson book but very good nonetheless. Narrator was perfect, I prefer him to Bryson's own narration. Very entertaining.

Sadly, I spent money on this book

Sadly, I spent money on this book. I am sure other readers may enjoy the book. Perhaps I have outgrown Bill Bryson in the same way that I outgrew PJ O’Rourke. Not Bill Bryson’s fault.