Summary
Down Under, also titled In a Sunburned Country in North America, is written by Bill Bryson. The book explores Australia's distinct appeal through Bryson's travels. He provides historical insights and personal anecdotes. Bryson describes encounters with diverse landscapes and local culture. The book covers various experiences, including mishaps and conversations with residents, reflecting Australia's unique characteristics.
Overview
In In a Sunburned Country, Bill Bryson embarks on a journey across Australia's diverse landscapes, offering a narrative on the nation's history and geography. The book is divided into three segments.
Into the Outback
Bryson begins his trip aboard the Indian Pacific train, traveling from Sydney to Perth through the Outback. Accompanied by photographer Trevor Ray Hart, he documents the historical challenges faced by early settlers. He visits locations like the Blue Mountains and White Cliffs and examines the resilience required to settle in this arid land.
Civilized Australia
Bryson then explores urban areas like Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide. He contrasts the wilderness with city life, examining Australia's societal evolution. At Sydney's Circular Quay, he discusses Captain Cook's landing in 1788, blending contemporary and historical observations.
Around the edges
In the final segment, Bryson visits sites such as the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns, and Uluru. He reflects on Australia's isolation and diversity, using personal stories and local folklore to describe the landscape and culture. Bryson's journey connects his travel experiences with accounts of Australia's natural environment, history, and culture.
Australia’s unique wildlife
In In a Sunburned Country, Bill Bryson details Australia’s distinct wildlife with factual observations. Australia hosts the top ten most venomous snakes. Bryson notes it has "more things that will kill you than anywhere else." The box jellyfish, found in Australian waters, causes severe pain and can render an individual unconscious.
Bryson examines Australia's toxic spiders, referring to them as "the most literal case of overkill" due to their strong venom used against insects. He also reports on crocodiles and sharks, which Australians accept as part of daily life.
These accounts present Australia’s ecological landscape with its hazardous creatures.
Historical context of Australia
In In a Sunburned Country, Bill Bryson explores Australia's history, covering discovery, colonization, and Aboriginal stories. He examines Captain Cook's voyages and early colonial errors, such as confusing the wet and dry seasons. These mistakes show the challenges British settlers faced. Bryson describes the resilience of early settlers as they navigated the harsh landscape.
Bryson addresses the somber aspects of Australia's history. He acknowledges injustices faced by Aboriginal Australians, especially during the Stolen Generations. He discusses ongoing socio-economic challenges and the struggle for recognition and support.
Writing style highlights
In In a Sunburned Country, Bill Bryson employs humor and wit in his travel narratives. His self-deprecating humor appears in stories like his difficulty finding a hotel in Darwin due to a name change. This leads to a comic interaction with a receptionist. Bryson notes that she "makes it quite clear she has never heard the saying 'the customer is always right.'" This example shows his ability to turn everyday frustrations into comedy.
Bryson observes Australia's people with humor too. He asks about the risk of sharks while boogie boarding and receives a relaxed reply: "Oh, it's been ages since someone was killed by a shark… Couple of months at least." This response represents the laid-back and resilient Australian attitude. Bryson's observations of history and geography provide insight, making his narrative an engaging exploration of Australia.
Exploration of Australian geography
In In a Sunburned Country, Bill Bryson describes Australia's vast landscapes, capturing both iconic sites and remote areas. He travels on the Indian Pacific train, providing imagery of the Blue Mountains and the White Cliffs. He notes the contrast between the Great Barrier Reef and Uluru. Bryson explains Australia's status as the planet's largest island and the only nation covering an entire continent. He explores the Outback, discussing its mystery and harsh conditions. Bryson also visits Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth, where urban areas meet the wilderness, depicting a balance between modernity and nature.
Quick facts
The book Down Under is known as In a Sunburned Country in the United States and Canada, inspired by the Australian poem 'My Country'.
Bryson's narrative humorously covers his railway journey from Sydney to Perth.
Bill Bryson's travels highlight major landmarks like the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru, Cairns, Darwin, and Alice Springs.
In a Sunburned Country combines personal experiences with historical insights and whimsical observations about Australian life.
The book includes intriguing stories about Australia's 19th-century explorers and settlers.
Down Under became a bestseller in Britain shortly after its release.
Bill Bryson uses self-deprecating humor, offering an entertaining outsider’s perspective on Australian culture and behavior.
Critics noted Bryson's charm and humor despite some opinions that the book lacked depth and clear thematic direction.
In certain editions, Down Under is combined with another Bryson title into a single volume titled 'Walk About'.
Bryson explores Australia's dangerous wildlife, including venomous spiders and Box Jellyfish, with humorous anecdotes.
Bryson's anecdotal and humorous writing style often captures unusual details and amusing situations during his Australian journey.
In a Sunburned Country investigates distinctly Australian curiosities like giant sculptures such as bananas, lobsters, and guitars.
About the author
Bill Bryson, an Anglo-American author, was born in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1951. He writes in various genres, gaining acclaim for his travel books such as A Walk in the Woods and Notes from a Small Island. Bryson also explores science and linguistics. His works often focus on cultural observations and historical insights. He has received several accolades, including the James Joyce Award and an honorary fellowship of the Royal Society in 2013.
