Notes From A Small Island

Journey Through Britain

By: Bill Bryson

Narrated by: Bill Bryson

Brought to you by Penguin.


In 1995, before leaving his much-loved home in North Yorkshire to move back to the States for a few years with his family, Bill 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 the nation's public face and private parts (as it were), and to analyse what precisely it was he loved so much about a country that had produced Marmite; a military hero whose dying wish was to be kissed by a fellow named Hardy; place names like Farleigh Wallop, Titsey and Shellow Bowells; people who said 'Mustn't grumble', and 'Ooh lovely' at the sight of a cup of tea and a plate of biscuits; and Gardeners' Question Time. Notes from a Small Island was a huge number-one bestseller when it was first published, and has become the nation's most loved book about Britain, going on to sell over two million copies.


© Bill Bryson 1995 (P) Penguin Audio 2010

Critic reviews

Not a book that should be read in public, for fear of emitting loud snorts

Laugh-out-loud funny

Splendid... What's enjoyable is that there's as much of Bryson in here as there is of Britain

Bryson is funny because he is not afraid to give completely of himself

Astute and funny...a tribute to [Britain's] enchantments by an unabashed anglophile.

'Not a book that should be read in public, for fear of emitting loud snorts'

'Laugh-out-loud funny'

'Splendid...What's enjoyable is that there's as much of Bryson in here as there is of Britain'

'Bryson is funny because he is not afraid to give completely of himself'

Always Entertaining

Bryson produces some of the easiest content to listen to. I am always baffled when the books end so soon because I’ve been listening to them nonstop. Another winner full of hilarious charm. There does seem to be a weird, misplaced musical interlude about 20 minutes from the end at full volume. So, just be ready.

Bryson does it again!

Bryson turns one man's travels through England to a masterclass in intelligent commentary, exquisitely crafted story, and humorous tales. Would definitely recommend to all.

pleasantville

A languid, amiable account of BB's travels to the UK, which at times had me chortling, but I enjoyed most of his other books more.

disappointingly boring

I was SURE this was going to be at least as funny as the one about Australia. That one is one of the - if not the absolute - funniest books I’ve ever read. This one was torture. At one point I decided to speed the voice up for it to get to the end sooner. It got worse and worse. Narration was great though.

Disappointing !

I was a fan of Bill Bryson until this book, which I was really looking forward to listening to.
We all have bad days and he, at least, admits to having several whilst journeying through Britain. Unfortunately he comes over as being or trying to be funny and cynical at the same time and does not pull it off 99% of the time, making the listener yawn and hope that the weather and story will improve, but sadly for him at least, neither seem to and the reader/listener is left wishing the agony would stop! Its basically very boring.
I was so glad that he decided later in his life to return to his native country because having personally lived in both countries myself, I truly believe that the "chip" he carried around on his shoulder whilst trying to write this book would have lightened as soon as he was amongst his own again in Iowa and I mean this kindly having also lived in Iowa!
I really enjoyed other books that he has written and will try to lighten up regarding this one but to date have not changed my initial reaction.