Down Under

By: Bill Bryson

Narrated by: William Roberts

Length: 12 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

Australia has more things that can kill you than anywhere else. Nevertheless, Bill Bryson journeyed to the country and promptly fell in love with it. The people are cheerful, their cities are clean, the beer is cold, and the sun nearly always shines.

©2000 Bill Bryson (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

alonzo

Very funny,entertaining , please Bill stay with an American accent, your Australian could cause a diplomatic incident, loved the book

I'm afraid to go to Australia

Bryson's words and Roberts' narration are perfect together. I listened to this as our daughter prepared for a year in Australia. I warned her not to get into situations where she might have to drink her own urine to survive - a recurring theme in the book.

Great

What was one of the most memorable moments of Down Under?

Is it so through and so well written

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

He is good. I mean realy GOOD !!!

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

No, no extreme reaction but fun all the way and yes my tear was flowing by laughter.

Surprise! It's Australia

Would you consider the audio edition of Down Under to be better than the print version?

I spend as much time as I can reading or knitting. The audio version of the book allows me to do both.

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

Although only a very small part, the ranger from the Alpine National Park and his observation of how lucky he is, was my favourite.

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

If I could have sat and listened all at one I would have. I love the observations, anecdotes and historic references the author uses to tie it all together.

Any additional comments?

It is a great book. Bryson loves lists, there are lots of lists. He likes characters, Australia is full of them. He has a great sense of humour, Australians love to laugh (although sometimes at the expense of others). His observations of the behaviour, language and ritual made me (an Australian) nod and agree. There is so much information and Bryson visits a lot of places but his pattern of travel often makes no sense. You can't get from Adelaide to the Mornington Peninsula without going through Melbourne. And he missed Geelong!

A safe bet!

I was first introduced to Bill Bryson, and first read Down Under during a 2 year holiday in the UK (I am Australian). It has been a long time since then and I thought this would be a great book to revisit and to cut my teeth on Audible as a new subscriber. The book was a great laugh and Bill portrays Australians and Australia in a way that makes me want to go there! :)

Just a great book and very interesting

I like the tone and its eclectic facts and stories, that he relates to this readers.

Got it Right Mate

This is an extremely insightful, very funny journey through a magnificent continent. Bryson captures the essence of the Australian landscape and the characters that make it a singularly extraordinary place to travel and live. I acknowledge his outstanding penmanship and appreciate his honest humour and natural affinity for all that is quirky. Well read and captivating. Well done.

Bryson and Roberts - a match made in Heaven

If you could sum up Down Under in three words, what would they be?

Sublime. Wonderful. Superb.

What did you like best about this story?

Thew combination of Bryson's wit and Robert's talent.

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

Yes!!! This is perhaps the best - his Australian accent is superb!!

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

Yes - again and again!

Any additional comments?

Bryson and Roberts in combination are perfect! As sad as I am to have read the last of the Bryson/Roberts works, I am so pleased I can hear them again and again when I need reminding that the world is a grand and wonderful place!

great read

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

As all Bill Bryson books I have read so far this is full of interesting facts that show the countries good and bad points in detail.

What did you like best about this story?

His time spent on the Barrier Reef

What about William Roberts’s performance did you like?

His diction and clearity of voice

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

Just pure interest

Any additional comments?

Looking forward to listening to his other books having read most already

Brilliant work.

Bill Bryson has a way of explaining things in a very humorous way. His passion for history really helps the listener or reader to experience his journey with him. I can't wait to go to some of the places that he described!