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)

Hilariously Witty

This book was great, there were parts were I had a good laugh. I will listen to this book again further down the road.

Fantastic

I was so sad when he made it to Perth because I knew the story was almost over. What an amazing country I have never been to it but after reading this book it makes you want to go

Wonderful!

This story is a wonderful amalgam of BillBryson's journey through parts of Australia and its history. Bill Bryson's narration adds a wonderful touch.

Typical Bryson

This is my third Bryson book and I have to say is my favorite so far. A lot of interesting facts about Australian history.

Terrific educational, exceptional prose.

Bill Bryson makes me want to go to places and see them with his eyes. I so admire his insatiable curiosity and engaging sense of humor.

Hilarious!

Heard this book on a really long road trip. Enthralling, informative, and humorous. Best book to listen to when going on a journey!

In true Bryson style... which makes for a great book

Though some have told me Bryson rambles to much, it is his humorous relaying of his adventures mixed with historical, geological, cultural and hundreds of other tidbits of information that continue to make him an excellent author. Even more so than reading his books, Audible helps bring them to life.

Nicely done

Mr. Bryson took me to Australia in this wonderful tale. The continent is worthy of a lifetime of exploration.

My Favorite Bryson

Great book, read perfectly by the author. He loves Australia and he explains why in depth. The book is often hilarious. Most insightful.

Appreciate Australia - and have a chuckle!

I've read Bryson's "A Walk in the Woods" a couple of times, and selected "In a Sunburned Country" because I was enjoying other books/movies on Australia. What a delight - at times I found myself chuckling out loud! How wonderful to have Bryson reading his own book. I enjoyed hearing his (and his friends'} perspectives on Australia. And I was inspired by his openness and curiosity for everything Australia and her people had to offer.