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)

Hilarious and informative

I absolutely loved the witty tone of this book and I learned a lot about Australia, more places to add to the bucket list!

Best travel book

This was my introduction to Bill Bryson and I couldn't be happier. The hard copy was gifted to me, but I'm happy I downloaded the audiobook to hear Bill's delivery. I'd highly recommend the book to anyone interested in learning about Australia. I'd be interested in a quick update given the many changes since it was published.

Listened while driving in Australia

Loved it. Worth every minute of listening. Great humor and learned so much about this amazing country.

A Wonderful, Funny Tour of Australia

It also covers its history and biology in engaging snippets as he visits relevant places.

Great story telling

Entertaining and informational. super fun listen. There are so many places I want to go to now

Australia! Land of Surprises, opposites a dad entire!

When an unexpected opportunity arose to meet my US Navy daughter in Australia, I jumped on it knowing next to nothing about the country except it was far from New Jersey. My friends suggested this book by Mr. Bryson and I immediately began listening. So glad I did! The only down side was learning about so many venomous killer animals, snakes, jellyfish and even birds. I admit it was good to know, but it also put the fear of God in me! I did overcome however( must be brave to a daughter in the military! And snorkeled the Great Barrier Reef. The massive upside to this travelogue was all I learned about the country, it’s history, politics and regions- and all with humor! Wonderful information, anecdotes, great vocabulary and just plain fun! Like the author, I did not want my trip to end. I finished the book upon my return and it helped me extend my adventure. Thank you Mr. Bryson for being my guide to an amazing country!

Laugh out loud funny

This is my first book by Bryson but it won't be my last. His wit and satire made this one of the most enjoyable books I have read in a long time. In addition to its humor, the book provides an excellent glimpse of Australia... its history, its people, its cities, and its unique and beautiful sights. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn about Australia and have a good time to boot. (Memorable quote from the book: "Most people, when sleeping, look like they need a blanket. I look like I need medical attention.")

Excellent

It's always great when you're laughing throughout a book and still learning an incredible amount about something.

I highly recommend this book.

Very funny

I have never read a "travel" book before so I was not sure what to expect. I simply wanted some information about Australia. What I got instead was one of the funniest stories I have listened to in a long time. I did also learn a great deal about Australia in the process. Bill Bryson is a great author and he reads his work like a pro. The section where he describes how the game of cricket is played is worth the price of the book alone.

Simply wonderful

Bill Bryson is always great, but this book is a particular favorite, and as a reader Bryson is marvellous -- low-key, endearing, and very funny. It's like spending hour after delightful hour in the company of a dear friend with an inexhaustible supply of fascinating and amusing anecdotes. I've never been to Australia -- yet -- but I love it dearly as a result of this book. In fact, when I read Nevil Shute's "A Town Like Alice" not long after completing this book, I got so homesick for Australia that I read the Bryson book all over again. I really can't recommend it highly enough.