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Notes From A Small Island

Journey Through Britain

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Notes From A Small Island

By: Bill Bryson
Narrated by: Bill Bryson
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About this listen

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

 Europe Travel Writing & Commentary Adventure Celebrity Funny England

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'
All stars
Most relevant
You can't go wrong with Bill Bryson, interesting fact filled with a good dose of dry humour.

Another excellent Bryson book

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His books are always great in his inimitable tone. A great story, by a great writer .

The wit, the voice

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Would you consider the audio edition of Notes from a Small Island to be better than the print version?

About the same -- though Bill Bryson's reading is quite lovely.

Would you be willing to try another book from Bill Bryson? Why or why not?

Yes, as he is prone to take notice of all sorts of interesting details.

What does Bill Bryson bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

The almost-deadpan delivery -- which is oddly enjoyable.

Short and charming

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I enjoyed his obvious love of the country. His hilarious recollections as he wandered around some of the smaller towns & villages while using mainly public transport. I very much enjoyed his narration. An enjoyable & often laugh aloud read.

Great way to experience Great Britain

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Having lived in Australia for the past 30 years this wonderful book brought many dim memories of the Britain of my youth flooding back. Bill expresses my feelings for Britishness in ways that I cannot, things that seem inconsequential but add up to a uniqueness of character so easily overlooked or in my case forgotten. My only grumble is the music which the producers must have thought a clever idea. It isn’t and just grated.

Takes me Back

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