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Notes from a Small Island

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Notes from a Small Island

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

After nearly two decades in Britain, Bill Bryson took the decision to move back to the States for a while but before leaving his much-loved home in North Yorkshire, Bryson insisted on taking one last trip around Britain. 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 and Shellow Bowells, people who said 'Mustn't grumble', and Gardeners' Question Time.

©2004 Bill Bryson (P)2004 Random House Audiobooks Adventure Travel Europe Adventure Celebrity Funny England
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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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I loved this book, and more especially since it is narrated by Mr Bryson himself. He is fun and funny. he is able to encapsulate ideas and feelings that most of us have but have never been able to put into words. I was disappointed to get to the end.

entertaining, informative and wonderful

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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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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.