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Notes From A Small Island

Journey Through Britain

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Notes From A Small Island

Written by: Bill Bryson
Narrated by: Bill Bryson
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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
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What the critics say

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
Though occasionally vulgar, the wit is sharp, the story good. I've enjoyed anything by Bryson.

A delightful listen

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Good fun! The randomly-occurring music toward the end (not the closing music, just... random music) was a bit weird though!

I liked it

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William Roberts is better for this book. Bill Bryson is only good on his factual books.

Better narratives

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As much as this book was a joy to read, it was made even better by having Mr. Bill Bryson read it to me. It helped me through the pandemic, when I needed both a good laugh and an escape to a pace beyond the corner store.

A True Joy!

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