READ THIS BOOK!! (Notes from a Small Island - Bill Bryson)

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Product:	Notes from a Small Island - Bill Bryson
Date:	06/02/01 (38 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Full of Bill, ie. wit, charm, clutziness.

Disadvantages: Starts off slowly. Dangerously addictive once you get into it.

At the heart of this book is the knowledge of an American who, upon arrival in Dover in the 1970s, thought he had arrived in the most cold-hearted, stern country in the world. Months later he still felt this way. However, Britain grew on him, and he settled here for over twenty years, in time becoming the world’s most read travel author. The man? Bill Bryson. The book? ‘Notes from a Small Island’.

Rather than being a patronizing account of how Britain is ‘so quaint’ and ‘full of castles’ (as one might expect an American description of the country to be), this is a highly amusing, well-informed, and above all, accurate account of the nation. Bryson writes not as an American tourist, but as an inhabitant of Britain who is to make one last voyage across the country before returning to America.

If you are new to the works of Bill Bryson, you are in for a treat. If you are a seasoned traveller with Bill, you will appreciate this book as much as any of his others. Of course, the fact that this is about Britain means British readers will find it hits a certain point in their hearts. Bryson ireally knows what he is talking about. The feeling of ‘Yes! You’re right!’ when he discusses the British ingrown ability to form queues in any given situation; or the fear of being barked at by a black labrador while walking along the cliffs of Dorset, strike a note in the minds of those who may have lived in Britain for a shorter time than him.

The book is scattered with the Bryson style of writing; that is, humourous accounts scattered with one-liners; pargraphs that end on a joke so funny you feel compelled to read the whole paragraph again; and information so unbelievable (and yet true), you are amazed such a country can exist. All of these factors combine to form a mixture that is warm, interesting, humourous and absorbing.

Perhaps the most comforting factor when reading Bill’
s work is the humanity of the man. He openly admits to being a slob at times; to feeling he has earned a steak since he has been for a walk; to being unable to understand simple door opening instructions. It is a good feeling to know someone with such an aptitude for grabbing one’s attention (for the right reasons) is also such a clutz.

If you are British, you will recognise much of what Bill discusses here; from the friendliness of Yorkshire to the abruptness of the South-East. Bryson writes as what he has become at this point: a Briton. Strangely enough, he understands and appreciates the country better than most of the British. This is not a travel guide: you will not find telephone numbers or opening times. Also, it is not impartial. Bryson tells things the way they are, rather than steering away from the problems like some trainee travel agent. Yet, there is an affection in his account that is impossible not to notice; he is writing for the love of this country (as well as the money!) and wants others to see it in the learned way he does. If you are British or living in Britain, read this book. If you are not, read it anyway. You may learn something about a commonly misunderstood country. And you’ll get to know Bill.

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