Well, another day another Bill Bryson book review!
This afternoon I finished reading Bill Bryson’s Notes from a Small Island based on his seven-week journey cross the length and breadth of his adopted homeland of twenty years before he and his family were to move onto his homeland of the United States. (- He’s since moved back to the UK.)
The journey begins at Dover, where he first stepped foot on British soil back in 1973 and re-acquaints himself with his virgin British city. He discovers that the vast changes in Dover largely mirror the vast changes which – often for ever not for better – transformed the UK during his two decade spell.
The book continues with his journey zig-zagging east and west cross the country in a northward motion, re-counting interesting anecdotes and asides, reminiscing on past adventures and discoveries, and filling in on the details of each spot he encounters and the history and characters behind each location throughout his journey.
This book’s greatest asset is that it does pull any punches – it covers Britain and the British, warts and all – all the niceties, oddities, obscenities and eccentricities. All the blights, all the beauty, all the bustle, all the warmth, the coldness, and all that’s in between. Basically, Bryson does a brilliant job of providing us a taste of Britain – the true Britain which you can only true admire and appreciate from within. In this sense, he performs better than Down Under, which in hindsight looks like Bryson somewhat held back at parts in his critiques, possibly for fear of offending Australian readers – he shouldn’t have worried nor cared.
Notes from a Small Island is a fascinating and engaging read which does a great job of capturing British identity. Indeed, it was voted on a BBC Radio poll as the book which best represents England as part of World Book Day 2003.
As you can see by my current reading choices, Bill Bryson is one of my favourite authors and this book of his does not disappoint and is an ideal reading companion for anyone currently traveling or away from home themselves. Great little read, five out of five stars.
