I’ve just finished reading Down Under – or In A Sunburned Country, as it was alternatively known – by Bill Bryson and really enjoyed. I’ve heard about this book for a long while and have heard positive reports on it – both inside and outside of Australia – so I was keen to give a read and see for myself. When a friend passed on the book, I thought now’s the time I can finally get down to reading it.
To be honest, I was a little bit skeptical about reading a Seppo’s accounts on Australia, but quickly found myself at ease with Bryson’s thoughtful, engaging and witty writing style which draws you in and makes you what to read just that one more chapter before you finish for the session. Bryson is an accomplished writer, who clearly had done his homework, studying Australian history and cultural texts and having traveled down under several times before he put pen to paper and it shows as he possesses an admirable trait of being able to view the Australian psyche and eccentricities through an outsider’s eyes.
The book follows Bryson’s journeys across the width and breadth of Australia – barring poor ole Tassie, who doesn’t get a look-in – taking in the sights, viewing the natural wonders and engaging with the colorful locals as he travels. During the book, Bryson also explains some of the history, hostile wildlife and little known factoids on Australia and its inhabitants – many of which locals don’t even know – and laments the fact that Australia is so little known to the outside world, brilliantly illustrated in his opening chapter when on page 4 he mentions that ‘Australia was slightly more important to us in 1997 than bananas, but not nearly as important as ice cream’ according to the New York Times Index.
Reading this book review you may be under the allusion that Bryson gallivants from five-star hotel to five-star resort whilst riding in first-class style, writing amorously of every location or spot he happens to visit – as travel writers are often found to do. But, nothing could be further from the truth. For the bulk of his trip, he is the solitary member of his continental jaunt, traveling the long miles of often seemingly featureless, desolate highways linking interior Australia in a rented car. He also doesn’t give Australia and its cities an easy ride necessarily either.
Bryson was found to be largely not too fussed with Canberra and it’s miles of gardens and circular suburban roads, and was not too impressed either with the level of service he found in Darwin, which makes the book all the more enjoyable as it’s real and not needlessly saccharine.
It’s clear throughout the book that Bryson has a strong affection for the country and its people and whilst he does have his critical views and positions on certain topics and issues, in particular towards the position Aboriginal Australians hold in late 20th century Australian society, he overall has the view that Australia is a nation that should be better known, more respected and more often visited.
All in all, although slightly dated now – it was written over 10 years ago, not that that much changes in Australia anyway! – the book is a must-read for anyone hoping to travel to, learn more about, or who just happen to have a vague interest in the intriguing, often perplexing upside-down country-continent of Australia. I give the book four-and-a-half stars out of five. A top read in my book. I now intend to read some more of this bloke, Bryson’s books!
The book has a way of making you want to pack your bags, throw away your responsibilities and book a flight immediately for an Australian road-trip. Perhaps, I might just do that!
Posted by elcanguro76 
