Paperback, 324 pages
English language
Published Dec. 15, 1997 by Avon Books.
Before New York Times bestselling author Bill Bryson wrote The Road to Little Dribbling, he took this delightfully irreverent jaunt around the unparalleled floating nation of Great Britain, which has produced zebra crossings, Shakespeare, Twiggie Winkie’s Farm, and places with names like Farleigh Wallop and Titsey.
A very funny look at Great Britain by an American. For some strange reason, Brits generally like this book, though of course Bryson's US-centric look at things tends to annoy.
Nevertheless, there are some laugh-out-loud moments, many smiles and chuckles, and an overall sympathetic feeling.
Endearing, but I wasn’t swept from my feet or moved to new points of view.
Bill Bryson's "A Walk in the Woods," remains one of my favorite travel books, and so I was surprised that this reads like a snarky, blow-by-blow Yelp review of England. Cities I've only heard about in British television shows, he's visited and has a cynical anecdote about some aspect of its architecture, people, or history.
Not to say his stories aren't interesting or untrue, but I found myself reluctant to pick up this book, because reading it is like visiting that crotchety loved one to whose rants your most enthusiastic reply is "Interesting," "Oh Really?" or "Hmmm."
Slow but I would keep reading, and be rewarded with a laugh out loud joke pointing out the vast differences in cultures. A fun read sparked by a book club, and Bryson is indeed an excellent writer.
I think it's a little bit dated now but a nice nostalgic read in places and I do like Bryson's writing in general.
Full review on blog: curiositykilledthebookworm.blogspot.com/2011/07/notes-from-small-island.html
Quite amusing.
