| Notes From A Small Country is Bill Bryson's British swan song, a memoir of his travels written before leaving his beloved Britain to return home to the U.S. in the mid 90's. In 1994, Mr Bryson relives his 1973 landing in Dover that changed his life forever. He tells how he came to England as a backpacking college student, met his wife, fell in love with her and the country, and stayed for the next twenty years.
In typical Bryson style he stumbles and staggers his way through flawed map directions, unavailable train connections, bad motels and recycled beer losing his patience at times but maintaining his sence of humor. He hikes through dismal weather along the southern coast, walks through the magnificent Cottswalds, catches the infrequent trains, visits Liverpool, works his way north through Scotland before returning home. The book is a witty and nostalgic trip around the countryside of England, Wales, and Scotland looking at the little small towns and observing the eccentricities that make Britain the enigma it is. He finds humor around every turn and debunks the myth of British stoicism. The people he meets are funny, unflappable and uniquely British. | ||
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Plot & Themes Ethnic/Relig. of subject (inside) Ethnic/regional/gender Yes Period of greatest activity? - 1950+ Road trip Yes Travelogue? Yes Subject of Biography Gender - Male Profession/status: Ethnicity - White Nationality - American Setting How much descriptions of surroundings? - 9 () Europe Yes European country: - England/UK Small town? Yes Misc setting - moving train Century: - 1980's-Present Writing Style Book makes you feel? - very happy - like laughing If this is a kid's book: - Age 16-Adult How much dialogue in bio? - little dialog |
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