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In A Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson

In A Sunburned Country

UK Title: Down Under

by Bill Bryson
  • Critics' Consensus (4):
  • Readers' Rating (10):
  • First Published:
  • Jun 1, 2000, 304 pages
  • Paperback:
  • May 2001, 304 pages
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There are currently 11 reader reviews for In A Sunburned Country
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Jeunviev

Meh
This book was quite funny at the beginning, but nearing the end of the first and throughout the second chapter, I just found that It didn't have enough excitement. The book just went down hill. It had to many facts for me to enjoy the characters that were in the book. I couldn't finish the book, and usually I enjoy reading alot.
Ernie

What a disgraceful book
This book is one of the worst I have ever read. Sure it's funny, but it has absolutely no point to it whatsoever. Bryson tells his sometimes painfully boring anecdotes in excruciating detail, rattles off a few pages of facts, then talks about how much he loves Australia, but then subtly hints at how it so left behind in the world and how he doesn't feel comfortable. I won't disagree that it isn't funny, but there is no point to a comedy book if it has no point or storyline whatsoever.


Jim Sayre
Perhaps my exposure to this as an audio book contributed to my frequent aversion to Bryson's style. The delivery came across too often as jaded, melodramatic, and illusory. To be 'cute' he pretends to be in eminent danger, yet is able to throw in $1.00 words to a degree where I actually had to 'fast forward'. He wastes much time on irrelevant meetings with people who provide little insight to the Australian people. Occasional facts and descriptions are appreciated, but seem less believable after his constant exaggerations. My suggestion: eliminate the polysyllabic adjectives; just SAY IT! Try also to show people the way an artist or photographer would, with contrast, insight, and compassion. Bryson's are amateur snapshots with pretentious captions.
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