Well I'll be buggered, Bill
Written: Nov 01 '07 (Updated Nov 01 '07)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Factual, funny and a damn good read
Cons: non
The Bottom Line: This book is essential reading for anyone wanting to know something about Australia.
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| SMITHSWOODSIDE's Full Review: Bill Bryson - In a Sunburned Country |
Well, it’s very difficult to work out but my son in law recently went to New York State (I think it’s called) to share some business information with the USA – and what does he buy me, (ever trying to impress) – this bloody book.
Now very innovative, that is – an Australian goes to the USA on a business trip and feeling some ill founded need to placate his old father in law, the consummate Australian himself, decides to buy him a book. Fair enough, but a book on Australia!
As the Yanks say – go figure! Or as we Aussies say – fair dinkum, you coming the raw prawn or what!
Anyway I guess it’s the thought that counts (sure as hell isn’t brains) but said son in law assures me this book is what Yanks judge Australia by – and that is scary.
Not that there is anything wrong with the book – on the contrary it is funny, a damn good read and even has a liberal dose of facts and figures that are even correct.
Understandably young Bill, by his own and frequent admission, finds Australia and the Australian system hard to follow – but of course, any non Australian would, I reckon.
Regardless this book is well worth the price and especially useful I think for Americans to buy and read as it at least gives a view of Australia from the perspective of a Yank. That means, I believe, it is a very useful tool to introduce the country especially any USA citizen considering a visit.
The only proviso is don’t be surprised if you draw some different conclusions.
To be fair Bill Bryson has created a work of art here.
His research is brilliant and he attempts, and succeeds to paint a global picture of a vast country with a small population that is incredibly diverse and difficult enough for the citizens to comprehend, let alone a foreigner. It seems to me a perfect analogy would be to write a book on the USA – also an incredibly diverse country – just with a big population.
From what I have seen personally, and read, one thing both countries share is just that – diversity. So to write a book about the whole country (either way) is a huge challenge.
Very few could manage that, but Bill Bryson has.
Recommended:
Yes
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Member: Peter Smith
Location: South Australia
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