There are more things in Australia that can kill you than anywhere else, so how could Bill Bryson ever keep away from writing a travel memoir about the country? In his travels from coast to coast and several places in between, Bryson both entertains and informs us about a place that, for its size and place in the world, we know surprisingly little about.
Bill Bryson is a delightful writer and I almost wish I’d discovered him sooner! Down Under is my first proper travel book by him and I can’t tell you how eager I am to read more. It’s true that I know very little about Australia, so much of the information he shared was completely new to me. In my job, I’ve done some writing about Australia, but mainly about tourism; it was fascinating to have the historical perspective given to me so I could set it aside my knowledge of the country’s more hospitable places.
My favorite parts of the memoir were generally when he was exploring the middle, largely uninhabitable parts of the country. It’s hard to believe just how many expeditions were launched there – and equally hard to believe that the Australians haven’t managed to spread across such a vast amount of land. Yet with Bryson writing, I could feel the dust and the heat and I am pretty sure I now know why no one really wants to live there; not only is it far from every amenity but there’s truly no purpose to eking a life out in such difficult conditions.
I like that Bryson seems to travel in the same way that I do; I’d struggle to really identify with someone who does things I’d never experience. As it is, Australia is expensive, and I won’t go there for years if ever, so I could almost feel like I was experiencing things through his eyes. He chats with people, visits monuments that I’d visit, and at the same time shares the fascinating history and culture of the country. I can’t imagine a better honorary tour guide. I wouldn’t have minded some pictures, but he writes well enough that I could picture the locations in my head – or just look online, as I did several times – easily enough.
What truly disturbed me overall was the treatment of native Australians – a problem that lies more with the Australian government than with Bryson. I was appalled to learn about the Stolen Generations and even more saddened to discover that many Aboriginal Australians drift through life, missing out on schools and jobs or any parts of modern life. It’s even sadder to hear the way that white Australians have simply given up and don’t know what to do about it. I almost wish Bryson had brought this more to the forefront of the book, rather than asking about it occasionally and being stymied, but I’m not sure what else he could have done, especially not if he aimed to keep the tone of the rest of the book light and funny as he did.
Anyway, I thought Down Under was an excellent read. It certainly helped me get a broader picture of Australia and educated me in some senses at the same time. I can’t wait to read more by Bill Bryson.
In the US, this book is titled In a Sunburned Country. I am an Amazon Associate. I borrowed this book from my local library.
Glad you are enjoying his writing. I think my favorite travel book is the europe one Neither here nor there. A good film to pick up if you ever see it is Rabbit proof fence which is an amazing true story envolving a young girl from the lost generation.
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Meghan – I “read” my first Bryson book (via audiobook) this summer and LOVED it! It was a memoir of his childhood growing up in the 50s in the Midwest (The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid). I laughed out loud several times (I always appreciate someone who can find humor in life), but I truly appreciated his attention to detail, his research into the political and historical context of that time period, and his incredible writing style. I very much look forward to reading all his works.
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I haven’t read any Bryson, but I’ve heard his audiobooks are great so I really want to try them! Thanks for the review.
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I have heard good things about Bryson’s books, but have not yet read any. It’s weird that I haven’t, because I consider myself a huge armchair traveler. I think I am missing out and will have to check out something by Bryson soon! Great review! I am glad you loved the book!
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The treatment of the native Australians sounds similar to the treatment of native Americans. The book sounds delightful and I just love the cover.
I love Bill Bryson! I’ve read several of his books, but not this one. Looks like I better get my hands on it. It sounds great!
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I’ve said it before and I will say it again–I need to read more Bryson!
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There was a book I read in high school that was a memoir of woman who went on a walkabout with a tribe of Aust. Aborigines. It was absolutely fantastical. She also talked about how the Aborigines in Australia are still very much a second-class citizenry.
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Bryson is one of my favorite authors – I think he is just so funny! Glad you’ve found him and that he’s entertaining you as well now too!
Amused´s last post …Mailbox Monday – July 26th – 31st- 2010
I enjoyed this one too! (But I prefer the US title)
I prefer the US title too – obviously his US publisher is a bit more creative, but at least the book’s the same. =)
I think I remember it being from a British poem too! I know the poem is Sunburnt, whereas his editor insisted on Sunburned…maybe that’s why they changed it?
Eva´s last post …Library Loot- August 4-10- 2010
That’s the “ugly” side of my profession — really! It should have been Sunburnt. Ugh.
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Too funny. Mr. BFR just finished this last week. I love Bryson and particularly loved this one. I like the U.S. title and cover better, but the same wonderful prose is found within both covers.
Beth F´s last post …Weekend Cooking- Review- Fresh Fruit Desserts by Sheryl and Mel London