In a Sunburned Country

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars | 10,999 ratings

Price: 15.72

Last update: 01-11-2025


About this item

Every time Bill Bryson walks out the door memorable travel literature threatens to break out. This time in Australia. His previous excursion up, down, and over the Appalachian Trail resulted in the sublime best seller A Walk in the Woods.

Now he has traveled around the world and all the way Down Under to Australia, the only island that is also a continent and the only continent that is also a country. Australia exists on a vast scale, a shockingly under-discovered country with the friendliest inhabitants, the hottest, driest weather, the most peculiar and lethal wildlife to be found on this planet, and more things that can kill you in extremely malicious ways than anywhere else: sharks, crocodiles, the 10 most deadly poisonous snakes on the planet, fluffy yet toxic caterpillars, seashells that actually attack you, and the unbelievable box jellyfish.

In a Sunburned Country is a delectably funny, fact-filled and adventurous performance by a writer who combines humor, wonder, and unflagging curiosity. Wherever Bryson goes he finds Australians who are cheerful, extroverted, and unfailingly obliging. They are the beaming products of a land with clean, safe cities, cold beer, and constant sunshine. Australia is an immense and fortunate land, and it has found in Bryson its perfect guide.


Top reviews from the United States

Mr. K
5.0 out of 5 stars As near to perfection a travelogue can get
Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2013
It is only recently that I have discovered Bill Bryson, and in short order he has managed to become one of my favorite authors. This work is the epitome of what a travel book should be. Bryson seamlessly weaves together history, wit, insight, and personal anecdote into a memorable tale that greatly increased my desire to see this enormous and remote continent.

Firstly, it is clear throughout the entire length of the book that Bryson genuinely loves this nation. My appreciation of his affection may be somewhat heightened by the fact that I also listened to the audio book (read by the author), and his tone betrays his endearing lack of subjectivity. His love of the people does not keep him from making some sharp comments about particular subjects however. He observes that Australians tend to engage in the art of argumentation without actually wishing for change, as with the topic of them becoming a full-fledged independent republic. Also, he doesn't pull punches when relating how some of the inhabitants of this great nation were anything but hospitable.

The historical narrative he weaves into the tale would undoubtedly be more interesting when traveling through the towns and countryside. Brief historical sketches of the small communities he passes through tend to be boring but his more generalized Australian history about the founding is fascinating and well told. The countless failed explorations into the interior were mostly forgettable, but they successfully conveyed the brutality and ruthlessness of the natural Australian environment. Also, the migration of peoples 45,000 years ago onto the continent was right on the nail.

When discussing the plight of the aboriginals he makes some cutting observations about the Aussies and himself. After mulling over the `problem', and considering ways that the position of the aboriginals in Australian society might be bettered, he finds that he has no genuine answers to the problem. "So without an original or helpful thought... I did what most white Australians do. I read my paper... and didn't see them [the aborigines] anymore."

His humorous obsession with deadly animals continues in this work as well, as he documents fish, reptiles, mammals, and amphibians that are particularly adept at maiming and killing unsuspecting or careless travelers. Also, he makes note of the introduction of wild rabbits onto the continent by Thomas Austin, a resident of Victoria in 1859. The 24 rabbits originally released for sport soon grew to a population in the millions. Temporarily curtailed by the governments' introduction of a rabbit-killing disease, the hardy survivors eventually began breeding again until the figures reached a staggering 300 million (at time of publication.

Lastly, the most personally impactful aspect of the book is Bryson's narrative style. As an avid traveler, I log my own journeys and document where I've been, as well as interesting tales, brushes with death, etc. His descriptive ability is superb and he draws the reader into the scenes with a comic and conversational style. His lonely encounters in bars, awkward picture taking with other solo travelers (as they stare at an enormous fabricated lobster) and drunken nights with his traveling companions are hilarious and genuine. I hope to bring his vividness to my next trip, when writing about it later.

Overall, I recommend this book to anyone who likes travel, has gone to Australia, or wishes to go in the future. He inspired me to do so, and even made me believe that Uluru (Ayers rock) might be worth seeing, and not just the world's most useless geological artifact. Five stars.
GVC
4.0 out of 5 stars Gets better towards the end
Reviewed in the United States on March 15, 2014
Down Under by Bill Bryson

Bill Bryson’s book Down Under is mostly a collection of experiences that Bill had during 3 weeks in Australia visiting the main cities and some of the most well known locations outside the cities. My initial reaction to the book was that it was bit superficial but more or less what one would expect by a writer who made fleeting trips to the various locations. One of the first places mentioned was my home city Sydney and I was a bit disappointed in his coverage in the knowledge that there is a lot more to Sydney than mentioned. The book seemed to be aimed at providing intending US tourists a brief humorous overview.

As I progressed further into the book I became more impressed with the research that had gone into it and how the author had created humorous stories out of his visits. Creating this sort of humour often requires bending the story a bit, highlighting some incidental aspects. I don’t think it matters that the book is a bit inaccurate in some places as that didn’t take away from Bill Bryson’s take on Australia.

Another visitor to Australia would have a completely different take especially one not as friendly and easy to get on with as Bill Bryson. Locals also see things differently.

Australia is a first world country and has similar issues to North America and Europe. There are a few special Australian issues and the plight of the indigenous peoples is the big one. Many like to ignore this issue so not to overdo the “ black armband view of history ” quoting previous Prime Minister John Howard. Bill Bryson has done a great job in bringing out the issues in his book.

The book is also good in the way it brings forward the concept that Australia is not a young country as it is often described (particularly compared with UK) but a very old one. It is geologically much older that others with fauna and flora which have direct connections to very ancient times. This old land is the essential essence of Australia not the big coastal cities (sometimes described as “the five festering sores on the continent of Australia”) and it’s newly arrived European immigrants.

I finished the book believing I had read an interesting humorous take on Australia. Thinking also that there are many possible takes on Australia (or other countries like the US).
Matt McDonald
5.0 out of 5 stars Life changing
Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2024
On my way to moving to Australia, many years ago, I read this book. It emphasizes everything great about Australia. The history, absurdity, charm, uniqueness, and especially the amazing people. This book started me on the path for Bill Bryson to become my favorite author. His ability to mix historical facts, humor, and personal experiences is unrivaled. Thank you Bill. Please keep at it and be safe.
CBW51
5.0 out of 5 stars Well written, informative & humorous
Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2024
I haven't completed the book but half way through it I find it easy reading, very informative about Australia which we are visiting in 2026. The book also has some very humorous descriptions. Bill Bryson keeps it light yet very detailed. Makes me wish our trip was sooner than later. A great read whether you're planning a trip to Down Under, have already been or just want to know about one of the largest countries/continents in the world.
John C
5.0 out of 5 stars In A Sunburned Country
Reviewed in the United States on July 24, 2024
I’m a growing fan of Bill Bryson and love his observations on travel.

This book is especially nice because he’s full of wonder and admiration of a land whose people endure unimaginable hardships but still care for each other, their land and the outsiders that visit.

He writes of an interesting continent, populated with interesting characters and history.

Recommended.

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