I have, in the past, had a huge mental block about the author Bill Bryson. Bill Clinton, Bill Oddie and any other famous 'Bills' are no problem, but for some reason I've always managed to confuse Bill Bryson and Bill Gates and could never understand why the founder of Microsoft should be writing travel books. Thus for many years, I've avoided reading Bryson’s books since I couldn't see how they could possibly be of interest - now, thanks to a fortuitous Christmas present, I've realised the error of my ways.
"Notes from a Small Island" is the story of a farewell tour of Britain made by Bryson prior to leaving his adopted Yorkshire home of almost twenty years and returning to his native America. In it he takes an affectionate look at the British country, customs and people, presents some fascinating facts about Britain and, it has to be said, pokes gentle, good-humoured fun at some of our stranger institutions and ways.
I cannot personally vouch for the accuracy of all of Bryson's observations as he travels around Britain although I did recognise the foibles of certain West Country places that he visited, in particular a hotel where he was served by a "mute and charmless waitress." (I'm absolutely sure I know the very woman he encountered!) However, accurate or exaggerated out of all proportion, the one thing that Bryson's observations are is funny.
Seeing one's own country through the eyes of an outsider is eye opening to say the least. Why do Guest Houses have so many rules and regulations? Who are the great British eccentrics? Why do we queue so politely? Where do all those strange place names come from?
Bryson's humour is not offensively aimed at Britain and all things British. Rather he is looking at the country from an outsider's point of view, a rather bemused outsider at that and his experiences make for very fascinating reading. A particular bugbear for the traveller is the rail network - its timetables, staff, schedules, and even decor. For most Brits, the rail service is somewhat of a long-standing joke anyway and Bryson's problems have the effect of crystalising the joke and putting it into perspective.
Bryson's book had the effect of making me want to visit the places he enthused about. It made me laugh at myself - and my fellow countrymen and women - to see them in a new light as a foreigner would see them. Often, the truth hurts, but in this instance it was just very funny and instantly recognisable.
Having somewhat belatedly read my first Bill Bryson book - and found no mention of Microsoft therein - I am now off to buy more. Bryson is an experience I denied myself for far too long.
Publisher: Black Swan
ISBN: 0 552 99600 9
Price: £6.99 / $14.00 p/b
Date Reviewed: January 2003
My Rating: 4/5
