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The Road to Little Dribbling

More Notes From a Small Island

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The Road to Little Dribbling

By: Bill Bryson
Narrated by: Nathan Osgood
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About this listen

Twenty years ago Bill Bryson went on a trip around Britain to celebrate the green and kindly island that had become his adopted country. The hilarious book that resulted, Notes from a Small Island, was taken to the nation’s heart and became the best-selling travel book ever and was voted in a BBC poll the book that best represents Britain.

Now, to mark the 20th anniversary of that modern classic, Bryson makes a brand-new journey around Britain to see what has changed. Following (but not too closely) a route he dubs the Bryson Line, from Bognor Regis to Cape Wrath, by way of places that many people never get to at all, Bryson sets out to rediscover the wondrously beautiful, magnificently eccentric, endearingly unique country that he thought he knew but doesn’t altogether recognize any more.

Yet, despite Britain’s occasional failings and more or less eternal bewilderments, Bill Bryson is still pleased to call our rainy island home. And not just because of the cream teas, a noble history, and an extra day off at Christmas.

Once again, with his matchless homing instinct for the funniest and quirkiest, his unerring eye for the idiotic, the endearing, the ridiculous and the scandalous, Bryson gives us an acute and perceptive insight into all that is best and worst about Britain today.

Download includes accompanying PDF map of the Bryson Line. Music written and performed by Richard Digance, inspired by The Road to Little Dribbling.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

©2015 Bill Bryson (P)2015 Recording and music (p) Transworld Audiobooks
Adventure Travel Comedy & Humour Europe Travel Writing & Commentary Western Europe Adventure Funny Witty Island Comedy
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What listeners say about The Road to Little Dribbling

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Bill Bryson continued

What did you like most about The Road to Little Dribbling?

Bill Bryson's style of writing.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Bill Bryson, he's about the only person in it to any appreciable extent.

Which character – as performed by Nathan Osgood – was your favourite?

Bill Bryson

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, Bill's whinging about GB, meant that I had to listen to it in short bursts.

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A delight

One of the rare books where I’m in despair that it’s ended. This book helped me through the pandemic and every chapter was a joy and an enlightening experience. The fact that it can be hysterically funny too was an added bonus. I’m not sure what to do now I’ve finished it....I may do some hoovering to fill the void it has left.

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Enjoyable but lacking compared to previous Notes

Bryson spends more time discussing his own issues with modern Britain than covering his sights and adventures as he travels round. Although at times he is interesting and insightful, much of it comes across as an old man whinging. It's an Enjoyable listen, and the narrator is excellent, but doesn't hold up against Notes From a Small Island.

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The irresistible Bryson Lines

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Bill Bryson's writing is consistently excellent, and this audiobook brings the story to life. You'll end up with a list of places to visit (and places to avoid) and learn much along the way.

What did you like best about this story?

Bryson's books always make you want to visit the places he describes (well, some of the places!). I love it when he doesn't hold back in his comments - the encounter with a woman whose dog fouls a pavement is priceless!

Have you listened to any of Nathan Osgood’s other performances? How does this one compare?

Not sure if I've heard any more from Nathan Osgood, but as a narrator he was excellent -the voice got the story, and having listened to Bryson talk before, I ended up surprised that it was not the author reading. Excellent!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, the book drags you in.

Any additional comments?

More excellence from Bryson.

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A really most enjoyable book bought on recommendation.

I liked the easy way it rolled along as a journey might. Also the fact that I I could dip into it and just enjoy a chapter when I had the time.

I would recommend it to anyone who has limited time for reading, who has a sense of humour and is interested in tasty snippets of National and Cultural information.

Although I usually prefer an English speaking Narrater I enjoyed the soft amiable tones of Nath Osgood.

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Nice one Bill

I've grown up, I'm in my mid-50s, with Bill Bryson's wonderfully perceptive writing. I do not have such a descriptive vocabulary so I would like to thank you for putting into words what so many of us feel as we travel around the UK, as well as further afield. I have also lived on the south coast and utterly agree.....bugger Bognor!

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Bryson's back, and grumpier than ever

What did you like most about The Road to Little Dribbling?

It was great being back in the mind of Bill Bryson as he travels round the UK, with his unique perspective on the country.

What other book might you compare The Road to Little Dribbling to, and why?

Inevitably, it'll be the original, Notes From A Small Island. Mr Bryson seems to have become more grumpy in his old age, but some of what he sees (the ever-present 'Keep Calm and...' signs for example!) are worthy of his grumpiness!

What does Nathan Osgood bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

It's nice to hear these books read in an American accent, given the author. I thought I'd miss William Roberts, who has narrated so many of Bryson's other books, but Nathan Osgood was a worthy replacement.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No - there's a lot of information to take in, and I found it better to break it down.

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A book that amusingly explores the eccentricities of Great Britain.

A funny but informative book about the wonderful but wacky country we call home. Nathan Osgood is easy to listen too and plays the part of Bill Bryson to perfection. The story meanders you from the south west of England through to the northern reaches of Scotland, I just wish Bryson's workload hadn't intervened and he had spent more time in Scotland and what about a trip from Stranraer to Larne?

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Funny

Loved it will listen again, really informative and accurate observations.
Narrator well suited to the content

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The Dog's B*******!

Another absolute triumph from my favourite immigrant. Mr Bryson, as always, is honest and funny and is a delight to listen to. This is an excellent sequel to Notes and is an essential listen to anyone who loves to travel and loves their country.

Hopefully all the people, places and establishments that receive his sharp but on the whole deserved criticism should listen to this book and wince with embarrassment. There is so little that I disagree with in this book.

My only slight criticism is that he didn't read it out himself. However this is so minor an issue (because it is very well narrated regardless) it can be ignored.

Thank you Bill. Looking forward to the next one.

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