NOTES FROM A SMALL ISLAND

What a jolly good read! In this account of the author’s farewell tour of England after almost two decades as a “visitor,” his wit and wisdom are on copious display, as is some insightful commentary on British attitudes and mores. William Roberts punctuates his reading with excellent accents and characterizations and beautifully captures Bryson’s text. Do listen carefully, though; part of Bryson’s charm is his wordplay, and that sometimes gets lost in the audio format. Also, there are some, well, spicy words and phrases in the book. These are minor quibbles, and they in no way lessen a wonderful book. R.I.G. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: JAN 97]