These evocative descriptions of Australia and its lifestyle are accurate and interesting. Facts, figures, history, extent and division of territories, flora and fauna; how they look, how deadly or how tame they are, and how many of them exist, will stir exciting memories for those who have been Down Under and paint a precise picture in the mind for those who haven't.

Events, how people look and what they say are recorded faithfully and with master of observation Bill Bryson's wonderful facility for making you laugh out loud, there are plenty of reasons for doing so. His running commentary on a radio broadcast cricket match, a game about which he knows nothing, is brilliantly inventive. There's not a single actual word or expression associated with the game but the nuance is stunning. Spiky conversations with his English producer friend as they drive to Ayres Rock, the sighting of a rotary clothes-line in the depths of the outback, confrontations with receptionists and waiters, a beer-drinking man at the bar of the Nambucca telling him "Dining room's closed mate. The chef's crook. Must have ate some of his own cooking" and a full tuckerbag more, are entertainingly, albeit rather hastily, delivered by the reader. --Running time 3 hours

-- Lyn Took

Interesting and witty, 11 Dec 2003
I found this book very entertaining and surprisingly informative. In contrast to 'Notes from a small island' which I thought was extremely dull and gave up on, I couldn't put this one down.

I have recommended this book to several friends and have no complaints!

A blantantly boring regurgetation of past Bryson books., 03 Dec 2000
Although interesting and insightful into some of the customs of Australian culture, it is as if Bryson is following a recipe book. The content is new and inviting, yet the formula ............ boring and predictable. Perfect to play before bed time if you are after a good nights sleep.

Interesting and witty, 11 Dec 2003
I found this book very entertaining and surprisingly informative. In contrast to 'Notes from a small island' which I thought was extremely dull and gave up on, I couldn't put this one down.

I have recommended this book to several friends and have no complaints!

A blantantly boring regurgetation of past Bryson books., 03 Dec 2000
Although interesting and insightful into some of the customs of Australian culture, it is as if Bryson is following a recipe book. The content is new and inviting, yet the formula ............ boring and predictable. Perfect to play before bed time if you are after a good nights sleep.

Simply Witchcraft, 03 Dec 2008
Wuthering Heights defies review and analysis; it is unlike any other book. It is much, much bigger than the sum of its parts and that is why those who love it discuss its effect in terms of an emotional impact on their lives; their hearts and souls. Those who hate it attempt to analyse its structure, plot, character and the quality of its narrative.

I first read Wuthering Heights at the age of 15 or 16 and it had an immediate and profound impact on me. As soon as I began to read, the words seemed to weave a spell that enchanted my soul; I have been haunted by it ever since. As a writer of fiction, I have tried to analyse what makes it such a powerful book and why so many people cite it as their favourite novel of all time. If only I could find the secret, I say, perhaps I could produce something as magnificent. How many authors must have had similar thoughts? What they wouldn't give to write a novel that possessed such power and beauty, even if, Like Emily Bronte, it is the only novel they ever write.

I consider myself to be a rational being, yet it is tempting to describe the affect of Wuthering Heights in terms of magic or witchcraft. Perhaps Emily did a deal with the devil or drew on some ancient power, buried deep in the Yorkshire Moors. How could someone so reserved and isolated, belonging to a world in which women were largely oppressed and subject to a thousand social rules and restrictions, produce something with such dark, sensual energy, breaking all the rules? Even Emily's sister, Charlotte, felt the need to tone it down and justify its existence.

Wuthering Heights has received much literary criticism since publication, and indeed it breaks many rules of `good' writing in terms of structure and narrative. The main characters have few redeeming features; in fact Heathcliff has been described by some as barely human (I don't agree); surely to root for him would be to root for the devil himself. There are many great books out there that are both powerful and beautifully constructed - Madam Bovary, Anna Karenina, The Unbearable Lightness of Being, to name but a few - they can be heavily analysed and deconstructed and still stand up in a way that Wuthering Heights can't. Yet, somehow, despite all of this Wuthering Heights has survived through the decades, the centuries, to enchant new generations of readers. It's almost as if Emily is still working her magic from somewhere beyond the grave.


Probably the best novel of all time, 22 Nov 2007
This book is pure genius. I read it again, and again, and always find something new to admire. It is everything a book should be. It has fantastic characters, wonderful plotting, a pacy, suspenseful story which keeps you turning the pages and is so dense that it throws up new treasures after every read.
This is the only work of Emily Bronte apart from a few poems and some juvenailia, and it is my regret that we will never know if she could have surpassed this great book with her next.
The story is well known, but in brief it is the story of Heathcliff, a foundling, who is brought to the home of Catherine Earnshaw one dark and horrible night by her father who has found him on one of his business trips and decides to rescue him. Catherine and Heathcliff form an unbreakable bond which sustains them through great misfortune and on into death, and is one of the most romantic love stories of all time.
Their love however, is also destructive and terrible. It plays out against the background of the louring moors and their terrible grandeur, which reinforces the natural, brutal cruelty of their feelings for each other and everyone else. Their love is sadistic and at times horrific and the more tragedy that is heaped upon them, the more strangled and terrible their expressions of love become.
The characters of Heathcliff and Catherine are at times utterly vile and repulsive and it is a strength of Bronte's writing that despite this you still will them to have their happy ending, and can't help sympathising with them.
The narrative is fantastically complex, with narrators within narrators and stories within stories, so that Bronte is able to give us a 360 degree view of the story and make the characters completely three dimensional, showing all their humanity, good and bad.
This is the one book I would make compulsory reading for everyone, everywhere.

A genius's masterpiece, 12 Apr 2007
This book is probably the one every writer at the back of their minds wants to write. I know I wish I did. When I first picked it up I thought it would be the typical Victorian romance; boy was I in for a shock! After a slow start it picked up. I remember I was incredibly shocked at the power of the novel & I still am. It is THE most passionate piece of literature ever in the English language maybe because it is so accurate about human emotions but at the same time it shows that human emotions can be uncontrollable/untameable. It seems so unbelievable yet you can't romanticize about the characters especially Heathcliff. The greatest scholars have great difficult analysing this book so I'm not going to start.
Only regret is that Emily didn't live to write any more great literature.

Great, but.., 25 Mar 2007
I wanted to find out what all the fuss was about Wuthering Heights and so I bought this cd set to listen to in the car as I have little time to read but drive alot (they don't mix!). The story has a lot of complexity especially at the start in terms of who's related to who but the language, structure & errie feel of this book make it a clear classic. One note however, this audio version is excellently voiced & produced and I give it 5 stars for that but I did not realise it was abridged. I don't know if I am happy or upset! Now I have something to look forward to again, the bits of the story I missed. And those times I struggled with the story line, was that because of the missing parts. This edition is 3 cds, there is an 11 cd unabridged version for sale on Amazon from the same publishers. This is a great cd set but if you are serious about reading this book & judging it yourself as a classic perhaps, then I think you must hear the full version as it was written.

The dark and brooding tale of Cathy & Heathcliff, 24 Mar 2007
What a great experience to finally reread this classic as an adult. Emily Bronte depicts a very gothic and depressing story of two star-crossed (but not terribly likeable) lovers, Cathy & Heathcliff, and the love between them that transcended the grave. Added to that a wonderful depiction of the dark English moors and the local characters with their strange dialects. This was also told in a very unusual style, like a tale within a tale within a tale, adding more layers and perspectives to the story.

How unfortunate that one's upbringing can so affect a person that their grief and bitterness turn what could have been a fine young man into such a hateful and vengeful person as Heathcliff became. And fortunate that Cathy's daughter and Hareton could overcome their dark upbringing to bring a happier light onto the dark moors of England.

I did not read this version of the book, but one including works of the other Bronte sisters, which did not have all the footnotes. I think I enjoyed that better as I wasn't constantly distracted by looking to the back for the notes and just allowed myself to become engrossed with the story. It's one book you have to read at least twice in your life -- of course in school as required reading and then again as an adult to add that perspective of age and experience in life so that one can more fully appreciate a such a classic tale

"Here's a fact for you. According to the latest "Abstract of the United States", every year more than 400,00 Americans suffer injuries involving beds, mattresses or pillows...That is more people than live in greater Coventry. That is almost 2,000 bed, mattress or pillow injuries a day. In the time it takes you to read this article, four Americans will somehow manage to be wounded by their bedding."

Fans of Bill Bryson will know by now that this is the kind of completely useless information that gets him excited. In fact, you are unlikely to read anyone else who derives quite so much pleasure from meaningless statistics. If those statistics are about the USA (Bryson's homeland) or his adopted England--or even better, comparing one to the other--then he is in heaven. And it is not only the uselessness of the information that interests him, but also the fact that Americans spend millions of dollars and hours each year collecting such data together.

Though not a match for his earlier success of Notes from a Small Island, Notes from a Big Country takes a good second place. It collects together more than 18 months worth of Mail on Sunday columns which Bryson wrote between October 1996 and May 1998 after he and his English wife and children returned to the US and settled in New England. The only thing that outshines his amazement--and sometimes, outright dismay--at the way American society has changed while he's been away, is his English-born family's instant embracing of transatlantic culture.

A word of warning: reading Bill Bryson is not a spectator sport...you are invited-- in fact, compelled--to marvel at how the nation that "has the largest economy, the most comfortably off people, the best research facilities, many of the finest universities and think-tanks, and more Nobel Prize winners than the rest of the world put together" could be the same nation where "13 per cent of women...cannot say whether they wear their tights under their knickers or over them. That's something like 12 million women walking around in a state of chronic foundation garment uncertainty." This is Bryson at his best, and though not every column inch hits the heady heights of underwear distribution, there are enough laugh-out-loud moments to keep you satisfied.

Detractors of Bryson's work complain all his books are the same, yet dedicated followers cite that very uniformity of style and subject as the reason they return, book after book. Anyone disappointed by A Walk in the Woods (Bryson's account of hiking the Appalachian Trail and not his best book) will have their faith restored by Notes from a Big Country-- here Bryson returns to his favourite subject and the simple, journalistic prose that makes his wacky facts and observations instantly accessible.

Bryson does not pretend to deliver an intellectual treatise on the state of mankind; instead he offers one man's take on how humanity lurches from one day to another--ironically through the kinds of details he mocks others for collecting. --Lucie Naylor

Interesting and witty, 11 Dec 2003
I found this book very entertaining and surprisingly informative. In contrast to 'Notes from a small island' which I thought was extremely dull and gave up on, I couldn't put this one down.

I have recommended this book to several friends and have no complaints!

A blantantly boring regurgetation of past Bryson books., 03 Dec 2000
Although interesting and insightful into some of the customs of Australian culture, it is as if Bryson is following a recipe book. The content is new and inviting, yet the formula ............ boring and predictable. Perfect to play before bed time if you are after a good nights sleep.

Simply Witchcraft, 03 Dec 2008
Wuthering Heights defies review and analysis; it is unlike any other book. It is much, much bigger than the sum of its parts and that is why those who love it discuss its effect in terms of an emotional impact on their lives; their hearts and souls. Those who hate it attempt to analyse its structure, plot, character and the quality of its narrative.

I first read Wuthering Heights at the age of 15 or 16 and it had an immediate and profound impact on me. As soon as I began to read, the words seemed to weave a spell that enchanted my soul; I have been haunted by it ever since. As a writer of fiction, I have tried to analyse what makes it such a powerful book and why so many people cite it as their favourite novel of all time. If only I could find the secret, I say, perhaps I could produce something as magnificent. How many authors must have had similar thoughts? What they wouldn't give to write a novel that possessed such power and beauty, even if, Like Emily Bronte, it is the only novel they ever write.

I consider myself to be a rational being, yet it is tempting to describe the affect of Wuthering Heights in terms of magic or witchcraft. Perhaps Emily did a deal with the devil or drew on some ancient power, buried deep in the Yorkshire Moors. How could someone so reserved and isolated, belonging to a world in which women were largely oppressed and subject to a thousand social rules and restrictions, produce something with such dark, sensual energy, breaking all the rules? Even Emily's sister, Charlotte, felt the need to tone it down and justify its existence.

Wuthering Heights has received much literary criticism since publication, and indeed it breaks many rules of `good' writing in terms of structure and narrative. The main characters have few redeeming features; in fact Heathcliff has been described by some as barely human (I don't agree); surely to root for him would be to root for the devil himself. There are many great books out there that are both powerful and beautifully constructed - Madam Bovary, Anna Karenina, The Unbearable Lightness of Being, to name but a few - they can be heavily analysed and deconstructed and still stand up in a way that Wuthering Heights can't. Yet, somehow, despite all of this Wuthering Heights has survived through the decades, the centuries, to enchant new generations of readers. It's almost as if Emily is still working her magic from somewhere beyond the grave.


Probably the best novel of all time, 22 Nov 2007
This book is pure genius. I read it again, and again, and always find something new to admire. It is everything a book should be. It has fantastic characters, wonderful plotting, a pacy, suspenseful story which keeps you turning the pages and is so dense that it throws up new treasures after every read.
This is the only work of Emily Bronte apart from a few poems and some juvenailia, and it is my regret that we will never know if she could have surpassed this great book with her next.
The story is well known, but in brief it is the story of Heathcliff, a foundling, who is brought to the home of Catherine Earnshaw one dark and horrible night by her father who has found him on one of his business trips and decides to rescue him. Catherine and Heathcliff form an unbreakable bond which sustains them through great misfortune and on into death, and is one of the most romantic love stories of all time.
Their love however, is also destructive and terrible. It plays out against the background of the louring moors and their terrible grandeur, which reinforces the natural, brutal cruelty of their feelings for each other and everyone else. Their love is sadistic and at times horrific and the more tragedy that is heaped upon them, the more strangled and terrible their expressions of love become.
The characters of Heathcliff and Catherine are at times utterly vile and repulsive and it is a strength of Bronte's writing that despite this you still will them to have their happy ending, and can't help sympathising with them.
The narrative is fantastically complex, with narrators within narrators and stories within stories, so that Bronte is able to give us a 360 degree view of the story and make the characters completely three dimensional, showing all their humanity, good and bad.
This is the one book I would make compulsory reading for everyone, everywhere.

A genius's masterpiece, 12 Apr 2007
This book is probably the one every writer at the back of their minds wants to write. I know I wish I did. When I first picked it up I thought it would be the typical Victorian romance; boy was I in for a shock! After a slow start it picked up. I remember I was incredibly shocked at the power of the novel & I still am. It is THE most passionate piece of literature ever in the English language maybe because it is so accurate about human emotions but at the same time it shows that human emotions can be uncontrollable/untameable. It seems so unbelievable yet you can't romanticize about the characters especially Heathcliff. The greatest scholars have great difficult analysing this book so I'm not going to start.
Only regret is that Emily didn't live to write any more great literature.

Great, but.., 25 Mar 2007
I wanted to find out what all the fuss was about Wuthering Heights and so I bought this cd set to listen to in the car as I have little time to read but drive alot (they don't mix!). The story has a lot of complexity especially at the start in terms of who's related to who but the language, structure & errie feel of this book make it a clear classic. One note however, this audio version is excellently voiced & produced and I give it 5 stars for that but I did not realise it was abridged. I don't know if I am happy or upset! Now I have something to look forward to again, the bits of the story I missed. And those times I struggled with the story line, was that because of the missing parts. This edition is 3 cds, there is an 11 cd unabridged version for sale on Amazon from the same publishers. This is a great cd set but if you are serious about reading this book & judging it yourself as a classic perhaps, then I think you must hear the full version as it was written.

The dark and brooding tale of Cathy & Heathcliff, 24 Mar 2007
What a great experience to finally reread this classic as an adult. Emily Bronte depicts a very gothic and depressing story of two star-crossed (but not terribly likeable) lovers, Cathy & Heathcliff, and the love between them that transcended the grave. Added to that a wonderful depiction of the dark English moors and the local characters with their strange dialects. This was also told in a very unusual style, like a tale within a tale within a tale, adding more layers and perspectives to the story.

How unfortunate that one's upbringing can so affect a person that their grief and bitterness turn what could have been a fine young man into such a hateful and vengeful person as Heathcliff became. And fortunate that Cathy's daughter and Hareton could overcome their dark upbringing to bring a happier light onto the dark moors of England.

I did not read this version of the book, but one including works of the other Bronte sisters, which did not have all the footnotes. I think I enjoyed that better as I wasn't constantly distracted by looking to the back for the notes and just allowed myself to become engrossed with the story. It's one book you have to read at least twice in your life -- of course in school as required reading and then again as an adult to add that perspective of age and experience in life so that one can more fully appreciate a such a classic tale

Just Excellent, 04 Jan 2009
This is simply a fantastic book, very humourous. It is split into very short chapters which are on a particular subject eg thanksgiving, the mysteries of christmas, junk food heaven. The author explains how Americans think about loads of different subjects which is quite enlightening. You may think because we share a language they are the same but from the descriptions in this book they are definitely not.

The book is written in an extremely easy way to read and I read it in a few days. I love America, well Orlando to be exact as the book clearly illustrates each state is quite unique.

Very entertaining and I can definitely recommend it.

Sheer brilliance, 20 Jun 2008
This is guaranteed to put a smile on virtually anyone's face.

Bryson's dry humour & witty observations of life's absurdity coupled with Kerry Shale's excellent delivery make this an easy winner.

The basic material is also very interesting so a wining combination all round.

I had this in the car & found myself sitting listening to it long after I had arrived at my destination - it's that good!

One of our fave honorary Brits goes home for a bit ..., 14 Apr 2008
Another tome of brilliantly sparkling gems from Bill Bryson. What I found funniest was that his wife and family, all born and raised in England, appeared to find American life like being let loose in a toyshop - reveling in becoming optimistic Americans. Whereas our Bill has absorbed so much Britishness in his twenty years here he has become an honorary Brit! This makes his exasperation with queuing, bad shop assistants, and bureaucracy of the US kind even funnier than ever. In some of the columns he tries to be more positive and these, as he admits, are the more sentimental. Would that each of the pieces were double the length though - I got through the pages just too fast.

Great read!, 01 Oct 2007
This title was chosen by my book club as this month's title & I was dreading reading it, as my previous encounter with Mr Bryson was 'A Short History of Nearly Everything' which I hated. I was really surprised how much I enjoyed this book. It has many laugh out loud moments like Bill's hatred of the barbers & love of motels & the US Postal Services' Customer Day. The 4 page chapters are ideal as he get's to cover a wide range of topics. From reading this I will definitely try some of Bryson's other titles. A great read.

A very funny, very clever, very snappy read., 09 Aug 2007
Bill Bryson has a somewhat unique point of view for writing a book on American life, born in America but living a long time in England before returning to America with his English wife and children. The result was a regular series of newspaper articles (unsure what newspaper) which are collected together here.
The articles are observant, witty, and wonderfully funny. Bryson is so normal and easy to relate to that the articles are infectiously funny, his strange obsessions and neuroses are not only hilarious but also quite sweet and infinitely endearing. His unique take on American life is what really drives the book since there's no continuous narrative of any kind due to the episodic structure.
I can't really describe the book in any particular detail except to say that this is something very funny that more than once an article is guaranteed to cripple you with laughter. You should really give this a try, you won't regret it.

Bill Bryson has made a living out of travelling and then writing about it. In The Lost Continent he re-created the road trips of his childhood; in Neither Here nor There he retraced the route he followed as a young backpacker traversing Europe. When this American transplant to Britain decided to return home, he made a farewell walking tour of the British countryside and produced Notes from a Small Island. Once back on American soil and safely settled in New Hampshire, Bryson once again hears the siren call of the open road--only this time it's a trail. The Appalachian Trail, to be exact. In A Walk in the Woods Bill Bryson tackles what is, for him, an entirely new subject: the American wilderness. Accompanied only by his old college friend Stephen Katz, Bryson starts out one March morning in north Georgia, intending to walk the entire 2,100 miles to the trail's end atop Maine's Mount Katahdin.

If nothing else, A Walk in the Woods is proof positive that the journey is the destination. As Bryson and Katz haul their out-of-shape, middle-aged bodies over hill and dale, the reader is treated to both a very funny personal memoir and a delightful chronicle of the trail, the people who created it, and the places it passes through. Whether you plan to make a trip like this one yourself one day or only care to read about it, A Walk in the Woods is a great way to spend an afternoon. --Alix Wilber

Interesting and witty, 11 Dec 2003
I found this book very entertaining and surprisingly informative. In contrast to 'Notes from a small island' which I thought was extremely dull and gave up on, I couldn't put this one down.

I have recommended this book to several friends and have no complaints!

A blantantly boring regurgetation of past Bryson books., 03 Dec 2000
Although interesting and insightful into some of the customs of Australian culture, it is as if Bryson is following a recipe book. The content is new and inviting, yet the formula ............ boring and predictable. Perfect to play before bed time if you are after a good nights sleep.

Simply Witchcraft, 03 Dec 2008
Wuthering Heights defies review and analysis; it is unlike any other book. It is much, much bigger than the sum of its parts and that is why those who love it discuss its effect in terms of an emotional impact on their lives; their hearts and souls. Those who hate it attempt to analyse its structure, plot, character and the quality of its narrative.

I first read Wuthering Heights at the age of 15 or 16 and it had an immediate and profound impact on me. As soon as I began to read, the words seemed to weave a spell that enchanted my soul; I have been haunted by it ever since. As a writer of fiction, I have tried to analyse what makes it such a powerful book and why so many people cite it as their favourite novel of all time. If only I could find the secret, I say, perhaps I could produce something as magnificent. How many authors must have had similar thoughts? What they wouldn't give to write a novel that possessed such power and beauty, even if, Like Emily Bronte, it is the only novel they ever write.

I consider myself to be a rational being, yet it is tempting to describe the affect of Wuthering Heights in terms of magic or witchcraft. Perhaps Emily did a deal with the devil or drew on some ancient power, buried deep in the Yorkshire Moors. How could someone so reserved and isolated, belonging to a world in which women were largely oppressed and subject to a thousand social rules and restrictions, produce something with such dark, sensual energy, breaking all the rules? Even Emily's sister, Charlotte, felt the need to tone it down and justify its existence.

Wuthering Heights has received much literary criticism since publication, and indeed it breaks many rules of `good' writing in terms of structure and narrative. The main characters have few redeeming features; in fact Heathcliff has been described by some as barely human (I don't agree); surely to root for him would be to root for the devil himself. There are many great books out there that are both powerful and beautifully constructed - Madam Bovary, Anna Karenina, The Unbearable Lightness of Being, to name but a few - they can be heavily analysed and deconstructed and still stand up in a way that Wuthering Heights can't. Yet, somehow, despite all of this Wuthering Heights has survived through the decades, the centuries, to enchant new generations of readers. It's almost as if Emily is still working her magic from somewhere beyond the grave.


Probably the best novel of all time, 22 Nov 2007
This book is pure genius. I read it again, and again, and always find something new to admire. It is everything a book should be. It has fantastic characters, wonderful plotting, a pacy, suspenseful story which keeps you turning the pages and is so dense that it throws up new treasures after every read.
This is the only work of Emily Bronte apart from a few poems and some juvenailia, and it is my regret that we will never know if she could have surpassed this great book with her next.
The story is well known, but in brief it is the story of Heathcliff, a foundling, who is brought to the home of Catherine Earnshaw one dark and horrible night by her father who has found him on one of his business trips and decides to rescue him. Catherine and Heathcliff form an unbreakable bond which sustains them through great misfortune and on into death, and is one of the most romantic love stories of all time.
Their love however, is also destructive and terrible. It plays out against the background of the louring moors and their terrible grandeur, which reinforces the natural, brutal cruelty of their feelings for each other and everyone else. Their love is sadistic and at times horrific and the more tragedy that is heaped upon them, the more strangled and terrible their expressions of love become.
The characters of Heathcliff and Catherine are at times utterly vile and repulsive and it is a strength of Bronte's writing that despite this you still will them to have their happy ending, and can't help sympathising with them.
The narrative is fantastically complex, with narrators within narrators and stories within stories, so that Bronte is able to give us a 360 degree view of the story and make the characters completely three dimensional, showing all their humanity, good and bad.
This is the one book I would make compulsory reading for everyone, everywhere.

A genius's masterpiece, 12 Apr 2007
This book is probably the one every writer at the back of their minds wants to write. I know I wish I did. When I first picked it up I thought it would be the typical Victorian romance; boy was I in for a shock! After a slow start it picked up. I remember I was incredibly shocked at the power of the novel & I still am. It is THE most passionate piece of literature ever in the English language maybe because it is so accurate about human emotions but at the same time it shows that human emotions can be uncontrollable/untameable. It seems so unbelievable yet you can't romanticize about the characters especially Heathcliff. The greatest scholars have great difficult analysing this book so I'm not going to start.
Only regret is that Emily didn't live to write any more great literature.

Great, but.., 25 Mar 2007
I wanted to find out what all the fuss was about Wuthering Heights and so I bought this cd set to listen to in the car as I have little time to read but drive alot (they don't mix!). The story has a lot of complexity especially at the start in terms of who's related to who but the language, structure & errie feel of this book make it a clear classic. One note however, this audio version is excellently voiced & produced and I give it 5 stars for that but I did not realise it was abridged. I don't know if I am happy or upset! Now I have something to look forward to again, the bits of the story I missed. And those times I struggled with the story line, was that because of the missing parts. This edition is 3 cds, there is an 11 cd unabridged version for sale on Amazon from the same publishers. This is a great cd set but if you are serious about reading this book & judging it yourself as a classic perhaps, then I think you must hear the full version as it was written.

The dark and brooding tale of Cathy & Heathcliff, 24 Mar 2007
What a great experience to finally reread this classic as an adult. Emily Bronte depicts a very gothic and depressing story of two star-crossed (but not terribly likeable) lovers, Cathy & Heathcliff, and the love between them that transcended the grave. Added to that a wonderful depiction of the dark English moors and the local characters with their strange dialects. This was also told in a very unusual style, like a tale within a tale within a tale, adding more layers and perspectives to the story.

How unfortunate that one's upbringing can so affect a person that their grief and bitterness turn what could have been a fine young man into such a hateful and vengeful person as Heathcliff became. And fortunate that Cathy's daughter and Hareton could overcome their dark upbringing to bring a happier light onto the dark moors of England.

I did not read this version of the book, but one including works of the other Bronte sisters, which did not have all the footnotes. I think I enjoyed that better as I wasn't constantly distracted by looking to the back for the notes and just allowed myself to become engrossed with the story. It's one book you have to read at least twice in your life -- of course in school as required reading and then again as an adult to add that perspective of age and experience in life so that one can more fully appreciate a such a classic tale

Just Excellent, 04 Jan 2009
This is simply a fantastic book, very humourous. It is split into very short chapters which are on a particular subject eg thanksgiving, the mysteries of christmas, junk food heaven. The author explains how Americans think about loads of different subjects which is quite enlightening. You may think because we share a language they are the same but from the descriptions in this book they are definitely not.

The book is written in an extremely easy way to read and I read it in a few days. I love America, well Orlando to be exact as the book clearly illustrates each state is quite unique.

Very entertaining and I can definitely recommend it.

Sheer brilliance, 20 Jun 2008
This is guaranteed to put a smile on virtually anyone's face.

Bryson's dry humour & witty observations of life's absurdity coupled with Kerry Shale's excellent delivery make this an easy winner.

The basic material is also very interesting so a wining combination all round.

I had this in the car & found myself sitting listening to it long after I had arrived at my destination - it's that good!

One of our fave honorary Brits goes home for a bit ..., 14 Apr 2008
Another tome of brilliantly sparkling gems from Bill Bryson. What I found funniest was that his wife and family, all born and raised in England, appeared to find American life like being let loose in a toyshop - reveling in becoming optimistic Americans. Whereas our Bill has absorbed so much Britishness in his twenty years here he has become an honorary Brit! This makes his exasperation with queuing, bad shop assistants, and bureaucracy of the US kind even funnier than ever. In some of the columns he tries to be more positive and these, as he admits, are the more sentimental. Would that each of the pieces were double the length though - I got through the pages just too fast.

Great read!, 01 Oct 2007
This title was chosen by my book club as this month's title & I was dreading reading it, as my previous encounter with Mr Bryson was 'A Short History of Nearly Everything' which I hated. I was really surprised how much I enjoyed this book. It has many laugh out loud moments like Bill's hatred of the barbers & love of motels & the US Postal Services' Customer Day. The 4 page chapters are ideal as he get's to cover a wide range of topics. From reading this I will definitely try some of Bryson's other titles. A great read.

A very funny, very clever, very snappy read., 09 Aug 2007
Bill Bryson has a somewhat unique point of view for writing a book on American life, born in America but living a long time in England before returning to America with his English wife and children. The result was a regular series of newspaper articles (unsure what newspaper) which are collected together here.
The articles are observant, witty, and wonderfully funny. Bryson is so normal and easy to relate to that the articles are infectiously funny, his strange obsessions and neuroses are not only hilarious but also quite sweet and infinitely endearing. His unique take on American life is what really drives the book since there's no continuous narrative of any kind due to the episodic structure.
I can't really describe the book in any particular detail except to say that this is something very funny that more than once an article is guaranteed to cripple you with laughter. You should really give this a try, you won't regret it.

Long distance humour, 27 Nov 2008
A Walk in The Woods was an adventure in itself for me. I have previously walked long distance trails in England and sat gobsmacked as I read how long the AT was and that Bryson was going to walk it without any real training. But I'm so pleased that he did.
He takes his mate along with him, who at first you wish Bryson would shove over a cliff, safe in the knowledge that he could blame a deliverance style event but gradually we learn to love Steven and marvel at his endurance. Bill is clearly much fitter and much kinder but they make for a great team - take him somewhere else with you.
The journey explores not only the trail and their own experience of hardship but the recognition of the things that we all take for granted, 'a dew soaked, ice cold can of coke,' for example and the folks they meet on the way like the woman from Florida. We also look at, with Bill and Steven the dangers both real and imagined of walking out in the back country of America for America remains wild - only 2% of it 'built up.' Can you believe that.
Do yourselves a favour and read A Walk in The Woods.

Moose and Bears and Hikers, Oh My!, 19 Aug 2008
Never start reading a Bill Bryson book in a public place. This is the mistake I made with A Walk in the Woods, and I found myself giggling embarrassingly. Starting with the selection of equipment, and then the preparation for the journey by reading several terror-inducing stories of bear attacks, Bill Bryson continually amuses, educates and entertains.

Bryson sets off on one of the most physically and psychologically demanding tests of stamina that he could attempt: a hike along the Appalachian Trail. With his long-suffering friend Katz in tow, he encounters brutal weather, crazy hikers, price-gouging hostels, and random acts of kindness that make the whole thing worthwhile. I was especially touched to read about people who come to the AT specifically to leave things like snacks and books for the hikers.

Given that I am not in any kind of shape to attempt even a day hike on the AT, I enjoyed living vicariously through Bill Bryson's experiences. The vistas he got to view sounded amazing, and I could almost taste the wonderful, satisfying meals enjoyed when he was able to reach "home cooking" after many days on the Trail. In addition, his turns of phrase had me laughing out loud over and over again. The first Bryson book I've ever read, but definitely not the last.

What a fantastic read!, 21 Apr 2008
I'm not a big reader and had never before read a Bill Bryson book but was bought this for Christmas by my parents. I took it with me on holiday as essential beach reading and as soon as I started it, found it VERY hard to put down.

Bryson's writing style is easy to read and extremely entertaining whilest being factual and informative.

I have now started to read his 'Down Under' book and am quick becoming a big Bill Bryson fan!

Nice, enjoyable, fairly light, 24 Mar 2008
Not as many laughs out loud as some of his others, but an enjoyable read nonetheless.

MORE OF A MARATHON - ENJOY!, 28 Dec 2007
Bill Bryson takes us on a marathon trek on the highways and byways of the Appalacian Trail with his out of condition middle aged body and that of Katz his physically challenged friend. Luckily for them and us, they didn`t have the slightest idea of what they were in for before they set out - meeting interesting characters on the way and having several out of the body experiences. Bill manages to keep our interest to the end in a thoroughly entertaining read which moves much faster than the aching bodies of the two protagonists!

Mick Drake author of the the comic novel All`s Well at Wellwithoute

Interesting and witty, 11 Dec 2003
I found this book very entertaining and surprisingly informative. In contrast to 'Notes from a small island' which I thought was extremely dull and gave up on, I couldn't put this one down.

I have recommended this book to several friends and have no complaints!

A blantantly boring regurgetation of past Bryson books., 03 Dec 2000
Although interesting and insightful into some of the customs of Australian culture, it is as if Bryson is following a recipe book. The content is new and inviting, yet the formula ............ boring and predictable. Perfect to play before bed time if you are after a good nights sleep.

Simply Witchcraft, 03 Dec 2008
Wuthering Heights defies review and analysis; it is unlike any other book. It is much, much bigger than the sum of its parts and that is why those who love it discuss its effect in terms of an emotional impact on their lives; their hearts and souls. Those who hate it attempt to analyse its structure, plot, character and the quality of its narrative.

I first read Wuthering Heights at the age of 15 or 16 and it had an immediate and profound impact on me. As soon as I began to read, the words seemed to weave a spell that enchanted my soul; I have been haunted by it ever since. As a writer of fiction, I have tried to analyse what makes it such a powerful book and why so many people cite it as their favourite novel of all time. If only I could find the secret, I say, perhaps I could produce something as magnificent. How many authors must have had similar thoughts? What they wouldn't give to write a novel that possessed such power and beauty, even if, Like Emily Bronte, it is the only novel they ever write.

I consider myself to be a rational being, yet it is tempting to describe the affect of Wuthering Heights in terms of magic or witchcraft. Perhaps Emily did a deal with the devil or drew on some ancient power, buried deep in the Yorkshire Moors. How could someone so reserved and isolated, belonging to a world in which women were largely oppressed and subject to a thousand social rules and restrictions, produce something with such dark, sensual energy, breaking all the rules? Even Emily's sister, Charlotte, felt the need to tone it down and justify its existence.

Wuthering Heights has received much literary criticism since publication, and indeed it breaks many rules of `good' writing in terms of structure and narrative. The main characters have few redeeming features; in fact Heathcliff has been described by some as barely human (I don't agree); surely to root for him would be to root for the devil himself. There are many great books out there that are both powerful and beautifully constructed - Madam Bovary, Anna Karenina, The Unbearable Lightness of Being, to name but a few - they can be heavily analysed and deconstructed and still stand up in a way that Wuthering Heights can't. Yet, somehow, despite all of this Wuthering Heights has survived through the decades, the centuries, to enchant new generations of readers. It's almost as if Emily is still working her magic from somewhere beyond the grave.


Probably the best novel of all time, 22 Nov 2007
This book is pure genius. I read it again, and again, and always find something new to admire. It is everything a book should be. It has fantastic characters, wonderful plotting, a pacy, suspenseful story which keeps you turning the pages and is so dense that it throws up new treasures after every read.
This is the only work of Emily Bronte apart from a few poems and some juvenailia, and it is my regret that we will never know if she could have surpassed this great book with her next.
The story is well known, but in brief it is the story of Heathcliff, a foundling, who is brought to the home of Catherine Earnshaw one dark and horrible night by her father who has found him on one of his business trips and decides to rescue him. Catherine and Heathcliff form an unbreakable bond which sustains them through great misfortune and on into death, and is one of the most romantic love stories of all time.
Their love however, is also destructive and terrible. It plays out against the background of the louring moors and their terrible grandeur, which reinforces the natural, brutal cruelty of their feelings for each other and everyone else. Their love is sadistic and at times horrific and the more tragedy that is heaped upon them, the more strangled and terrible their expressions of love become.
The characters of Heathcliff and Catherine are at times utterly vile and repulsive and it is a strength of Bronte's writing that despite this you still will them to have their happy ending, and can't help sympathising with them.
The narrative is fantastically complex, with narrators within narrators and stories within stories, so that Bronte is able to give us a 360 degree view of the story and make the characters completely three dimensional, showing all their humanity, good and bad.
This is the one book I would make compulsory reading for everyone, everywhere.

A genius's masterpiece, 12 Apr 2007
This book is probably the one every writer at the back of their minds wants to write. I know I wish I did. When I first picked it up I thought it would be the typical Victorian romance; boy was I in for a shock! After a slow start it picked up. I remember I was incredibly shocked at the power of the novel & I still am. It is THE most passionate piece of literature ever in the English language maybe because it is so accurate about human emotions but at the same time it shows that human emotions can be uncontrollable/untameable. It seems so unbelievable yet you can't romanticize about the characters especially Heathcliff. The greatest scholars have great difficult analysing this book so I'm not going to start.
Only regret is that Emily didn't live to write any more great literature.

Great, but.., 25 Mar 2007
I wanted to find out what all the fuss was about Wuthering Heights and so I bought this cd set to listen to in the car as I have little time to read but drive alot (they don't mix!). The story has a lot of complexity especially at the start in terms of who's related to who but the language, structure & errie feel of this book make it a clear classic. One note however, this audio version is excellently voiced & produced and I give it 5 stars for that but I did not realise it was abridged. I don't know if I am happy or upset! Now I have something to look forward to again, the bits of the story I missed. And those times I struggled with the story line, was that because of the missing parts. This edition is 3 cds, there is an 11 cd unabridged version for sale on Amazon from the same publishers. This is a great cd set but if you are serious about reading this book & judging it yourself as a classic perhaps, then I think you must hear the full version as it was written.

The dark and brooding tale of Cathy & Heathcliff, 24 Mar 2007
What a great experience to finally reread this classic as an adult. Emily Bronte depicts a very gothic and depressing story of two star-crossed (but not terribly likeable) lovers, Cathy & Heathcliff, and the love between them that transcended the grave. Added to that a wonderful depiction of the dark English moors and the local characters with their strange dialects. This was also told in a very unusual style, like a tale within a tale within a tale, adding more layers and perspectives to the story.

How unfortunate that one's upbringing can so affect a person that their grief and bitterness turn what could have been a fine young man into such a hateful and vengeful person as Heathcliff became. And fortunate that Cathy's daughter and Hareton could overcome their dark upbringing to bring a happier light onto the dark moors of England.

I did not read this version of the book, but one including works of the other Bronte sisters, which did not have all the footnotes. I think I enjoyed that better as I wasn't constantly distracted by looking to the back for the notes and just allowed myself to become engrossed with the story. It's one book you have to read at least twice in your life -- of course in school as required reading and then again as an adult to add that perspective of age and experience in life so that one can more fully appreciate a such a classic tale

Just Excellent, 04 Jan 2009
This is simply a fantastic book, very humourous. It is split into very short chapters which are on a particular subject eg thanksgiving, the mysteries of christmas, junk food heaven. The author explains how Americans think about loads of different subjects which is quite enlightening. You may think because we share a language they are the same but from the descriptions in this book they are definitely not.

The book is written in an extremely easy way to read and I read it in a few days. I love America, well Orlando to be exact as the book clearly illustrates each state is quite unique.

Very entertaining and I can definitely recommend it.

Sheer brilliance, 20 Jun 2008
This is guaranteed to put a smile on virtually anyone's face.

Bryson's dry humour & witty observations of life's absurdity coupled with Kerry Shale's excellent delivery make this an easy winner.

The basic material is also very interesting so a wining combination all round.

I had this in the car & found myself sitting listening to it long after I had arrived at my destination - it's that good!

One of our fave honorary Brits goes home for a bit ..., 14 Apr 2008
Another tome of brilliantly sparkling gems from Bill Bryson. What I found funniest was that his wife and family, all born and raised in England, appeared to find American life like being let loose in a toyshop - reveling in becoming optimistic Americans. Whereas our Bill has absorbed so much Britishness in his twenty years here he has become an honorary Brit! This makes his exasperation with queuing, bad shop assistants, and bureaucracy of the US kind even funnier than ever. In some of the columns he tries to be more positive and these, as he admits, are the more sentimental. Would that each of the pieces were double the length though - I got through the pages just too fast.

Great read!, 01 Oct 2007
This title was chosen by my book club as this month's title & I was dreading reading it, as my previous encounter with Mr Bryson was 'A Short History of Nearly Everything' which I hated. I was really surprised how much I enjoyed this book. It has many laugh out loud moments like Bill's hatred of the barbers & love of motels & the US Postal Services' Customer Day. The 4 page chapters are ideal as he get's to cover a wide range of topics. From reading this I will definitely try some of Bryson's other titles. A great read.

A very funny, very clever, very snappy read., 09 Aug 2007
Bill Bryson has a somewhat unique point of view for writing a book on American life, born in America but living a long time in England before returning to America with his English wife and children. The result was a regular series of newspaper articles (unsure what newspaper) which are collected together here.
The articles are observant, witty, and wonderfully funny. Bryson is so normal and easy to relate to that the articles are infectiously funny, his strange obsessions and neuroses are not only hilarious but also quite sweet and infinitely endearing. His unique take on American life is what really drives the book since there's no continuous narrative of any kind due to the episodic structure.
I can't really describe the book in any particular detail except to say that this is something very funny that more than once an article is guaranteed to cripple you with laughter. You should really give this a try, you won't regret it.

Long distance humour, 27 Nov 2008
A Walk in The Woods was an adventure in itself for me. I have previously walked long distance trails in England and sat gobsmacked as I read how long the AT was and that Bryson was going to walk it without any real training. But I'm so pleased that he did.
He takes his mate along with him, who at first you wish Bryson would shove over a cliff, safe in the knowledge that he could blame a deliverance style event but gradually we learn to love Steven and marvel at his endurance. Bill is clearly much fitter and much kinder but they make for a great team - take him somewhere else with you.
The journey explores not only the trail and their own experience of hardship but the recognition of the things that we all take for granted, 'a dew soaked, ice cold can of coke,' for example and the folks they meet on the way like the woman from Florida. We also look at, with Bill and Steven the dangers both real and imagined of walking out in the back country of America for America remains wild - only 2% of it 'built up.' Can you believe that.
Do yourselves a favour and read A Walk in The Woods.

Moose and Bears and Hikers, Oh My!, 19 Aug 2008
Never start reading a Bill Bryson book in a public place. This is the mistake I made with A Walk in the Woods, and I found myself giggling embarrassingly. Starting with the selection of equipment, and then the preparation for the journey by reading several terror-inducing stories of bear attacks, Bill Bryson continually amuses, educates and entertains.

Bryson sets off on one of the most physically and psychologically demanding tests of stamina that he could attempt: a hike along the Appalachian Trail. With his long-suffering friend Katz in tow, he encounters brutal weather, crazy hikers, price-gouging hostels, and random acts of kindness that make the whole thing worthwhile. I was especially touched to read about people who come to the AT specifically to leave things like snacks and books for the hikers.

Given that I am not in any kind of shape to attempt even a day hike on the AT, I enjoyed living vicariously through Bill Bryson's experiences. The vistas he got to view sounded amazing, and I could almost taste the wonderful, satisfying meals enjoyed when he was able to reach "home cooking" after many days on the Trail. In addition, his turns of phrase had me laughing out loud over and over again. The first Bryson book I've ever read, but definitely not the last.

What a fantastic read!, 21 Apr 2008
I'm not a big reader and had never before read a Bill Bryson book but was bought this for Christmas by my parents. I took it with me on holiday as essential beach reading and as soon as I started it, found it VERY hard to put down.

Bryson's writing style is easy to read and extremely entertaining whilest being factual and informative.

I have now started to read his 'Down Under' book and am quick becoming a big Bill Bryson fan!

Nice, enjoyable, fairly light, 24 Mar 2008
Not as many laughs out loud as some of his others, but an enjoyable read nonetheless.

MORE OF A MARATHON - ENJOY!, 28 Dec 2007
Bill Bryson takes us on a marathon trek on the highways and byways of the Appalacian Trail with his out of condition middle aged body and that of Katz his physically challenged friend. Luckily for them and us, they didn`t have the slightest idea of what they were in for before they set out - meeting interesting characters on the way and having several out of the body experiences. Bill manages to keep our interest to the end in a thoroughly entertaining read which moves much faster than the aching bodies of the two protagonists!

Mick Drake author of the the comic novel All`s Well at Wellwithoute

diappointing, 01 Nov 2008
I have always loved Loius de Berniers` books, as witty, human, original, serious and funny at the same time, in short wonderful to read. But, alas, at last he seems to have reached what one politely calls midlife crisis and all his imagination seems to have slipped down to where this crisis normally takes place. We have to listen - just as the male character of the book - to endless gory and rather boring tales of Roza`s, a yugoslav former prostitute's, mostly sexual adventures, while the fortiish (not really so old) Chris gets more and more aroused and horny about her. The two like each other and love each other a bit, but the man, Chris, is so repressed that nothing happens except at the end where he gets stone drunk and spoils it all. One cannot really sympathize with either character.
Please, wonderful Louis de Berniers, keep writing your great stories and don't get into the cliché trap of middle aged men's single mindedness.

Definetly worth a read..., 15 Aug 2008
I think the way the story is written is done very well and the book is worth reading. Gets you hooked near the end and a sign of a good book is when you get an emmotional attachment and this is what it does. You get into the characters and can picture the scenes vivdly. short review i know but you get the jist, just buy it !

Who said hackneyed claptrap cruising on his famous name? ..., 11 Aug 2008
... because whoever it was, you had it right on the money. Louis de Berniers is a fabulously gifted writer, but he just wasn't trying for this dreadful effort.

No story or plot in itself, one would hope for a richness of character, but there is none, just a couple of one dimensional stereotypes and a load of wikipedia factoids about Tito's Yugoslavia and sleazy soho nightclubs. The scene setting - harking back to the bad old days of seventies Britian by linking in to news stories of the day - is terribly corny.

It gets one star simply because Amazon won't let me give it less. Come on Louis, I know the editors get on your back for output, but this crap really is devaluing your other excellent work by association.

Simple slice, 28 May 2008
Louis De Bernieres has carved out a complex story using really only two main characters who flash back using their own narration to their own contrasting lives. To me, though, it did not seem like a "proper novel" just like a one person play is more of a "performance" than a play. As the narrators by their own admission were making up some of their narration it left me feeling as if the read was all for nothing. Having said that, there were some powerful, moving and dramatic narrated scenes so I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the plight of immigrant young people in London, the 70s/80s and the selfishness/thoughtlessness of passive unhappily married middle-aged men.

The power of a good story, 26 May 2008
Chris, is a travelling salesman aged 40 in an unhappy marriage when he meets Roza, a young woman from Yugoslavia, in Archway, North London. She is standing at the side of the road when he approaches her believing her to be a prostitute, although, as he makes clear, he is not a man who has ever approached a prostitute before.

The year is 1979, Mrs Thatcher is about to take power in England and Marshall Tito will soon die in Yugoslavia. The tragic fragmentation of Yugoslavia is still some way off.

The story is told in the first person by the two characters - Chris and Roza, and in retrospect by the older Chris.

Chris becomes fascinated by Roza. She invites him to visit her as a friend and he comes back several times, in love and in lust as she tells him the events of her life since she was a little girl, the proud daughter of a second world-war partisan fighter.

There is a marked contrast between the passionate and open Roza and the anaemic, closed-down Chris; the vitality and violence of her life compared to the sheltered docility of the life that he has led. Over time and over coffee in the basement of a run-down house where nobody goes by their real name, his repressed lust turns to fascination and then love as he listens to the stories from her life. She at last has found someone who will listen to an account of the heights of joy along with the depths of degradation and humiliation she has experienced. They both work through the mistakes made and wrong paths taken before ending up here.

The painful embarrassment and sad misunderstanding of the ending when Chris the repressed Englishman gets drunk and expresses his feelings at last, leave a strong sense of loss that remains with the reader long after the last word has been read.

Interesting and witty, 11 Dec 2003
I found this book very entertaining and surprisingly informative. In contrast to 'Notes from a small island' which I thought was extremely dull and gave up on, I couldn't put this one down.

I have recommended this book to several friends and have no complaints!

A blantantly boring regurgetation of past Bryson books., 03 Dec 2000
Although interesting and insightful into some of the customs of Australian culture, it is as if Bryson is following a recipe book. The content is new and inviting, yet the formula ............ boring and predictable. Perfect to play before bed time if you are after a good nights sleep.

Simply Witchcraft, 03 Dec 2008
Wuthering Heights defies review and analysis; it is unlike any other book. It is much, much bigger than the sum of its parts and that is why those who love it discuss its effect in terms of an emotional impact on their lives; their hearts and souls. Those who hate it attempt to analyse its structure, plot, character and the quality of its narrative.

I first read Wuthering Heights at the age of 15 or 16 and it had an immediate and profound impact on me. As soon as I began to read, the words seemed to weave a spell that enchanted my soul; I have been haunted by it ever since. As a writer of fiction, I have tried to analyse what makes it such a powerful book and why so many people cite it as their favourite novel of all time. If only I could find the secret, I say, perhaps I could produce something as magnificent. How many authors must have had similar thoughts? What they wouldn't give to write a novel that possessed such power and beauty, even if, Like Emily Bronte, it is the only novel they ever write.

I consider myself to be a rational being, yet it is tempting to describe the affect of Wuthering Heights in terms of magic or witchcraft. Perhaps Emily did a deal with the devil or drew on some ancient power, buried deep in the Yorkshire Moors. How could someone so reserved and isolated, belonging to a world in which women were largely oppressed and subject to a thousand social rules and restrictions, produce something with such dark, sensual energy, breaking all the rules? Even Emily's sister, Charlotte, felt the need to tone it down and justify its existence.

Wuthering Heights has received much literary criticism since publication, and indeed it breaks many rules of `good' writing in terms of structure and narrative. The main characters have few redeeming features; in fact Heathcliff has been described by some as barely human (I don't agree); surely to root for him would be to root for the devil himself. There are many great books out there that are both powerful and beautifully constructed - Madam Bovary, Anna Karenina, The Unbearable Lightness of Being, to name but a few - they can be heavily analysed and deconstructed and still stand up in a way that Wuthering Heights can't. Yet, somehow, despite all of this Wuthering Heights has survived through the decades, the centuries, to enchant new generations of readers. It's almost as if Emily is still working her magic from somewhere beyond the grave.


Probably the best novel of all time, 22 Nov 2007
This book is pure genius. I read it again, and again, and always find something new to admire. It is everything a book should be. It has fantastic characters, wonderful plotting, a pacy, suspenseful story which keeps you turning the pages and is so dense that it throws up new treasures after every read.
This is the only work of Emily Bronte apart from a few poems and some juvenailia, and it is my regret that we will never know if she could have surpassed this great book with her next.
The story is well known, but in brief it is the story of Heathcliff, a foundling, who is brought to the home of Catherine Earnshaw one dark and horrible night by her father who has found him on one of his business trips and decides to rescue him. Catherine and Heathcliff form an unbreakable bond which sustains them through great misfortune and on into death, and is one of the most romantic love stories of all time.
Their love however, is also destructive and terrible. It plays out against the background of the louring moors and their terrible grandeur, which reinforces the natural, brutal cruelty of their feelings for each other and everyone else. Their love is sadistic and at times horrific and the more tragedy that is heaped upon them, the more strangled and terrible their expressions of love become.
The characters of Heathcliff and Catherine are at times utterly vile and repulsive and it is a strength of Bronte's writing that despite this you still will them to have their happy ending, and can't help sympathising with them.
The narrative is fantastically complex, with narrators within narrators and stories within stories, so that Bronte is able to give us a 360 degree view of the story and make the characters completely three dimensional, showing all their humanity, good and bad.
This is the one book I would make compulsory reading for everyone, everywhere.

A genius's masterpiece, 12 Apr 2007
This book is probably the one every writer at the back of their minds wants to write. I know I wish I did. When I first picked it up I thought it would be the typical Victorian romance; boy was I in for a shock! After a slow start it picked up. I remember I was incredibly shocked at the power of the novel & I still am. It is THE most passionate piece of literature ever in the English language maybe because it is so accurate about human emotions but at the same time it shows that human emotions can be uncontrollable/untameable. It seems so unbelievable yet you can't romanticize about the characters especially Heathcliff. The greatest scholars have great difficult analysing this book so I'm not going to start.
Only regret is that Emily didn't live to write any more great literature.

Great, but.., 25 Mar 2007
I wanted to find out what all the fuss was about Wuthering Heights and so I bought this cd set to listen to in the car as I have little time to read but drive alot (they don't mix!). The story has a lot of complexity especially at the start in terms of who's related to who but the language, structure & errie feel of this book make it a clear classic. One note however, this audio version is excellently voiced & produced and I give it 5 stars for that but I did not realise it was abridged. I don't know if I am happy or upset! Now I have something to look forward to again, the bits of the story I missed. And those times I struggled with the story line, was that because of the missing parts. This edition is 3 cds, there is an 11 cd unabridged version for sale on Amazon from the same publishers. This is a great cd set but if you are serious about reading this book & judging it yourself as a classic perhaps, then I think you must hear the full version as it was written.

The dark and brooding tale of Cathy & Heathcliff, 24 Mar 2007
What a great experience to finally reread this classic as an adult. Emily Bronte depicts a very gothic and depressing story of two star-crossed (but not terribly likeable) lovers, Cathy & Heathcliff, and the love between them that transcended the grave. Added to that a wonderful depiction of the dark English moors and the local characters with their strange dialects. This was also told in a very unusual style, like a tale within a tale within a tale, adding more layers and perspectives to the story.

How unfortunate that one's upbringing can so affect a person that their grief and bitterness turn what could have been a fine young man into such a hateful and vengeful person as Heathcliff became. And fortunate that Cathy's daughter and Hareton could overcome their dark upbringing to bring a happier light onto the dark moors of England.

I did not read this version of the book, but one including works of the other Bronte sisters, which did not have all the footnotes. I think I enjoyed that better as I wasn't constantly distracted by looking to the back for the notes and just allowed myself to become engrossed with the story. It's one book you have to read at least twice in your life -- of course in school as required reading and then again as an adult to add that perspective of age and experience in life so that one can more fully appreciate a such a classic tale

Just Excellent, 04 Jan 2009
This is simply a fantastic book, very humourous. It is split into very short chapters which are on a particular subject eg thanksgiving, the mysteries of christmas, junk food heaven. The author explains how Americans think about loads of different subjects which is quite enlightening. You may think because we share a language they are the same but from the descriptions in this book they are definitely not.

The book is written in an extremely easy way to read and I read it in a few days. I love America, well Orlando to be exact as the book clearly illustrates each state is quite unique.

Very entertaining and I can definitely recommend it.

Sheer brilliance, 20 Jun 2008
This is guaranteed to put a smile on virtually anyone's face.

Bryson's dry humour & witty observations of life's absurdity coupled with Kerry Shale's excellent delivery make this an easy winner.

The basic material is also very interesting so a wining combination all round.

I had this in the car & found myself sitting listening to it long after I had arrived at my destination - it's that good!

One of our fave honorary Brits goes home for a bit ..., 14 Apr 2008
Another tome of brilliantly sparkling gems from Bill Bryson. What I found funniest was that his wife and family, all born and raised in England, appeared to find American life like being let loose in a toyshop - reveling in becoming optimistic Americans. Whereas our Bill has absorbed so much Britishness in his twenty years here he has become an honorary Brit! This makes his exasperation with queuing, bad shop assistants, and bureaucracy of the US kind even funnier than ever. In some of the columns he tries to be more positive and these, as he admits, are the more sentimental. Would that each of the pieces were double the length though - I got through the pages just too fast.

Great read!, 01 Oct 2007
This title was chosen by my book club as this month's title & I was dreading reading it, as my previous encounter with Mr Bryson was 'A Short History of Nearly Everything' which I hated. I was really surprised how much I enjoyed this book. It has many laugh out loud moments like Bill's hatred of the barbers & love of motels & the US Postal Services' Customer Day. The 4 page chapters are ideal as he get's to cover a wide range of topics. From reading this I will definitely try some of Bryson's other titles. A great read.

A very funny, very clever, very snappy read., 09 Aug 2007
Bill Bryson has a somewhat unique point of view for writing a book on American life, born in America but living a long time in England before returning to America with his English wife and children. The result was a regular series of newspaper articles (unsure what newspaper) which are collected together here.
The articles are observant, witty, and wonderfully funny. Bryson is so normal and easy to relate to that the articles are infectiously funny, his strange obsessions and neuroses are not only hilarious but also quite sweet and infinitely endearing. His unique take on American life is what really drives the book since there's no continuous narrative of any kind due to the episodic structure.
I can't really describe the book in any particular detail except to say that this is something very funny that more than once an article is guaranteed to cripple you with laughter. You should really give this a try, you won't regret it.

Long distance humour, 27 Nov 2008
A Walk in The Woods was an adventure in itself for me. I have previously walked long distance trails in England and sat gobsmacked as I read how long the AT was and that Bryson was going to walk it without any real training. But I'm so pleased that he did.
He takes his mate along with him, who at first you wish Bryson would shove over a cliff, safe in the knowledge that he could blame a deliverance style event but gradually we learn to love Steven and marvel at his endurance. Bill is clearly much fitter and much kinder but they make for a great team - take him somewhere else with you.
The journey explores not only the trail and their own experience of hardship but the recognition of the things that we all take for granted, 'a dew soaked, ice cold can of coke,' for example and the folks they meet on the way like the woman from Florida. We also look at, with Bill and Steven the dangers both real and imagined of walking out in the back country of America for America remains wild - only 2% of it 'built up.' Can you believe that.
Do yourselves a favour and read A Walk in The Woods.

Moose and Bears and Hikers, Oh My!, 19 Aug 2008
Never start reading a Bill Bryson book in a public place. This is the mistake I made with A Walk in the Woods, and I found myself giggling embarrassingly. Starting with the selection of equipment, and then the preparation for the journey by reading several terror-inducing stories of bear attacks, Bill Bryson continually amuses, educates and entertains.

Bryson sets off on one of the most physically and psychologically demanding tests of stamina that he could attempt: a hike along the Appalachian Trail. With his long-suffering friend Katz in tow, he encounters brutal weather, crazy hikers, price-gouging hostels, and random acts of kindness that make the whole thing worthwhile. I was especially touched to read about people who come to the AT specifically to leave things like snacks and books for the hikers.

Given that I am not in any kind of shape to attempt even a day hike on the AT, I enjoyed living vicariously through Bill Bryson's experiences. The vistas he got to view sounded amazing, and I could almost taste the wonderful, satisfying meals enjoyed when he was able to reach "home cooking" after many days on the Trail. In addition, his turns of phrase had me laughing out loud over and over again. The first Bryson book I've ever read, but definitely not the last.

What a fantastic read!, 21 Apr 2008
I'm not a big reader and had never before read a Bill Bryson book but was bought this for Christmas by my parents. I took it with me on holiday as essential beach reading and as soon as I started it, found it VERY hard to put down.

Bryson's writing style is easy to read and extremely entertaining whilest being factual and informative.

I have now started to read his 'Down Under' book and am quick becoming a big Bill Bryson fan!

Nice, enjoyable, fairly light, 24 Mar 2008
Not as many laughs out loud as some of his others, but an enjoyable read nonetheless.

MORE OF A MARATHON - ENJOY!, 28 Dec 2007
Bill Bryson takes us on a marathon trek on the highways and byways of the Appalacian Trail with his out of condition middle aged body and that of Katz his physically challenged friend. Luckily for them and us, they didn`t have the slightest idea of what they were in for before they set out - meeting interesting characters on the way and having several out of the body experiences. Bill manages to keep our interest to the end in a thoroughly entertaining read which moves much faster than the aching bodies of the two protagonists!

Mick Drake author of the the comic novel All`s Well at Wellwithoute

diappointing, 01 Nov 2008
I have always loved Loius de Berniers` books, as witty, human, original, serious and funny at the same time, in short wonderful to read. But, alas, at last he seems to have reached what one politely calls midlife crisis and all his imagination seems to have slipped down to where this crisis normally takes place. We have to listen - just as the male character of the book - to endless gory and rather boring tales of Roza`s, a yugoslav former prostitute's, mostly sexual adventures, while the fortiish (not really so old) Chris gets more and more aroused and horny about her. The two like each other and love each other a bit, but the man, Chris, is so repressed that nothing happens except at the end where he gets stone drunk and spoils it all. One cannot really sympathize with either character.
Please, wonderful Louis de Berniers, keep writing your great stories and don't get into the cliché trap of middle aged men's single mindedness.

Definetly worth a read..., 15 Aug 2008
I think the way the story is written is done very well and the book is worth reading. Gets you hooked near the end and a sign of a good book is when you get an emmotional attachment and this is what it does. You get into the characters and can picture the scenes vivdly. short review i know but you get the jist, just buy it !

Who said hackneyed claptrap cruising on his famous name? ..., 11 Aug 2008
... because whoever it was, you had it right on the money. Louis de Berniers is a fabulously gifted writer, but he just wasn't trying for this dreadful effort.

No story or plot in itself, one would hope for a richness of character, but there is none, just a couple of one dimensional stereotypes and a load of wikipedia factoids about Tito's Yugoslavia and sleazy soho nightclubs. The scene setting - harking back to the bad old days of seventies Britian by linking in to news stories of the day - is terribly corny.

It gets one star simply because Amazon won't let me give it less. Come on Louis, I know the editors get on your back for output, but this crap really is devaluing your other excellent work by association.

Simple slice, 28 May 2008
Louis De Bernieres has carved out a complex story using really only two main characters who flash back using their own narration to their own contrasting lives. To me, though, it did not seem like a "proper novel" just like a one person play is more of a "performance" than a play. As the narrators by their own admission were making up some of their narration it left me feeling as if the read was all for nothing. Having said that, there were some powerful, moving and dramatic narrated scenes so I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the plight of immigrant young people in London, the 70s/80s and the selfishness/thoughtlessness of passive unhappily married middle-aged men.

The power of a good story, 26 May 2008
Chris, is a travelling salesman aged 40 in an unhappy marriage when he meets Roza, a young woman from Yugoslavia, in Archway, North London. She is standing at the side of the road when he approaches her believing her to be a prostitute, although, as he makes clear, he is not a man who has ever approached a prostitute before.

The year is 1979, Mrs Thatcher is about to take power in England and Marshall Tito will soon die in Yugoslavia. The tragic fragmentation of Yugoslavia is still some way off.

The story is told in the first person by the two characters - Chris and Roza, and in retrospect by the older Chris.

Chris becomes fascinated by Roza. She invites him to visit her as a friend and he comes back several times, in love and in lust as she tells him the events of her life since she was a little girl, the proud daughter of a second world-war partisan fighter.

There is a marked contrast between the passionate and open Roza and the anaemic, closed-down Chris; the vitality and violence of her life compared to the sheltered docility of the life that he has led. Over time and over coffee in the basement of a run-down house where nobody goes by their real name, his repressed lust turns to fascination and then love as he listens to the stories from her life. She at last has found someone who will listen to an account of the heights of joy along with the depths of degradation and humiliation she has experienced. They both work through the mistakes made and wrong paths taken before ending up here.

The painful embarrassment and sad misunderstanding of the ending when Chris the repressed Englishman gets drunk and expresses his feelings at last, leave a strong sense of loss that remains with the reader long after the last word has been read.

our resident geinus, 17 Nov 2006
Although the material and take on life are completely different Alan Bennett shares with William S Burroughs a voice that just sucks you into the narrative and makes impossible thereafter to read without hearing the voice in your head. I seldom buy spoken word recordings but sometimes it is a must. Having read (or not ) the books I can close my eyes and be transported in the same way that music works, which is saying something from my perspective.

I haven't actaually heard this yet but I do have 3 others by him and I know in advance that it cannot be recommend too highly.

The mundaity of it all speaks to and for all of us and above everything else it is the honesty and truth that humbles us. Alan knows that the smallest things have the biggest impact.

A definite hit with me.

Entertaining, 02 Feb 2006
I bought this book with a gift certificate. I am not from England so much of the geography and names go right over me. However, there is a style of writing here that attracts me to every page. It is almost as if I have known A Bennett or he has known me all my/his life. I am sharing his thoughts and deeds throught these years. Mr Bennett is very understated.

Listen with Alan, 15 Dec 2005
Listening to Alan Bennett reading his work adds an extra dimension - it's rather like an old friend confiding his private and personal memories. I'm not a fan of audiobooks but this one's an exception and worth replaying.

Interesting and witty, 11 Dec 2003
I found this book very entertaining and surprisingly informative. In contrast to 'Notes from a small island' which I thought was extremely dull and gave up on, I couldn't put this one down.

I have recommended this book to several friends and have no complaints!

A blantantly boring regurgetation of past Bryson books., 03 Dec 2000
Although interesting and insightful into some of the customs of Australian culture, it is as if Bryson is following a recipe book. The content is new and inviting, yet the formula ............ boring and predictable. Perfect to play before bed time if you are after a good nights sleep.

Simply Witchcraft, 03 Dec 2008
Wuthering Heights defies review and analysis; it is unlike any other book. It is much, much bigger than the sum of its parts and that is why those who love it discuss its effect in terms of an emotional impact on their lives; their hearts and souls. Those who hate it attempt to analyse its structure, plot, character and the quality of its narrative.

I first read Wuthering Heights at the age of 15 or 16 and it had an immediate and profound impact on me. As soon as I began to read, the words seemed to weave a spell that enchanted my soul; I have been haunted by it ever since. As a writer of fiction, I have tried to analyse what makes it such a powerful book and why so many people cite it as their favourite novel of all time. If only I could find the secret, I say, perhaps I could produce something as magnificent. How many authors must have had similar thoughts? What they wouldn't give to write a novel that possessed such power and beauty, even if, Like Emily Bronte, it is the only novel they ever write.

I consider myself to be a rational being, yet it is tempting to describe the affect of Wuthering Heights in terms of magic or witchcraft. Perhaps Emily did a deal with the devil or drew on some ancient power, buried deep in the Yorkshire Moors. How could someone so reserved and isolated, belonging to a world in which women were largely oppressed and subject to a thousand social rules and restrictions, produce something with such dark, sensual energy, breaking all the rules? Even Emily's sister, Charlotte, felt the need to tone it down and justify its existence.

Wuthering Heights has received much literary criticism since publication, and indeed it breaks many rules of `good' writing in terms of structure and narrative. The main characters have few redeeming features; in fact Heathcliff has been described by some as barely human (I don't agree); surely to root for him would be to root for the devil himself. There are many great books out there that are both powerful and beautifully constructed - Madam Bovary, Anna Karenina, The Unbearable Lightness of Being, to name but a few - they can be heavily analysed and deconstructed and still stand up in a way that Wuthering Heights can't. Yet, somehow, despite all of this Wuthering Heights has survived through the decades, the centuries, to enchant new generations of readers. It's almost as if Emily is still working her magic from somewhere beyond the grave.


Probably the best novel of all time, 22 Nov 2007
This book is pure genius. I read it again, and again, and always find something new to admire. It is everything a book should be. It has fantastic characters, wonderful plotting, a pacy, suspenseful story which keeps you turning the pages and is so dense that it throws up new treasures after every read.
This is the only work of Emily Bronte apart from a few poems and some juvenailia, and it is my regret that we will never know if she could have surpassed this great book with her next.
The story is well known, but in brief it is the story of Heathcliff, a foundling, who is brought to the home of Catherine Earnshaw one dark and horrible night by her father who has found him on one of his business trips and decides to rescue him. Catherine and Heathcliff form an unbreakable bond which sustains them through great misfortune and on into death, and is one of the most romantic love stories of all time.
Their love however, is also destructive and terrible. It plays out against the background of the louring moors and their terrible grandeur, which reinforces the natural, brutal cruelty of their feelings for each other and everyone else. Their love is sadistic and at times horrific and the more tragedy that is heaped upon them, the more strangled and terrible their expressions of love become.
The characters of Heathcliff and Catherine are at times utterly vile and repulsive and it is a strength of Bronte's writing that despite this you still will them to have their happy ending, and can't help sympathising with them.
The narrative is fantastically complex, with narrators within narrators and stories within stories, so that Bronte is able to give us a 360 degree view of the story and make the characters completely three dimensional, showing all their humanity, good and bad.
This is the one book I would make compulsory reading for everyone, everywhere.

A genius's masterpiece, 12 Apr 2007
This book is probably the one every writer at the back of their minds wants to write. I know I wish I did. When I first picked it up I thought it would be the typical Victorian romance; boy was I in for a shock! After a slow start it picked up. I remember I was incredibly shocked at the power of the novel & I still am. It is THE most passionate piece of literature ever in the English language maybe because it is so accurate about human emotions but at the same time it shows that human emotions can be uncontrollable/untameable. It seems so unbelievable yet you can't r