Down Under

"...our neglect of Australian affairs is curious. As you might expect, this is particularly noticeable when you are a resident in America."

I could not agree more with Bryson. For most of us, Australia is a land of exotic animals, beautiful beaches, and surfing. All of which sound enticing for a nomad like myself but not enough to satiate my curiosity about this incredibly vast country. I needed to know more about this interesting place and reading Down Under helped me dive in head first.

I initially saw this book at the Sydney airport while waiting for our flight to Melbourne. I had never heard of Bill Bryson prior to this but the title and a peculiar picture of a pink map of Australia in an ice cream cone on the cover was appealing. Therefore, I added this book to my "must read" list while traveling. A little more than a week later, I stumbled upon a second hand copy at the Kuranda Market at a backpacker friendly price. The shopowner had little persuading to do as I walked out with my bargain buy.

We had a few rainy days and long bus rides while in Queensland which I welcomed as reading days. Bill Bryson immediately captivated me with his dry sense of humor. He presents the historical facts of Australia in an effortlessly sarcastic way. He pokes fun at the Australians while admiring their country at the same time. He does his research, presents the facts, and takes you on a trip down the unbeaten paths of Australia. This is a laugh out loud book, and sometimes at the most impromptu times.

Bryson does not neglect the aspects of Australia's past which are hard to swallow. He presents the history and shame of Australia in a way that most Australians are too embarrassed to admit. He addresses the convict history and the controversial injustice of the Aboriginees.

After ripping the country apart it seems as if his affinity towards Australia is impossible. To put it simply Bill Bryson has a love/hate relationship with Australia. This book is as dry as the country! Down Under was published in 2000 but the information presented is certainly pertinent today. Down Under is a must read for anyone who wants to know more about how this strangely hot, vast, and dry country thrives.