Title: Neither Here nor There: Travels in Europe
Author: Bill Bryson
First published January 1, 1991
254 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780380713806 (ISBN10: 0380713802)
Rating: 3.85
Overview
Bill Bryson’s Neither Here nor There is a hilarious travelogue that takes readers on a journey across Europe. Armed with his backpack and a tight grip on his wallet, Bryson travels from the northernmost town of Hammerfest to Istanbul, the city that bridges Europe and Asia.
Fluent in at least one language, he retraces his student travels from twenty years before, braving homicidal motorists in Paris, getting robbed by gypsies in Florence, and trying his best not to order tripe and eyeballs at a German restaurant. From window-shopping in the sex shops of the Reeperbahn to disputing his hotel bill in Copenhagen, Bryson’s caustic observations will keep readers in stitches.
And yes, he even goes to Liechtenstein.
About the Author
Let me introduce you to William McGuire Bryson, an American-born author who now resides in the UK. Born in Des Moines, Iowa in 1951, Bryson moved to England in 1977 and worked in journalism before dedicating himself to writing full time.
He lived in North Yorkshire with his English wife and four children, later moving to New Hampshire in America for a brief period before returning to the UK.
Bryson’s first travel book, “The Lost Continent,” humorously recounts a trip he took around small town America in his mother’s Chevy. This was followed by “Neither Here Nor There,” which details his first journey throughout Europe.
Other travel books include the widely popular “Notes from a Small Island,” which was voted the book that best represents modern England in the 2003 World Book Day National Poll. Bryson then wrote “The Road to Little Dribbling,” which features his travel companion Stephen Katz from a previous book, and “A Walk in the Woods.”
In addition to his travel books, Bryson has also written several highly acclaimed books on the English language, such as “Mother Tongue” and “Made in America.” His last book, “A Short History of Nearly Everything,” explores the world of science and received critical acclaim. It was shortlisted for the Samuel Johnson Prize and won both the Aventis Prize for Science Books and the Descartes Science Communication Prize.
Bryson’s upcoming book, “The Body: A Guide for Occupants,” is a memoir of his childhood in 1950s America and features a reappearance of his old friend Stephen Katz. It is set to be published on October 8th.
Editoral Review
Neither Here nor There: Travels in Europe by Bill Bryson is a delightful and witty travelogue chronicling the author’s journey as he backpacks through Europe in the late 1980s. Bryson, a celebrated American author, humorously recounts his experiences as he travels through Europe in search of adventure and self-discovery.
As a genre, travel writing often provides readers with insight into different cultures, landscapes, and people. In Neither Here nor There, Bill Bryson uses his impeccable sense of humor and keen observation to take the reader on a journey through the cities and countryside of Europe.
His style is characterized by a sharp wit, self-deprecating humor, and an engaging narrative. The book follows Bryson’s travels as he backpacks across the continent, starting in Norway and ending in Istanbul.
Along the way, he visits iconic European cities such as Paris, Rome, and Berlin. The author recounts his experiences in each city, providing insightful cultural observations and witty anecdotes about the people he meets along the way.
The book also highlights Bryson’s relationship with his traveling companion, Katz, who adds an additional layer of humor and adventure to the pages. One of the strengths of Neither Here nor There is the way in which Bryson engages with the cultural and historical significance of each place he visits.
Whether he’s at the Berlin Wall or walking through a Roman ruin, the author deftly weaves historical and cultural facts into his narrative, providing readers with an informative and entertaining experience. Another strength of the book is Bryson’s wit, which permeates the pages.
Whether he’s describing an ill-fated train ride or a disastrous encounter at a hostel, Bryson’s humor is infectious, making this travelogue a joy to read. However, one limitation of the book is that it can at times feel disjointed or scattered.
As a travelogue, Neither Here nor There does not follow a traditional plot structure, which may not appeal to all readers. Overall, Neither Here nor There: Travels in Europe by Bill Bryson is a charming and entertaining travelogue that will appeal to readers who enjoy insightful observations, witty anecdotes, and a healthy dose of humor.
The book provides a snapshot of Europe in the late 1980s, but the author’s insights and musings remain relevant and insightful. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for an engaging and thought-provoking travelogue.
Rating: 4/5 stars.
