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samstillreading's review against another edition
4.0
I didn’t realise there was a book in addition to the TV series until I saw it on Kobo (although I should have expected it, considering that nearly every TV series has accompanying merchandise these days). The TV series played in Australia on a low key digital channel and gradually increased in hype through word of mouth. Yes, this series is good. It appears to be the brainwave of Ricky Gervais (of The Office) and Stephen Merchant, who decided that it would be incredibly funny to send their friend, fellow comedian Karl Pilkington around the world. Why is that so funny? You see, Karl is a homebody. He likes the familiar – language he can understand, food that he can identify and a ready supply of Monster Munch (some kind of flavoured corn chips according to Wikipedia). Karl does not like surprise, nor does he want to adventure into the unknown.
The book features regular dialogue between Karl, Ricky and Stephen – usually the latter two teasing Karl and getting him to perform something he would have never considered on his own – Mexican wrestling or eating bugs are just two examples. Karl usually does what they tell him, but not without having a whinge about how he’d rather be watching telly at home (probably with some Monster Munch). The book covers what is seen in the TV series and much more. Here, we get to reflect on Karl’s feelings and he really comes across as much more intelligent than portrayed in the show. Sure he’s blunt, but Karl is also very funny with a dry sense of humour. While Karl is no Michael Palin (and he makes several references to this), there are interesting facts at the end of each section of each country. It’s not a comprehensive travel guide, but a unique glimpse at life on the road – both good and bad. Karl does include commentary on the different toilets and bathrooms he encounters in addition to unique foods. A word of warning that some may find his bluntness offensive at times, but this book shines through Karl’s reactions to his experiences.
This is by no means award winning prose, but it’s a fun book that will have you laughing. I read it while on holiday and suggest you do the same.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
The book features regular dialogue between Karl, Ricky and Stephen – usually the latter two teasing Karl and getting him to perform something he would have never considered on his own – Mexican wrestling or eating bugs are just two examples. Karl usually does what they tell him, but not without having a whinge about how he’d rather be watching telly at home (probably with some Monster Munch). The book covers what is seen in the TV series and much more. Here, we get to reflect on Karl’s feelings and he really comes across as much more intelligent than portrayed in the show. Sure he’s blunt, but Karl is also very funny with a dry sense of humour. While Karl is no Michael Palin (and he makes several references to this), there are interesting facts at the end of each section of each country. It’s not a comprehensive travel guide, but a unique glimpse at life on the road – both good and bad. Karl does include commentary on the different toilets and bathrooms he encounters in addition to unique foods. A word of warning that some may find his bluntness offensive at times, but this book shines through Karl’s reactions to his experiences.
This is by no means award winning prose, but it’s a fun book that will have you laughing. I read it while on holiday and suggest you do the same.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
roviragrao's review against another edition
4.0
Buena forma de revivir los viajes de Karl en An idiot abroad.
La novedad respecto a otros relatos de viajes es su punto de vista, el de alguien que preferiría estar confortablemente en su casa, viendo la tele en el sofá con su novia.
Cuando le quitas a viajar ese aire místico y enriquecedor del alma te queda la cruda realidad: las maravillas del mundo no son tan maravillosas, están mal ubicadas y lo que las rodea suele ser miseria.
Todo está aderezado con el sentido del humor de Karl y las pinceladas que aportan Ricky Gervais y Stephen Merchant en sus conversaciones. Recomendable si ya conoces el universo de Karl o si quieres descubrir un punto de vista distinto sobre los viajes.
La novedad respecto a otros relatos de viajes es su punto de vista, el de alguien que preferiría estar confortablemente en su casa, viendo la tele en el sofá con su novia.
Cuando le quitas a viajar ese aire místico y enriquecedor del alma te queda la cruda realidad: las maravillas del mundo no son tan maravillosas, están mal ubicadas y lo que las rodea suele ser miseria.
Todo está aderezado con el sentido del humor de Karl y las pinceladas que aportan Ricky Gervais y Stephen Merchant en sus conversaciones. Recomendable si ya conoces el universo de Karl o si quieres descubrir un punto de vista distinto sobre los viajes.
linyarai's review against another edition
3.0
I really like Stephen Merchant so I had high hopes for this book and was a bit let down. Some parts were laugh-out-loud funny, but overall it was just OK.
manxomemia's review
3.0
If you're a fan of the show, this would be a good companion. I preferred this to Karlology, mainly because it had less crossover with the podcast and XFM radio shows. Rather than repeating ideas, it added new insight to his experiences on An Idiot Abroad, and reminds us that while he might not actually be as much of an "idiot" as he sound when he speaks, he's still a pretty weird guy.
icxrxx's review
5.0
I loved this, because I think Karl Pilkington is hilarious. He's so blunt and cynical. Fantastic
balancinghistorybooks's review
4.0
I purchased this for my boyfriend and ended up reading it myself before he even had a chance to. I was intrigued, and couldn't resist just sneaking a peek at the format. Before I knew it, I had read the first half, and was rather amused. It is a very easy - and really rather interesting - read, in which Pilkington takes us around the seven Wonders of the World. He isn't very politically correct, but if you're familiar with the author at all in his acting and/or podcast guises, you'll be expecting as much. There are a few serious parts to the whole, but the mood is lightened by one-liners and sarcasm. He's good at sarcasm, and I don't even think he knows it.
bodger's review
3.0
A good travel read with its own unique style. I haven't seen the TV programme, and felt the lack of depth in the explanation of the surroundings could have been addressed.