Cozy, comforting (even though sad and/or gross at times), charming, humorous. A good candidate for (re-)reading a chapter before bed. ( )

These are the delightful, semi-autobiographical stories of veterinary surgeon James Herriot (real name Alf Wight) who trained in Glasgow then began practicing in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors in the 1940s.

From his arrival at Skeldale House, Darrowby, the stories are captivating. James deals with all manner of veterinary challenges, ornery farmers, and stoical country people. He seems to spend an inordinate amount of time with his arm right up a large animal’s back end. There are other memorable characters who add to the cosy drama of these stories: his very English employer Siegfried Farnon, Siegfried’s loveable hapless brother Tristan, the backbone of the practice, Mrs. Hall the housekeeper, rich elderly widower Mrs. Pumphrey and her pampered Pekinese Tricky Woo. And last but not least the beautiful farmer’s daughter Helen.

I thoroughly enjoyed rereading this book with its animal stories, the humour, and the wholesome romance. James is a nice, thoroughly likeable character and the book gives an insight into life in the Dales in the 1940s and the life lead by the Yorkshire farmers. ( )

I read this book for the first time many years ago, maybe when the first TV series ran. In my mind, now, I'm picturing the current series' landscape and actors, though some of them don't fit the author's descriptions. This was like reading it anew and I enjoyed it all even the birthings and other surgical details. ( )

A beautiful Border Collie graces the front cover!

HIs unusual interview with Siegfried Farnon at Skeldale House opens his life to an incredibly challenging
Country Veterinary practice, eventually leading to a partnership.

Both farm and pet owners and dogs like Tricki inspire his days and keep him up many nights
wandering and struggling through ice, snow and mud,

Remaining mystery is why they didn't hire a Bill Collector
and why he did not insist on safe cars! ( )

Las divertidas experiencias de un aprendiz de veterinario en la Inglaterra rural de los años treinta.

Desde su publicación, estas memorias han sido el libro de referencia de millones de amantes de la naturaleza. Tiernas, divertidas y embebidas en el ambiente bucólico de la campiña inglesa, son uno de los testimonios escritos más celebrados sobre el amor por los animales, el compañerismo y la vida rural en todo su esplendor.