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The Young Country Doctor #1
The Young Country Doctor Book 1: Bilbury Chronicles
Bilbury Chronicles is the first of a series of eight books (all available on Amazon as Ebooks) describing the adventures (and misadventures) of a young doctor who enters general practice as an assistant to an elderly and rather eccentric doctor in Devon, England. When he arrives in Bilbury, a small village on the edge of Exmoor where central heating is a log fire in the middle of the room and where doors are never locked, the young doctor doesn't realise how much he has to learn. But he soon finds the extent of his ignorance when he meets his patients. There is Anne Thwaites who gives birth in the middle of a field and local rogue Thumper Robinson who knows a good many tricks that aren't in any textbooks. And there is Mike Trickle, a TV show host, who causes great excitement when he buys a house in the village. The young doctor's employer is elderly Dr Brownlow who lives in a house that looks like a castle, drives an old Rolls Royce and patches his stethoscope with a bicycle inner tube repair kit. The local pub, the Duck and Puddle, is run by Frank, the inebriate landlord, and the village shop is run by Peter who also drives the local taxi, delivers the mail and acts as the local undertaker. There is Miss Johnson, the receptionist with a look that can curdle milk; Mrs Wilson, the buxom district nurse and Len, her husband who is the local policeman with an embarrassing secret. And there is Patsy.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 15, 2014
507 people are currently reading
374 people want to read
About the author
Vernon Coleman
358 books182 followersThere is a full biog on www.vernoncoleman.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
December 31, 2015
A very quick read.
VERY reminiscent of James Heriot's books, stories, and style.
Set in rural Devon, and it was difficult for me to decide the decade in which the story is set...I'm still not sure...could be anywhere from 1960 to 1980.
Writing: B
Stories: B+
Humor: B+
Charm: A-
I'll read the next in the series, esp as they fly by so quickly, humorously, and painlessly.
Addendum: Well. I looked the author up on the Internet...and he is fascinating, prolific, highly controversial, and highly opinionated. He is a vegan, transvestite, antivivisectionist, against immunization, highly critical of most medical practices, etc., etc., etc., the list goes on and on, and he seems determined to irritate nearly everyone!
Now I must dig even deeper.
VERY reminiscent of James Heriot's books, stories, and style.
Set in rural Devon, and it was difficult for me to decide the decade in which the story is set...I'm still not sure...could be anywhere from 1960 to 1980.
Writing: B
Stories: B+
Humor: B+
Charm: A-
I'll read the next in the series, esp as they fly by so quickly, humorously, and painlessly.
Addendum: Well. I looked the author up on the Internet...and he is fascinating, prolific, highly controversial, and highly opinionated. He is a vegan, transvestite, antivivisectionist, against immunization, highly critical of most medical practices, etc., etc., etc., the list goes on and on, and he seems determined to irritate nearly everyone!
Now I must dig even deeper.
October 29, 2014
OK - this was a freebie and caught my eye. Afterwards I wondered if I'd made a mistake however... If you can get the "All creatures great and small" connotations out of your head this is very readable. Newly qualified doctor arrives in North Devon as an assistant to a GP and he doesn't really know that much. This is the start at least of his education. The stories were moving, funny, heart warming and overall entertaining. Some of the lines in it are excellent (Bilbury is an insurance [claim] economy!). Good read if it appeals to you and I'll read another.
November 24, 2020
I enjoyed these stories
September 24, 2016
Loved it. A lovely story of a young doctor who has just graduated from medical school and moved to the country to start as an assistant GP.
Laughter, pathos, tragedy and love. Stuffed full of fabulous characters. Have already downloaded book 2
Laughter, pathos, tragedy and love. Stuffed full of fabulous characters. Have already downloaded book 2
July 9, 2024
Really enjoyed reading this. I do know the area in which it is set, so was easy to follow the Doctor as he got around.
This newly qualified doctor from London applies and is accepted as the local practitioner of a small town in North Devon, working with a doctor who is looking to retire. Life in a country town is so very different from all that he has been taught in the London hospital. The life of London meant he had a whole back-up of the staff but now he finds himself on his own, seeing all manner of different ailments and people. The naivety of this young man did mean that at times he was duped by some of the locals, but as they got to know him and he had helped many with their various illnesses, he was gradually accepted by them. There were some happy and sad occurrences, also some funny moments which blended in well.
I have become quite invested in this Doctor and will happily read on with the series.
This newly qualified doctor from London applies and is accepted as the local practitioner of a small town in North Devon, working with a doctor who is looking to retire. Life in a country town is so very different from all that he has been taught in the London hospital. The life of London meant he had a whole back-up of the staff but now he finds himself on his own, seeing all manner of different ailments and people. The naivety of this young man did mean that at times he was duped by some of the locals, but as they got to know him and he had helped many with their various illnesses, he was gradually accepted by them. There were some happy and sad occurrences, also some funny moments which blended in well.
I have become quite invested in this Doctor and will happily read on with the series.
February 27, 2021
I would call this a comfort read. By that I mean you can settle in to the life of this young country doctor in the quaint small town of Bilbury and rest awhile. Told with humor and great descriptions of people and the English countryside. I should also add this might be a fun one to listen to.
March 2, 2024
Reminiscent of Jame's Herriot's books but with people rather than animals as the subjects of care. Well written, engaging stories.
February 5, 2015
“The young Country Doctor” by Vernon Coleman, M.D. is book one in the Bilbury Chronicles describing the adventures of a young physician who enters general practice as an assistant to an elderly, eccentric physician in Devon, England.
The author is a prolific and well known author in the United Kingdom. His book “Mrs. Caldicot’s Cabbage War” was turned into an award winning movie in the U.K.
The book sort of reminds me of the James Herriot books about a country veterinarian in Northern England. The book follows the daily happenings of a newly minted young physician in his first position after completing his hospital residency. The story takes place in 1970 in Devonshire. It has a simple, pleasant story with twists, turns, tears and laughs. The characters are unique and intriguing and just plain delightful. The village is small where everyone knows everyone and there are no secrets.
The stories are moving, funny and heartwarming. The book is well written and an easy delightful read. I cannot wait to start reading the next book in the series and drop by for a look into the life of the village. The book is 480 pages. I read this on my Kindle app for my iPad. This was a book on Kindle unlimited.
The author is a prolific and well known author in the United Kingdom. His book “Mrs. Caldicot’s Cabbage War” was turned into an award winning movie in the U.K.
The book sort of reminds me of the James Herriot books about a country veterinarian in Northern England. The book follows the daily happenings of a newly minted young physician in his first position after completing his hospital residency. The story takes place in 1970 in Devonshire. It has a simple, pleasant story with twists, turns, tears and laughs. The characters are unique and intriguing and just plain delightful. The village is small where everyone knows everyone and there are no secrets.
The stories are moving, funny and heartwarming. The book is well written and an easy delightful read. I cannot wait to start reading the next book in the series and drop by for a look into the life of the village. The book is 480 pages. I read this on my Kindle app for my iPad. This was a book on Kindle unlimited.
November 9, 2015
This is very enjoyable reading and I think it covers the first 4 months of Dr. Coleman's medical career, in 1970 when he moved to a charming tiny village in the English countryside. A LOT happens in this book from humorous to his medical license coming under attack to worrisome incidents and a potential love interest is there too. I plan to read the second book, there are seven in the series.
March 11, 2025
I really enjoyed this quick read about a newly qualified doctor in the 1970s in his first job in country General Practice. (first book in a series of 16)
Writing quality good, plenty of interesting characters and tales of the doctor settling into his new life with the usual humour, drama and tragedies of a typical GP caseload. This is old school general practice, as many of us will recall from our childhoods.
(I enjoyed this on Audible (free narrated version via KindleUnlimited) and was disappointed to see that I won't be able to get the audio version with the remaining books in the series when I use via Kindle.)
Writing quality good, plenty of interesting characters and tales of the doctor settling into his new life with the usual humour, drama and tragedies of a typical GP caseload. This is old school general practice, as many of us will recall from our childhoods.
(I enjoyed this on Audible (free narrated version via KindleUnlimited) and was disappointed to see that I won't be able to get the audio version with the remaining books in the series when I use via Kindle.)
May 23, 2025
North Devon, England 1970. I was looking for a series on audible with the same feel as All Creatures Great and Small and An Irish Country Doctor. This seems to fit the bill, so far. A young doctor comes to the charming village of Bilbury as the assistant to elderly Dr. Brownlow. It soon becomes apparent how much he has to learn about general practice as well as life in a small village, but he is definitely up to the challenge. I enjoyed this first book in the series, full of quirky characters and amusing situations, but there were also some deep and impactful aspects that I felt rounded out the "charm" of the story. (3.5 stars)
May 18, 2017
Good story.
Couldn't give a five although I enjoyed the book. I quickly was drawn into the villiage life. There could have been more character development. Although this doctor cared about his patients , the text sometimes felt like I was reading a chart. I think I will read the next book. This man must have done somethings right to have over 100 books to his credit. Happy reading.
Couldn't give a five although I enjoyed the book. I quickly was drawn into the villiage life. There could have been more character development. Although this doctor cared about his patients , the text sometimes felt like I was reading a chart. I think I will read the next book. This man must have done somethings right to have over 100 books to his credit. Happy reading.
June 7, 2018
Root for the doc and be as surprised as he is!
It is a fairly simple story of a young doctor just out of Med School, who becomes an assistant to an older doctor. He learns to love the country and its caring people.
A doctor just out of medical school becomes an assistant to an older doctor. The young doc is eventually asked to take over the practice and says "yes". He has fallen in love with the country and its caring people, as well the readers must.
Many surprises!
😕
It is a fairly simple story of a young doctor just out of Med School, who becomes an assistant to an older doctor. He learns to love the country and its caring people.
A doctor just out of medical school becomes an assistant to an older doctor. The young doc is eventually asked to take over the practice and says "yes". He has fallen in love with the country and its caring people, as well the readers must.
Many surprises!
😕
September 16, 2018
Excellent..
Excellent read. I love this book. The characters are extremely likeable and at times humorous . The author does an excellent job of setting the stage in rural England years ago. Life seemed simpler and people helped each other though at times with somewhat ulterior motives as in the case of Thumper and the taxi driver. This is my first book in the series and by this author and I can't wait to read the others..
Excellent read. I love this book. The characters are extremely likeable and at times humorous . The author does an excellent job of setting the stage in rural England years ago. Life seemed simpler and people helped each other though at times with somewhat ulterior motives as in the case of Thumper and the taxi driver. This is my first book in the series and by this author and I can't wait to read the others..
October 30, 2019
After this one, I bought them all!
What a life! You just HAVE to read on after book one, to find out what could happen next! Doctors will love it. Diary readers will love it. People who moved to the countryside will absolutely love it! Great writing style, engaging relationships among people, exciting (and sometimes tragic) turns of events - this series will keep you page- turning!
What a life! You just HAVE to read on after book one, to find out what could happen next! Doctors will love it. Diary readers will love it. People who moved to the countryside will absolutely love it! Great writing style, engaging relationships among people, exciting (and sometimes tragic) turns of events - this series will keep you page- turning!
December 14, 2021
I’ve been working my way through the “Irish Country Doctor” series by Patrick Taylor. Goodreads suggested that since I liked those, I might enjoy this as well. I did for the most part.
There were a couple turns towards the end that I didn’t necessarily see coming, that made it a little darker than I expected or even wanted. Still I enjoyed it enough, I think I’ll try the next one in the series.
There were a couple turns towards the end that I didn’t necessarily see coming, that made it a little darker than I expected or even wanted. Still I enjoyed it enough, I think I’ll try the next one in the series.
July 5, 2017
A mighty fine read
Believable, likeable characters. Exceptional story-telling skills involving situations that are, in turn, hilarious, poignant, heart-breaking, redeeming. Descriptions of 'Bilbury' made me feel like I was there, seeing the village and its inhabitants through my own eyes.
Believable, likeable characters. Exceptional story-telling skills involving situations that are, in turn, hilarious, poignant, heart-breaking, redeeming. Descriptions of 'Bilbury' made me feel like I was there, seeing the village and its inhabitants through my own eyes.
December 30, 2019
If you made James Herriot a doctor instead of a veterinarian then you have the humorous tales of The Young Country Doctor. Such a fun read! The doctor is just starting out and of course gets into any number of scrapes! I chuckled through so much of this. Dr. Coleman has an easy writing style and you flow along with the story without many hick-ups. I look forward to reading more of his stories.
October 5, 2020
Similar to James Herriot's book series, but with a Doctor for humans
If you like All Things Bright and Beautiful and the subsequent books in that series you will like thus series. A young doctor practicing in a small country village. Some happy stories; some tragic; some humorous. Mostly making you feel good in the end.
If you like All Things Bright and Beautiful and the subsequent books in that series you will like thus series. A young doctor practicing in a small country village. Some happy stories; some tragic; some humorous. Mostly making you feel good in the end.
November 30, 2022
I listened to the audiobook as a comfort read and overall enjoyed it, but it got darker/heavier than I was expecting towards the end. It's sort of like connected vignettes (although there is an overall arc) and I found it less compelling overall than either the Irish Country Doctor series or the James Herriot books.
September 14, 2023
Very good book.
I initial impression was the similarity to the James Herriot books. However, this book then developed into an extremely readable fast paced novel that held me for the rest of the book. The young doctor matures quickly as the book progresses and a very satisfactory ending was quickly reached.
I initial impression was the similarity to the James Herriot books. However, this book then developed into an extremely readable fast paced novel that held me for the rest of the book. The young doctor matures quickly as the book progresses and a very satisfactory ending was quickly reached.
January 24, 2024
I did the audiobook version of this and liked the narration alot. The story, however, is very similar to the All Creatures Great and Small books by James Herriott. Still, the Young Country Doctor book was entertaining and had likeable characters even if some of the plot lines were easily guessed. It is a cozy read. Glad I did the audio version so that I could multi-task while listening to it.
September 13, 2024
4.3 stars
I did not expect to like this book this much. Actually, The Young Country Doctor is not my usual cup of tea. But to my surprise...it's like eating a comfort food. The vibe of English country side, the life of the young doctor and his patients are heartwarming, heartbreaking and for some reason really touching me. It is a very enjoyable read and will my to be continue series.
I did not expect to like this book this much. Actually, The Young Country Doctor is not my usual cup of tea. But to my surprise...it's like eating a comfort food. The vibe of English country side, the life of the young doctor and his patients are heartwarming, heartbreaking and for some reason really touching me. It is a very enjoyable read and will my to be continue series.
November 6, 2024
Exceptional, heartwarming memoir(?)tale...
We should indeed wish these were more everyday realities and tender human interactions--alas! This seems almost fictional against the backdrop of today's horrific, anti-human, wretched selfishness. Humorous, bittersweet, and at times just plan fun...
We should indeed wish these were more everyday realities and tender human interactions--alas! This seems almost fictional against the backdrop of today's horrific, anti-human, wretched selfishness. Humorous, bittersweet, and at times just plan fun...
July 20, 2025
Comfort Reading
A good old fashioned kind of read. Started off a bit slow but I quickly became endeared to the village and the people who lived there. Reminds me of the show Doc Martin except this country doctor has none of the sass (which I will admit I loved about ole Doc M). An enjoyable light read which I imagine will continue throughout the series.
A good old fashioned kind of read. Started off a bit slow but I quickly became endeared to the village and the people who lived there. Reminds me of the show Doc Martin except this country doctor has none of the sass (which I will admit I loved about ole Doc M). An enjoyable light read which I imagine will continue throughout the series.
June 14, 2017
Enjoyable Read
I enjoyed this book. Easy to read with characters that readily came to life on the pages of the book. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the books in the series
I enjoyed this book. Easy to read with characters that readily came to life on the pages of the book. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the books in the series
June 25, 2017
I liked this first story of the young country doctor when times were simpler. There are wonderful descriptions of the idyllic countryside and the local people. Reminds me a bit of James Herriot's writing. The story flies by quickly.
April 2, 2018
Not a bad story but the pedant in me picked up on small errors in timing. The book was set in 1971 but the little boy says his favourite tv show was thunder cats, which didn't come out until the '80s. There were a few others and they started to rankle a bit as the book went on.
September 16, 2018
A charmìng story of country living
Loved this story of a.new doctor in a remote English country village. Quite a transformation for a new doctor, trained in hospital ways, to a full-fledged doctor charged with the well-being of his noeth-country friends and neighbors.
Loved this story of a.new doctor in a remote English country village. Quite a transformation for a new doctor, trained in hospital ways, to a full-fledged doctor charged with the well-being of his noeth-country friends and neighbors.
March 21, 2019
A Good Book for anyone interested in old country doctoring.
A Good Start to the series. It wasn’t James Harriot but it is pretty good. I expect future writing will improve this writer’s storytelling. I definitely recommend this one for anyone that enjoys country doctoring.
A Good Start to the series. It wasn’t James Harriot but it is pretty good. I expect future writing will improve this writer’s storytelling. I definitely recommend this one for anyone that enjoys country doctoring.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews