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All Creatures Great and Small #6
Vet in a Spin
James Herriot has swapped his wellies for a flying jacket, but he can't wait to get back to the practice and his old Darrowby friends James Herriot, strapped into the cockpit of a Tiger Moth trainer, feels rather out of place, but he hasn't found a new profession and it surely won't be long before the RAF come round to his point of view... James Herriot's sixth volume of unforgettable memoirs sees him dreaming of the day when he can rejoin his wife Helen, little son Jimmy, veterinary partner Siegfried, the eternal student Tristan - and all the old Darrowby crows, both two-legged and four. 'He can tell a good story against himself, and his pleasure in the beauty of the countryside in which he works is infectious' The Daily Telegraph 'Full of warmth, wisdom and wit' The Field 'It is a pleasure to be in James Herriot's company' Observer
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1977
47 people are currently reading
1759 people want to read
About the author
James Herriot
262 books3,304 followersJames Herriot is the pen name of James Alfred Wight, OBE, FRCVS also known as Alf Wight, an English veterinary surgeon and writer. Wight is best known for his semi-autobiographical stories, often referred to collectively as All Creatures Great and Small, a title used in some editions and in film and television adaptations.
In 1939, at the age of 23, he qualified as a veterinary surgeon with Glasgow Veterinary College. In January 1940, he took a brief job at a veterinary practice in Sunderland, but moved in July to work in a rural practice based in the town of Thirsk, Yorkshire, close to the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors, where he was to remain for the rest of his life. The original practice is now a museum, "The World of James Herriot".
Wight intended for years to write a book, but with most of his time consumed by veterinary practice and family, his writing ambition went nowhere. Challenged by his wife, in 1966 (at the age of 50), he began writing. In 1969 Wight wrote If Only They Could Talk, the first of the now-famous series based on his life working as a vet and his training in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. Owing in part to professional etiquette which at that time frowned on veterinary surgeons and other professionals from advertising their services, he took a pen name, choosing "James Herriot". If Only They Could Talk was published in the United Kingdom in 1970 by Michael Joseph Ltd, but sales were slow until Thomas McCormack, of St. Martin's Press in New York City, received a copy and arranged to have the first two books published as a single volume in the United States. The resulting book, titled All Creatures Great and Small, was an overnight success, spawning numerous sequels, movies, and a successful television adaptation.
In his books, Wight calls the town where he lives and works Darrowby, which he based largely on the towns of Thirsk and Sowerby. He also renamed Donald Sinclair and his brother Brian Sinclair as Siegfried and Tristan Farnon, respectively. Wight's books are only partially autobiographical. Many of the stories are only loosely based on real events or people, and thus can be considered primarily fiction.
The Herriot books are often described as "animal stories" (Wight himself was known to refer to them as his "little cat-and-dog stories"), and given that they are about the life of a country veterinarian, animals certainly play a significant role in most of the stories. Yet animals play a lesser, sometimes even a negligible role in many of Wight's tales: the overall theme of his stories is Yorkshire country life, with its people and their animals primary elements that provide its distinct character. Further, it is Wight's shrewd observations of persons, animals, and their close inter-relationship, which give his writing much of its savour. Wight was just as interested in their owners as he was in his patients, and his writing is, at root, an amiable but keen comment on the human condition. The Yorkshire animals provide the element of pain and drama; the role of their owners is to feel and express joy, sadness, sometimes triumph. The animal characters also prevent Wight's stories from becoming twee or melodramatic — animals, unlike some humans, do not pretend to be ailing, nor have they imaginary complaints and needless fears. Their ill-health is real, not the result of flaws in their character which they avoid mending. In an age of social uncertainties, when there seem to be no remedies for anything, Wight's stories of resolute grappling with mysterious bacterial foes or severe injuries have an almost heroic quality, giving the reader a sense of assurance, even hope. Best of all, James Herriot has an abundant humour about himself and his difficulties. He never feels superior to any living thing, and is ever eager to learn — about animal doctoring, and about his fellow human creature.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/jamesh...
In 1939, at the age of 23, he qualified as a veterinary surgeon with Glasgow Veterinary College. In January 1940, he took a brief job at a veterinary practice in Sunderland, but moved in July to work in a rural practice based in the town of Thirsk, Yorkshire, close to the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors, where he was to remain for the rest of his life. The original practice is now a museum, "The World of James Herriot".
Wight intended for years to write a book, but with most of his time consumed by veterinary practice and family, his writing ambition went nowhere. Challenged by his wife, in 1966 (at the age of 50), he began writing. In 1969 Wight wrote If Only They Could Talk, the first of the now-famous series based on his life working as a vet and his training in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. Owing in part to professional etiquette which at that time frowned on veterinary surgeons and other professionals from advertising their services, he took a pen name, choosing "James Herriot". If Only They Could Talk was published in the United Kingdom in 1970 by Michael Joseph Ltd, but sales were slow until Thomas McCormack, of St. Martin's Press in New York City, received a copy and arranged to have the first two books published as a single volume in the United States. The resulting book, titled All Creatures Great and Small, was an overnight success, spawning numerous sequels, movies, and a successful television adaptation.
In his books, Wight calls the town where he lives and works Darrowby, which he based largely on the towns of Thirsk and Sowerby. He also renamed Donald Sinclair and his brother Brian Sinclair as Siegfried and Tristan Farnon, respectively. Wight's books are only partially autobiographical. Many of the stories are only loosely based on real events or people, and thus can be considered primarily fiction.
The Herriot books are often described as "animal stories" (Wight himself was known to refer to them as his "little cat-and-dog stories"), and given that they are about the life of a country veterinarian, animals certainly play a significant role in most of the stories. Yet animals play a lesser, sometimes even a negligible role in many of Wight's tales: the overall theme of his stories is Yorkshire country life, with its people and their animals primary elements that provide its distinct character. Further, it is Wight's shrewd observations of persons, animals, and their close inter-relationship, which give his writing much of its savour. Wight was just as interested in their owners as he was in his patients, and his writing is, at root, an amiable but keen comment on the human condition. The Yorkshire animals provide the element of pain and drama; the role of their owners is to feel and express joy, sadness, sometimes triumph. The animal characters also prevent Wight's stories from becoming twee or melodramatic — animals, unlike some humans, do not pretend to be ailing, nor have they imaginary complaints and needless fears. Their ill-health is real, not the result of flaws in their character which they avoid mending. In an age of social uncertainties, when there seem to be no remedies for anything, Wight's stories of resolute grappling with mysterious bacterial foes or severe injuries have an almost heroic quality, giving the reader a sense of assurance, even hope. Best of all, James Herriot has an abundant humour about himself and his difficulties. He never feels superior to any living thing, and is ever eager to learn — about animal doctoring, and about his fellow human creature.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/jamesh...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
July 24, 2019
Months of drilling, marching and studying navigation in the RAF had finally paid off for James Herriot. He was now about to take to the skies in a Tiger Moth. This was certainly a change to doing his rounds as a vet. James was feeling apprehensive, but he thought he was up to the task at hand. Once again we the reader were taken on a fantastic journey with James Herriot as he ventured into another part of his life as well as following him on his veterinarian rounds.
Vet in a Spin was the sixth book in the series All Creatures Great and Small. I have loved each and every one of the books in this series, but for me this would have to be the best by far my favorite so far. There was a particular part in this book that truly had me quite emotional and had me really thinking about it for a long time after I’d read it. I utterly loved this book and can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
Vet in a Spin was the sixth book in the series All Creatures Great and Small. I have loved each and every one of the books in this series, but for me this would have to be the best by far my favorite so far. There was a particular part in this book that truly had me quite emotional and had me really thinking about it for a long time after I’d read it. I utterly loved this book and can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
August 18, 2019
Para mí, leer a Herriot es algo más que leer una lectura entretenida y bien narrada. Quizás el compartir profesión me hace entenderle mejor y llegar a sentir que le conozco.
El capítulo 7, sin duda me llegó al alma.
Gracias Herriot por reflejar la empatía que sin duda sentimos la mayoría de los que nos dedicamos a ésto, por narrar con humor nuestro día a día y por demostrar que esta profesión tan injustamente valorada es hermosa y que no hay nada más satisfactorio que ver que tus conocimientos han servido para salvar una vida.
Es una lectura muy amena para cualquier lector y 100% recomendable.
El capítulo 7, sin duda me llegó al alma.
Gracias Herriot por reflejar la empatía que sin duda sentimos la mayoría de los que nos dedicamos a ésto, por narrar con humor nuestro día a día y por demostrar que esta profesión tan injustamente valorada es hermosa y que no hay nada más satisfactorio que ver que tus conocimientos han servido para salvar una vida.
Es una lectura muy amena para cualquier lector y 100% recomendable.
August 16, 2014
Like all of his books this one is alternately funny and sad as James Herriot tells a variety of stories about his experience as a vet in the Yorkshire Dales in England. As I was reading I kept visualising the actors who played the roles of the three vets in the television series. I was surprised to see at the beginning of the book that the author died in 1995. Such a long time ago but his books live on.
June 14, 2021
Loved this one. Again I can only repeat myself from previous reviews, these books are so good to read.
April 13, 2019
El penúltimo de la saga. Lo había dejado en pausa hace un tiempo para no leérmelos todos altiro, y se me había olvidado lo bueno que son los libros de este señor. Pura calidad... carcajadas en voz alta (literalmente, no una exageración) y lagrimones por ahí y por allá. Es de esos que recomendaría en los colegios si siguiera ejerciendo activamente como profesora. No solo son entretenidos y amenos, sino que también brillantes. El autor es un muy buen observador, tanto de personas como de animales, y sabe narrar tales observaciones con agudeza y gracia,
Y NO OBSTANTE, esta vez sufrí una decepción. James Herriot empieza sus días de veterinario en un mundo antiguo (para nosotros), donde las vacas y otros animales todavía tienen identidad y nombres propios, y los ganaderos una conexión personal con ellos, aun cuando terminen eventualmente usándolos como comida o productores de ella. Pero en este tomo llega el momento en que la ganadería antigua comienza a dar paso a la nueva, donde tales animalitos son encerrados en serie, sin poder pastar, encadenados, reducidos a un solo mero objeto, y entonces ¿qué hace nuestro vet? Nada.
O sea, al principio igual cae en un shock leve, se resiste por ejemplo a dejar sin nombre a una vaca en particular de una de las anécdotas, a la que llama "Ochenta y Siete" así con mayúsculas y todo, y cataloga como frío y estéril un campo terrorífico al que le toca ir a trabajar, donde los ganaderos son impersonales e indiferentes también con él pero, al final del relato, cuando termina bien su pega, tales ganaderos le ofrecen una cerveza, y él concluye aliviado algo así como "uf, menos mal que la cosa no ha cambiado demasiado, porque las personas siguen siendo los mismas", refiriéndose a la camadería humana y etcétera.
Sí, lo mismo con él, pero ¿con los animales? ¿Qué pasa con los animales? Es una anécdota terrible, ésa y otra donde una pobre vaquita pare escondida en medio de la noche y esconde a su ternero durante días, porque no quiere que, al descubrir su existencia, lo alejen de ella.
O SEA.
Yo sé que la sensibilidad y la conciencia sobre el otro (incluyendo sobre los animalitos) es algo que va creciendo con el tiempo, y que quizás en esos entonces la gente tenía menos recursos y todavía necesitaba la industria de la carne... pero igual habría pensado que Herriot iba a defenderlos un poco más, cuestionar quizá un poquito el sistema nuevo, y nada de nada. Porque la vida que llevan esos pobres animalitos en lugares reducidos e impersonales como esos es todavía peor que su muerte. Si van a terminar en el plato de alguien, que experimenten al menos un poquito de amor antes, sientan el sol sobre sus lomos, miren una mariposa, huelan el pasto de la mañana, corran por el prado, reciban una rascadita de orejas... tengan un nombre.
¿Por qué el vet no habrá dicho nada? No lo sé. ¿Es que realmente no le importaba? Siendo alguien tan sensible y despierto, tan íntimamente relacionado con su medio, y tan amante de los animales, sinceramente lo dudo. Entonces se me ocurre que simplemente no quería pelearse con nadie, y no poh, podrías haber sido una voz, James. Aunque fuera sutil. No venderte por una cerveza, menos tú que los conocías tanto, que sabías cómo en verdad eran.
Lo otro es que realmente lo considerara como parte de la vida y etcétera. Hay muchos que todavía lo hacen.
En fin, cuatro estrellas y no cinco solamente por eso. Lo siento :(
Esto, en todo caso, sucede solo hacia el final del libro, y hay igual un montón de historias preciosas, y además muchas más de perritos, gatitos y animales de compañía que en otros tomos. Y además hay buenas anécdotas sobre su vida como piloto en entrenamiento para las fuerzas aéreas, y otro montón sobre la gente, casi todas muy graciosas y siempre escritas con cariño. Mucho sentido del humor, como siempre, y una gran capacidad de reírse de sí mismo. Una gozada de libro. Es como si se leyera solo. Excepto en eso que dije y pucha, siento (pero no) el ímpetu con que lo dije.
¡Ahora me queda solo el último de la saga! A ver cuánto me dura. Igual me da un poco de miedo empezarlo por si la cosa se pone más oscura. Pero quizá estoy exagerando. Aunque es posible que con los años Herriot haya ido viendo más y más miseria, las historias que elige en general son hermosas y amables. Pero a medida que voy avanzando, voy sintiendo por omisión todo lo que no se dice. O lo pienso, al menos, pienso en lo que sucede en tantos mataderos en lugares mucho más amplios que la sola Inglaterra.
Pucha, voy a terminar desincentivando la lectura de este libro, que es tan bueno y además un testimonio histórico, jajaja. Así que mejor chao.
Recomendado, pese a mis sentimientos encontrados, aunque creo que son mejores los primeros.
Y NO OBSTANTE, esta vez sufrí una decepción. James Herriot empieza sus días de veterinario en un mundo antiguo (para nosotros), donde las vacas y otros animales todavía tienen identidad y nombres propios, y los ganaderos una conexión personal con ellos, aun cuando terminen eventualmente usándolos como comida o productores de ella. Pero en este tomo llega el momento en que la ganadería antigua comienza a dar paso a la nueva, donde tales animalitos son encerrados en serie, sin poder pastar, encadenados, reducidos a un solo mero objeto, y entonces ¿qué hace nuestro vet? Nada.
O sea, al principio igual cae en un shock leve, se resiste por ejemplo a dejar sin nombre a una vaca en particular de una de las anécdotas, a la que llama "Ochenta y Siete" así con mayúsculas y todo, y cataloga como frío y estéril un campo terrorífico al que le toca ir a trabajar, donde los ganaderos son impersonales e indiferentes también con él pero, al final del relato, cuando termina bien su pega, tales ganaderos le ofrecen una cerveza, y él concluye aliviado algo así como "uf, menos mal que la cosa no ha cambiado demasiado, porque las personas siguen siendo los mismas", refiriéndose a la camadería humana y etcétera.
Sí, lo mismo con él, pero ¿con los animales? ¿Qué pasa con los animales? Es una anécdota terrible, ésa y otra donde una pobre vaquita pare escondida en medio de la noche y esconde a su ternero durante días, porque no quiere que, al descubrir su existencia, lo alejen de ella.
O SEA.
Yo sé que la sensibilidad y la conciencia sobre el otro (incluyendo sobre los animalitos) es algo que va creciendo con el tiempo, y que quizás en esos entonces la gente tenía menos recursos y todavía necesitaba la industria de la carne... pero igual habría pensado que Herriot iba a defenderlos un poco más, cuestionar quizá un poquito el sistema nuevo, y nada de nada. Porque la vida que llevan esos pobres animalitos en lugares reducidos e impersonales como esos es todavía peor que su muerte. Si van a terminar en el plato de alguien, que experimenten al menos un poquito de amor antes, sientan el sol sobre sus lomos, miren una mariposa, huelan el pasto de la mañana, corran por el prado, reciban una rascadita de orejas... tengan un nombre.
¿Por qué el vet no habrá dicho nada? No lo sé. ¿Es que realmente no le importaba? Siendo alguien tan sensible y despierto, tan íntimamente relacionado con su medio, y tan amante de los animales, sinceramente lo dudo. Entonces se me ocurre que simplemente no quería pelearse con nadie, y no poh, podrías haber sido una voz, James. Aunque fuera sutil. No venderte por una cerveza, menos tú que los conocías tanto, que sabías cómo en verdad eran.
Lo otro es que realmente lo considerara como parte de la vida y etcétera. Hay muchos que todavía lo hacen.
En fin, cuatro estrellas y no cinco solamente por eso. Lo siento :(
Esto, en todo caso, sucede solo hacia el final del libro, y hay igual un montón de historias preciosas, y además muchas más de perritos, gatitos y animales de compañía que en otros tomos. Y además hay buenas anécdotas sobre su vida como piloto en entrenamiento para las fuerzas aéreas, y otro montón sobre la gente, casi todas muy graciosas y siempre escritas con cariño. Mucho sentido del humor, como siempre, y una gran capacidad de reírse de sí mismo. Una gozada de libro. Es como si se leyera solo. Excepto en eso que dije y pucha, siento (pero no) el ímpetu con que lo dije.
¡Ahora me queda solo el último de la saga! A ver cuánto me dura. Igual me da un poco de miedo empezarlo por si la cosa se pone más oscura. Pero quizá estoy exagerando. Aunque es posible que con los años Herriot haya ido viendo más y más miseria, las historias que elige en general son hermosas y amables. Pero a medida que voy avanzando, voy sintiendo por omisión todo lo que no se dice. O lo pienso, al menos, pienso en lo que sucede en tantos mataderos en lugares mucho más amplios que la sola Inglaterra.
Pucha, voy a terminar desincentivando la lectura de este libro, que es tan bueno y además un testimonio histórico, jajaja. Así que mejor chao.
Recomendado, pese a mis sentimientos encontrados, aunque creo que son mejores los primeros.
January 3, 2019
Un libro amable.
January 14, 2008
Loved all the James Herriot books. My parents began to read them when I was maybe 10 or so and they would laugh out loud but I was far too cool to read what my parents did until one day I had a miserable toothache/earache and to take my mind off it I began to read one of this series of books. I too ended up laughing and simply being transported away to a different time, yet with places that seemed comfortingly familiar. (I'm from Yorkshire originally and was living there at this time.) I wrote my first ever fan letter to anyone, to James Herriot, and he replied! I was smitten and even investigated on my own to find out his real name! I also loved how he began to write the books kind of from a dare from his wife! And that he began them later in life. All things encouraging there!
March 15, 2017
I have read, re-read, and re-read again. That is how much I enjoy these books
January 23, 2024
This is the 2nd part of All Things Wise and Wonderful, and it starts as James is finally about to enter flight school after a long stint in basic training.
Like Vets Might Fly, the stories in this book mostly consist of James being reminded in some way of something that happened in his veterinary practice. Disappointingly,
Like Vets Might Fly, the stories in this book mostly consist of James being reminded in some way of something that happened in his veterinary practice. Disappointingly,
December 16, 2024
The one in which Jim flies planes, reminisces and eventually marches to his new wife and son.
July 31, 2022
Como todos sus libros, divertido, mientras, de forma muy inteligente, realiza una defensa del trabajo sanitario. Lo difícil que es escribir de forma que parezca tan fácil.
May 28, 2024
I don’t write reviews.
We got another look behind the scenes of Air Force training and more lovely animal stories. Wright completed his pilot training only to have a medical issue which disqualified from the only role he could play in the war - pilot. Strangely bittersweet somehow, perhaps due to feeling he didn’t serve his country as he should have, but he returned home to his practice. And more animals! Yay!
We got another look behind the scenes of Air Force training and more lovely animal stories. Wright completed his pilot training only to have a medical issue which disqualified from the only role he could play in the war - pilot. Strangely bittersweet somehow, perhaps due to feeling he didn’t serve his country as he should have, but he returned home to his practice. And more animals! Yay!
September 15, 2018
Sixth in my James Herriot box set! Very enjoyable as always, but will have to save the last two for any future times of great stress when a comfort blanket is needed!
November 21, 2021
Again with a 5 star rating. All these books in this series deserve a 5 star rating. I felt different though when I finished this one. It seemed like an ending. James returns home from the war, and he's coming home to his wife and son James. His family isn't at Skeldale House since he left for the war. Helen has moved back to her family home, a little bit out of the town of Darrowby. Yes, I was sad. But then I realized that I siill have 2 more books left in this wonderful series, so I took comfort from that. I can't recommend these books enough. They are wonderful--each and every one of them, and each and every one of the stories. These books, more than any I have read, portray the passsge of time for it really is. Each of our lives is just a whisper in the big picture, but each whisper brings another set of perspectives, another story, another friendship, and most of all, another animal friend. For those who love animals these books are a must read. You will not regret the time spent. Not for a moment.
April 7, 2025
Again a very pleasant to read stories/tellings about Herriot's training sessions for becoming a pilot in the RAF.
Almost each chapter starts with some story from the army training, but continues/ends with some other from past vet activity, related even a bit with that army incident.
Sadly (or maybe not ?) he did not became a pilot, because of his renewed surgery on the same spot that he suffered a previous one in earlier years.
And, also, a bit strange, not a clue about the rest of his time in the force, after this surgery. Did he took another flight ?
Oh, well, doesn't matter; he ends the book by ... marching from the bus stop where he got out, upon returning home from the army, toward the house where Helen and his young son where living; literally marching.
I did like quite a bit the story about the apparent stray cat, badly hurt, that they saved, and lived with for some time, until the real owner came to them to claim it. Interesting little fellow, that cat.
Almost each chapter starts with some story from the army training, but continues/ends with some other from past vet activity, related even a bit with that army incident.
Sadly (or maybe not ?) he did not became a pilot, because of his renewed surgery on the same spot that he suffered a previous one in earlier years.
And, also, a bit strange, not a clue about the rest of his time in the force, after this surgery. Did he took another flight ?
Oh, well, doesn't matter; he ends the book by ... marching from the bus stop where he got out, upon returning home from the army, toward the house where Helen and his young son where living; literally marching.
I did like quite a bit the story about the apparent stray cat, badly hurt, that they saved, and lived with for some time, until the real owner came to them to claim it. Interesting little fellow, that cat.
December 27, 2022
Another fun installment of stories in the All Creatures Great and Small series. This set is framed by Herriot's qualification and short period of service in the RAF during World War II. I got the feeling that this period of his life was actually not very interesting and most of the stories are continued reminisces of his time as a country vet in Yorkshire. This a is a shorter volume and there aren't a lot of standout stories here, but there's the usual humorous tone with one or two more serious accounts thrown in. I thought the stories of his two clients who were struggling with depression were particularly moving. I also enjoyed the story about the romance between the farm hand and the maid.
November 16, 2021
Volume six of James Herriot's fictionalised memoirs have him completing basic training in the RAF and going to learn how to actually fly a plane. He completes this but ends up being invalided out the service before he ever sees action - I guess the military want people to be fully healthy before they send them off to be killed!
But as with the last volume, we spend very little time in the RAF, with most of the book being taken up with Jim's musings on his previous life in the Yorkshire Dales. We meet more of the wonderful farmers and villagers that make up his life and there are some touching stories about how their lives touch that of Jim.
We don't see much of the supporting cast this time round, although we do get to see an unexpectedly tender side to Tristan, which leads into a beautifully bittersweet story. Jim's business partner Siegfried barely turns up at all, and we don't get any appearance from the always delightful Granville.
But as with the others, it's a pleasure to read, and Jim always has empathy for his charges, whether that's a farm animal or a beloved pet. His writing is soothing and the glimpse into another time is fascinating. Even for a confirmed urbanite like me, it's a wonderful read.
But as with the last volume, we spend very little time in the RAF, with most of the book being taken up with Jim's musings on his previous life in the Yorkshire Dales. We meet more of the wonderful farmers and villagers that make up his life and there are some touching stories about how their lives touch that of Jim.
We don't see much of the supporting cast this time round, although we do get to see an unexpectedly tender side to Tristan, which leads into a beautifully bittersweet story. Jim's business partner Siegfried barely turns up at all, and we don't get any appearance from the always delightful Granville.
But as with the others, it's a pleasure to read, and Jim always has empathy for his charges, whether that's a farm animal or a beloved pet. His writing is soothing and the glimpse into another time is fascinating. Even for a confirmed urbanite like me, it's a wonderful read.
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November 26, 2020Hästi vahvad loomalood!
January 25, 2021
Sista delen i den här mysiga, lantliga serien om James Herriots äventyr som veterinär. Jag saknar den redan.
January 15, 2023
Muy ameno.
February 1, 2022
"I wish I could tell a story like Dr. Herriot. But, alas, that would make me the best there ever was at everything"
-Kanye West
-Kanye West
October 22, 2018
I adore James Herriot. This is the second book of his I've read and I was worried that it would be too similar to the first but in fact is was totally different and totally enjoyable. Herriot has a way of writing that makes you forget you're reading; you feel as if you're sat in a warm armchair by the fire in conversation with him whilst he's telling you all these amazing stories from his past; some touching and heartbreaking; others like the Pig drinking beer hilarious. I adored this book especially because it switched between the flying of the airplanes and how certain things jolted memories.
December 28, 2017
Quite as enjoyable as any other Herriot, this book covers the period when he is in training with the RAF in World War 2, but keeps thinking back about his experiences as a country vet. In most chapters there is only a bare outline of his RAF training before some chance observation leads to a story about life as a vet.
The only real flaw with this book (and the reason for a four and not five star rating) is that these segues were mostly very tenuous, and the "present day" story of the RAF training was given in barest outline before going to the reminiscences.
The only real flaw with this book (and the reason for a four and not five star rating) is that these segues were mostly very tenuous, and the "present day" story of the RAF training was given in barest outline before going to the reminiscences.
February 24, 2018
So heartwarming and enjoyable. As all other Herriot books, this one too captivates our hearts. The book gives a brief glimpse of the RAF training that the author had gone through, during World War II. The major part covers the life of Herriot as a vet back in Drrowby, in elaborate detail. Time and again I would read a Herriot book just to soothe my mind and this one follows the same pattern.
August 20, 2025
Another delightful installment in this wonderful series. I remember reading these books as a kid in the early 1980s and watching the equally delightful series on tv. It surprised me to learn that these are novels that are only loosely based on the author’s real life, and that they were written 30+ years after most of the events in the books.
I was a bit bothered by the lack of any real explanation of what surgery James had and why the successful surgery nonetheless grounded him. Nor was there any explanation why his discharge as a pilot resulted in his total discharge from military service. I presume it was because of his being a veterinarian but it was never really explained. I also wish that the books delved even a little bit into the impact of the war on life in Yorkshire and its farming community. Other than his, I presume, brief military training, it was as if the war never happened. He didn’t explain how or why he ended up on the RAF, whether Sigfried or Tristin served, what became of the practice during the war years, who treated their clients’ livestock and pets during those years, etc.
I’ve also just started to watch the new BBC series. I’m not sure what to say about it. I love the look of the series. We never got a sense of the beauty of Yorkshire in the original series, but we sure do in this one. But it’s strange how differently the characters are played in the series as than in the books and the original series. So far (and I’ve only seen two episodes), while I like the series, I prefer the first series. James comes across as more of a wimp in this series. Sigfried seems a bit nastier (although he’s the closest to the character in novel). Tristin is pretty unlikeable and a bit annoying. And Mrs. Hall is unrecognizable.
I was a bit bothered by the lack of any real explanation of what surgery James had and why the successful surgery nonetheless grounded him. Nor was there any explanation why his discharge as a pilot resulted in his total discharge from military service. I presume it was because of his being a veterinarian but it was never really explained. I also wish that the books delved even a little bit into the impact of the war on life in Yorkshire and its farming community. Other than his, I presume, brief military training, it was as if the war never happened. He didn’t explain how or why he ended up on the RAF, whether Sigfried or Tristin served, what became of the practice during the war years, who treated their clients’ livestock and pets during those years, etc.
I’ve also just started to watch the new BBC series. I’m not sure what to say about it. I love the look of the series. We never got a sense of the beauty of Yorkshire in the original series, but we sure do in this one. But it’s strange how differently the characters are played in the series as than in the books and the original series. So far (and I’ve only seen two episodes), while I like the series, I prefer the first series. James comes across as more of a wimp in this series. Sigfried seems a bit nastier (although he’s the closest to the character in novel). Tristin is pretty unlikeable and a bit annoying. And Mrs. Hall is unrecognizable.
July 22, 2022
Having become a fan of Channel 5's/PBS's All Creatures Great and Small, I was pleased to find this book. James Herriot writes it through a series of several flashbacks; a James in his 60s writes the stories through the perspective of James in his late 20s/early 30s, who in turn tells stories of a James in his early/late 20s.
James Herriot has left the comforts of Darrowby and is serving as a pilot in the RAF. While there, he reminisces on his days in Skeldale House in the not-so-distant past. James tells the reader about his misadventures with Helen, Siegfried, and Tristan, and how he's handled many cases. The benefit of hindsight also allows him to explain how treatment and care of animals has changed since the mid 1930s (for example, he discusses how a dog went blind, and how it is far from likely to happen in the 1970s). It's a fun read, especially for those who like animals and like reading about medical practice. It is, of course, most fun for those who are familiar with Herriot's characters - one particular story about Tristan's philandering escapades was quite amusing!
James Herriot has left the comforts of Darrowby and is serving as a pilot in the RAF. While there, he reminisces on his days in Skeldale House in the not-so-distant past. James tells the reader about his misadventures with Helen, Siegfried, and Tristan, and how he's handled many cases. The benefit of hindsight also allows him to explain how treatment and care of animals has changed since the mid 1930s (for example, he discusses how a dog went blind, and how it is far from likely to happen in the 1970s). It's a fun read, especially for those who like animals and like reading about medical practice. It is, of course, most fun for those who are familiar with Herriot's characters - one particular story about Tristan's philandering escapades was quite amusing!
January 11, 2023
Sain selle raamatu kunagi lapsena kingituseks. Mäletan, et võtsin ta kunagi haigena ette; lugesin ja nautisin. Aga ega ma tõtt-öelda sellest muud ei mäletanudki, kui et oli tore lugemine.
Detsembris juhtus aga nii, et mu tütar jäi haigeks. Lesis kõrge palavikuga voodis, jõuetu ja nõrk. Küsisin, et kas ta tahab, et ma loeks talle midagi ette. Tahtis. Läksin siis raamatukogutuppa ja uurisin riiuleid. Ja ei tea miks, aga "Loomaarst pöörises" tundus selline õige valik. Võib-olla selle pärast, et olin seda kunagi ise haigena lugenud.
Hakkasin ette lugema - ja juhtus nii, et ka ülejäänud pere katkestas oma toimetused ja tuli kuulama. Raamatus olevad lood on lihtsalt nii toredad ja kaasahaaravad! Nii ei ole ka midagi imestada, et sellest sai järgmine unejuturaamat.
Kiitust väärivad nii lood ise kui ka kirjutamisstiil.
Kindel soovitus!
Detsembris juhtus aga nii, et mu tütar jäi haigeks. Lesis kõrge palavikuga voodis, jõuetu ja nõrk. Küsisin, et kas ta tahab, et ma loeks talle midagi ette. Tahtis. Läksin siis raamatukogutuppa ja uurisin riiuleid. Ja ei tea miks, aga "Loomaarst pöörises" tundus selline õige valik. Võib-olla selle pärast, et olin seda kunagi ise haigena lugenud.
Hakkasin ette lugema - ja juhtus nii, et ka ülejäänud pere katkestas oma toimetused ja tuli kuulama. Raamatus olevad lood on lihtsalt nii toredad ja kaasahaaravad! Nii ei ole ka midagi imestada, et sellest sai järgmine unejuturaamat.
Kiitust väärivad nii lood ise kui ka kirjutamisstiil.
Kindel soovitus!
November 11, 2023
Oplæser: Christian Engell. Vældig god oplæsning.
Jeg kan næsten ikke give 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹 🌹 🌹 🌹 🌹 🌹 roser nok til denne skønne serie.
Jeg har læst den et utal af gange, set BBC-serien med stor glæde og også nydt den nyindspillede serie. Og jeg indrømmer blankt, at jeg nok ikke har læst den for sidste gang!
Det er så forfriskende at læse om dyrlægen der bare elsker sit arbejde. Elsker sin kone og børn. Og som har slået rødder og forelsket sig i Darrowby. Nå ja - alt er jo ikke en dans på roser, men James trives i sit liv og sin gerning. Og de problemer der opstår er en del af livet.
At være i militæret er ikke nemt for James. Han når aldrig i krig og RAF ved ikke helt hvad de skal bruge ham til. Så livet som soldat er ikke særligt godt. Så er det jo dejligt at kunne huske tilbage på nogle af de mange oplevelser han har fra sin tid som dyrlæge.
Skøn læsning.
Jeg kan næsten ikke give 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹 🌹 🌹 🌹 🌹 🌹 roser nok til denne skønne serie.
Jeg har læst den et utal af gange, set BBC-serien med stor glæde og også nydt den nyindspillede serie. Og jeg indrømmer blankt, at jeg nok ikke har læst den for sidste gang!
Det er så forfriskende at læse om dyrlægen der bare elsker sit arbejde. Elsker sin kone og børn. Og som har slået rødder og forelsket sig i Darrowby. Nå ja - alt er jo ikke en dans på roser, men James trives i sit liv og sin gerning. Og de problemer der opstår er en del af livet.
At være i militæret er ikke nemt for James. Han når aldrig i krig og RAF ved ikke helt hvad de skal bruge ham til. Så livet som soldat er ikke særligt godt. Så er det jo dejligt at kunne huske tilbage på nogle af de mange oplevelser han har fra sin tid som dyrlæge.
Skøn læsning.
October 24, 2023
What is it about James Herriot's stories that warm me up so much? Full of humour, surprise and a hopeful note, they reflect the simplicity and kindness from the old days. It feels nostalgic to travel back in time and in place, to the picturesque Dales full of fun characters of humans and animals.
This volume feels even more nostalgic, when vet James Herriot found himself as an RAF trainee, often reminiscing his time home at the practice. My favourite stories of this collection include Oscar the cat-about-town, Nip and Mr Potts, Tristian's search for Hamish, false pregnancy everywhere! As always, as bad as the events may progress, the author always end up with a good ending and everything works out. This is perhaps why I'll always enjoy these little tales.
This volume feels even more nostalgic, when vet James Herriot found himself as an RAF trainee, often reminiscing his time home at the practice. My favourite stories of this collection include Oscar the cat-about-town, Nip and Mr Potts, Tristian's search for Hamish, false pregnancy everywhere! As always, as bad as the events may progress, the author always end up with a good ending and everything works out. This is perhaps why I'll always enjoy these little tales.
March 19, 2024
Gentle and warm as all the other Herriot books.
I would have liked to hear more about his time in the RAF and I did find the basic structure of each chapter got a bit same-y after the first few.
But there's enough charm, wit and pathos here to keep me reading and a couple of the stories are genuinely tear inducing. The writer's genuine love for the animals he worked with and for the people he encountered in his community shines bright as ever and again, the sense of his love for Yorkshire.
Not my favourite of the series but still a delightful read and lovely to revisit as an adult.
I would have liked to hear more about his time in the RAF and I did find the basic structure of each chapter got a bit same-y after the first few.
But there's enough charm, wit and pathos here to keep me reading and a couple of the stories are genuinely tear inducing. The writer's genuine love for the animals he worked with and for the people he encountered in his community shines bright as ever and again, the sense of his love for Yorkshire.
Not my favourite of the series but still a delightful read and lovely to revisit as an adult.
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