Reviews

All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot

sarahbinari's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

3.0

Love! 

kellijbotelho's review against another edition

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5.0

This book was SO good. It made me laugh out loud so many times, it made me cry too. So sweet, I looked forward to reading it every time I picked it up. 10/10

thenovelbook's review against another edition

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5.0

I tried reading this a few years ago, made it one chapter, promptly went sickly-green, and chucked it. Traumatic cow birthing. *shudders*

But in the painstaking occasional search for something new and British and wholesome to watch on TV, I hesitantly started up with the new All Creatures Great & Small adaptation being shown on PBS. And it eventually found its way into my heart. Yes, there's still a plotline every now and then that makes me either squeamish or sad or both. But I love the characters and the landscapes and the warmth of it. So somehow I decided to give the book another try. This time was successful. I genuinely enjoyed it and am looking forward to reading the rest of the James Herriot books this year.

So, to the few people over the years who have told me how wonderful James Herriot was, I now say, you're so right! It was funny, and well-observed, and so affectionate towards the people and animals of this corner of Yorkshire.

Note: This book is technically two books in one, which seems to be the way Herriot's works were published for the US.

rr_author's review against another edition

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5.0

This has to be one of my favourite books. It’s so entertaining and sweet, transporting me back to the 1930s English Dales. The descriptions are so well done, the dialogue snappy and hilarious, and Herriot’s musings really draw you into the life of a young vet.
It was actually my first time reading - previously I had only read a collection of “best stories” by Herriot, and several children’s books.
Can’t let the review finish without mentioning the BBC original series (‘70s-‘90s), which adapted this book perfectly. I highly recommend watching it after reading!

vlreid's review against another edition

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4.0

The first in the James Herriot series of books. An absolutely charming story about a large animal veterinarian in the Yorkshire Dales during the 1930's. This is Dr. Herriot's first job after veterinary college, and he pairs up with an established vet. They live together with a housekeeper and are on-call 24/7. Each chapter is a vignette in his daily life, ranging from the smallest dog or cat up to horses and cattle. His writing pulls you in so you feel that you are driving through the hills of York with him. I was glad to read this book on my Kindle to assist me with both the veterinary terms and the British colloquialisms. Highly recommended, especially if you have enjoyed the TV series. I'll definitely be reading the next book in the series while enjoying a cuppa tea!

Read more of my reviews at https://thegoodreader13.blogspot.com/.

trin's review against another edition

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4.0

Charming, wholesome, quietly amusing. I would have fucking strangled Siegfried though.

stephaniesteen73's review against another edition

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5.0

Listened to this on audio - and it's a commitment at 16 hours! but wonderful voice talent and accents. I would not have thought that the tales of a rural vet in 1930s Yorkshire would be as captivating as they were.

meeshlev's review against another edition

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medium-paced

4.0

sarahcelia's review against another edition

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hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

5.0

_michelle's review against another edition

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inspiring reflective relaxing slow-paced

5.0