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theavidreaderandbibliophile's review against another edition
4.0
The Wonderful World of James Herriot by James Herriot is a charming collection of stories. I enjoy watching All Creatures Great and Small which is why I wanted to read the stories that inspired the series. I enjoyed the introduction written by the author’s adult children, Jim Wright and Rosie Page. I like that the author provides context before each chapter. I found the book to be easy to read. We are taken back to a simpler time with this collection of tales. The author’s descriptions of the Yorkshire Dales allowed me to envision them. I could see the rolling countryside with the farms. I love the characters (James, Helen, Mrs. Hall, the Farnon brothers). The veterinarians addressed a variety of issues. They treated cats, dogs, cows, horses, pigs, goats, and more. I am amazed at the medical issues they addressed. If you are squeamish, some of the descriptions will be off putting (I skimmed through some of these sections). This is a lovely collection of stories. You can read one or all of them. I enjoyed this trip to the past where you can see Herriot’s love for people and animals.
lisafrancine's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
bargainsleuth's review against another edition
5.0
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I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press; I am leaving this review voluntarily.
James Herriot’s classic books of life as a Yorkshire vet have gained a new following with the popularity of the new television series. While the original stories are charming in their own right, The Wonderful World of James Herriot provides context and comparisons between the original texts and that of Alf Wight, the man behind the stories.
With an introduction by his children (and on audio, the intro is read by his daughter, Rosie), this new volume will be sure to delight fans of the original books. Many of the most popular stories (and ones depicted in the new series) are repeated here, but then the “real” story follows. For those not familiar, James Herriot was a construct of the author and some of the stories actually came from his son’s time as a vet as well as his own. Siegfried and Tristan existed in real life, but their real names were Donald and Brian. While some say Wight exaggerated the characteristics of people like Siegfried, while others say he toned down the personalities.
Nearly all the stories have some basis in the truth, much like Laura Ingalls Wilder books, yet they are considered fiction. And that’s what’s so great about this new compilation of stories. Side by side comparisons are made between the fiction of the story, and what really happened. If you’re wondering which book a particular story came from, it’s provided, although by using the original book names and not the names of the compilations released in the United States. I always wanted to research Wight’s real life and wondered which stories were true or not but never got around to it, so this volume was a welcome addition to the library.
If you love the television series as much as I do, be sure to check out this book on audio, as Nicholas Ralph and Anna Madeley provide the narration. It’s a great way to get for Americans to get their “fix” of stories until season 4 premieres on PBS on January 7, 2024.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press; I am leaving this review voluntarily.
James Herriot’s classic books of life as a Yorkshire vet have gained a new following with the popularity of the new television series. While the original stories are charming in their own right, The Wonderful World of James Herriot provides context and comparisons between the original texts and that of Alf Wight, the man behind the stories.
With an introduction by his children (and on audio, the intro is read by his daughter, Rosie), this new volume will be sure to delight fans of the original books. Many of the most popular stories (and ones depicted in the new series) are repeated here, but then the “real” story follows. For those not familiar, James Herriot was a construct of the author and some of the stories actually came from his son’s time as a vet as well as his own. Siegfried and Tristan existed in real life, but their real names were Donald and Brian. While some say Wight exaggerated the characteristics of people like Siegfried, while others say he toned down the personalities.
Nearly all the stories have some basis in the truth, much like Laura Ingalls Wilder books, yet they are considered fiction. And that’s what’s so great about this new compilation of stories. Side by side comparisons are made between the fiction of the story, and what really happened. If you’re wondering which book a particular story came from, it’s provided, although by using the original book names and not the names of the compilations released in the United States. I always wanted to research Wight’s real life and wondered which stories were true or not but never got around to it, so this volume was a welcome addition to the library.
If you love the television series as much as I do, be sure to check out this book on audio, as Nicholas Ralph and Anna Madeley provide the narration. It’s a great way to get for Americans to get their “fix” of stories until season 4 premieres on PBS on January 7, 2024.
hayleybeale's review against another edition
3.0
As a rebellious youth, I disdained the James Herriot books and original TV series but now, in my waning middle age, I find myself sinking happily into the new TV series. Consequently, I thought an audiobook trip to the original Darrowby would be right up my street and it sort of was in a cozy way. However, I was expecting it to be a ‘best of’ and it turned out to be more of a series of anecdotes from the books strung together by a narrator. This format is fine for an audiobook, but I'm not sure how well it would work on the page.
After an introduction, read a tad woodenly by Rosie, the daughter of Alf Wight (aka James Herriot), we go into a series of themed chapters in which a narrator (Anna Madeley/Mrs Hall) links together excerpts from the books read by Nicholas Ralph, who plays James in the PBS show. Both actors do a terrific job of bringing the material to life. The tales are warmly humorous and, as promised in the subtitle, quite charming, and successfully take us back into the world of rural Yorkshire in the middle of the last century.
It was a pleasant and nostalgic listen and though there’s nothing particularly challenging or demanding, that’s almost certainly not what we’re here for.
Thanks to Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for the audiobook review copy.
After an introduction, read a tad woodenly by Rosie, the daughter of Alf Wight (aka James Herriot), we go into a series of themed chapters in which a narrator (Anna Madeley/Mrs Hall) links together excerpts from the books read by Nicholas Ralph, who plays James in the PBS show. Both actors do a terrific job of bringing the material to life. The tales are warmly humorous and, as promised in the subtitle, quite charming, and successfully take us back into the world of rural Yorkshire in the middle of the last century.
It was a pleasant and nostalgic listen and though there’s nothing particularly challenging or demanding, that’s almost certainly not what we’re here for.
Thanks to Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for the audiobook review copy.
devrose's review
informative
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
3.5
This book is great for a behind-the-scenes look at James Herriot. I was initially very jarred to learn that the James Herriot books were NOT nonfiction, but I enjoyed learning what was based on what. This book is best read when it's been a little bit since you've read the James Herriot books, as much of the text is excerpts from those books.
michellehenriereads's review against another edition
3.0
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
I really wanted to jump in and love this book. Every time it was in the middle of one of the veterinarian stories, I was enthralled. But the extra explanations went on too long for me. Now, others will love all the background—but it wasn't to my taste.
I still recommend this book because so many love the world of James Herriot.
Happy reading!
I really wanted to jump in and love this book. Every time it was in the middle of one of the veterinarian stories, I was enthralled. But the extra explanations went on too long for me. Now, others will love all the background—but it wasn't to my taste.
I still recommend this book because so many love the world of James Herriot.
Happy reading!
deliak03's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
lighthearted
slow-paced
4.5
I really enjoyed reading this book, the only reason I didn’t give it a 5 star rating is because I struggle with reading nonfiction, but other than that I loved it! It was very informative and interesting, and I really enjoyed getting to know the characters and their real-life counterparts! I recommend this book to anyone interested in veterinary medicine as well as avid animal lovers.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical content
hannagg's review against another edition
5.0
I’m a big fan of two British series, “All Creatures Great and Small,” the older one from 1978 and the new, beautiful 2020 remake (with the fourth season coming in January 2024.) Of course, when I saw an audiobook, “The Wonderful World of James Herriot,” a collection of original stories, I immediately wanted to listen to it. The audiobook is a special treat for TV series fans like myself because the parts of James are read by Nicholas Ralph, who plays James. His excellent interpretation makes listening to the stories especially enjoyable. I often smiled at James’s encounters with the animals and their owners. Other times, I was very touched and even shed a tear or two, hearing about the beautiful attachment that many tough Yorkshire farmers formed with the farm animals, for example, allowing a cow to retire on the farm long after her milk production years were over or mourning after a beloved cat. Behind the tough exterior, there was genuine affection and warmth.
The descriptive parts, which offer a timeline context, are read by Anna Madeley, who plays Mrs. Hall in the 2020 TV series. Her short introductions helped me realize when the events happened, and I really appreciated it. The author’s daughter, Rosie Page, reads an introduction, recalling her father’s work as a veterinarian and his writing – something he loved doing. The stories that were based on his experience and encounters turned out to be loved by many people, translated into numerous languages and read by generations. Entering the world of James Herriot is an unforgettable and enjoyable experience. I’m sure we need his stories now more than ever.
The descriptive parts, which offer a timeline context, are read by Anna Madeley, who plays Mrs. Hall in the 2020 TV series. Her short introductions helped me realize when the events happened, and I really appreciated it. The author’s daughter, Rosie Page, reads an introduction, recalling her father’s work as a veterinarian and his writing – something he loved doing. The stories that were based on his experience and encounters turned out to be loved by many people, translated into numerous languages and read by generations. Entering the world of James Herriot is an unforgettable and enjoyable experience. I’m sure we need his stories now more than ever.
servemethesky's review against another edition
slow-paced
2.0
I don’t consider myself squeamish, but it made me squeamish to read about cow uteruses so much, putting your arm up a pig’s rectum, and chopping stillborn calves’ heads off 😭🫠
Listened on audiobook. Had 1.5 hours left of a 12 (!!) hour book, so calling it finished.
Listened on audiobook. Had 1.5 hours left of a 12 (!!) hour book, so calling it finished.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death and Animal cruelty
laceystairs's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.5
I love James Harriot stories. I have since I was a kid. This book brought the magic of those stories together with the real life inspiration for them.
It was lovely and entertaining and nostalgic. I love it.
It was lovely and entertaining and nostalgic. I love it.