maryemmasivils's reviews
632 reviews

Not many books have made me cry, but this one went on the list! It's a touching story with fanciful bits sprinkled throughout--a combination I'm always ready for. But if you're looking for a happy ending, be warned! This one definitely falls into the bittersweet category.

I'll be honest--I had a hard time getting into this book, simply because the details of an animal operation or birthing aren't my preferred reading material. Some details, in fact, were pretty nasty for a person who leans toward the squeamish side.
But I'm glad I stuck with it. James Herriot brings the Yorkshire Dales to life with his witty humor and vivid description. I got many chuckles out of the quirky farmers he encountered, the amusing--sometimes outrageous--situations he found himself in. Still, All Creatures Great and Small is about more than a vet and his dealings animals or their owners. It's about working hard, being close to nature, and appreciating the simple things in life.
All that being said, do I ever see myself rereading it? I'm doubtful. There are only so many mentions of rectal thermometers I can handle.