What do you think?
Rate this book
James Herriot's Animal Stories
When you enter the world of James Herriot's Animal Stories, you’ll share his wonder and humor, his adventures and misadventures as he contends with pet owners and landowners; rough-spoken farmers and soft-spoken gentry; orphaned lambs, litters of piglets and puppies, cattle and draught horses; and a miscellany of cats and dogs including, of course, Mrs. Pumphrey’s inimitable Pekinese, Tricki Woo.
Herbert, the orphaned lamb --
Lesson from the horse's mouth --
Tricki Woo requests the pleasure --
Susie, messenger of love --
Real happy Harry --
Mick the dreamer --
Blossom comes home --
There's nothing wrong with Myrtle --
Spot or two of bother --
There's Christmas and Christmas
Herbert, the orphaned lamb --
Lesson from the horse's mouth --
Tricki Woo requests the pleasure --
Susie, messenger of love --
Real happy Harry --
Mick the dreamer --
Blossom comes home --
There's nothing wrong with Myrtle --
Spot or two of bother --
There's Christmas and Christmas
145 pages, Hardcover
First published August 15, 1997
24 people are currently reading
1037 people want to read
About the author
James Herriot
268 books3,377 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...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews
May 20, 2019
James Herriot's books bring out the kinder side in me, the side that doesn't want to burn the whole damn world down. #JKYOUGUYS!!! As far as I recall, all of the stories in this collection can be found within the All Creatures... series. And just like that series, all of these stories actually tend to be more about the people of Yorkshire, England than about the animals this real life veterinarian-turned-author cared for. Yes, even in a collection entitled Animal Stories. Certainly every story includes an animal in need of medical attention, but almost invariably its owner is the focal point. Unlike the series with its linear history, this collection is a scattershot representation of the author's career, setting some of the stories in the early days of his practice around World War II and others later. As such, this slim volume would make a decent primer for those wondering if Herriot's world is something they want to invest their time in. If you like your world to be pastoral, you've come to the right place!
May 2, 2020
Quite fun.
November 23, 2017
I first read this in 1998. Then in 2008 I listened to the audiobook. On impulse I decided to listen to it again as an audiobook. For me the audiobook format works the best so I can completely enjoy the various accents. I find I like to listen to a James Herriot book when I need a break from reading more intense books and when life gets a bit stressful. Harriot’s books seem to allow me to unwind.
James Herriot is a master story teller. He tells about practicing veterinary medicine in the Yorkshire dales, England in the early 1900s. He visits farms and helps treat sick animals and, of course, deals with the birth of calves, lambs, horses and pigs. I got a kick out of Dorothy the goat and Blossom the cow. Herriot’s dry British wit is delightful. This audiobook won the 1998 Audie Award for non-fiction.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is only three hours long so makes a great book to take a break with. Christopher Timothy does a great job narrating the book. Timothy is from Wales. He is an award -winning actor and director in the United Kingdom. He also narrates audiobooks.
James Herriot is a master story teller. He tells about practicing veterinary medicine in the Yorkshire dales, England in the early 1900s. He visits farms and helps treat sick animals and, of course, deals with the birth of calves, lambs, horses and pigs. I got a kick out of Dorothy the goat and Blossom the cow. Herriot’s dry British wit is delightful. This audiobook won the 1998 Audie Award for non-fiction.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is only three hours long so makes a great book to take a break with. Christopher Timothy does a great job narrating the book. Timothy is from Wales. He is an award -winning actor and director in the United Kingdom. He also narrates audiobooks.
April 11, 2023
I liked this a lot! James Herriot is a great storyteller and listening to it on audiobook was a really good reading experience. James Herriot’s Animal Stories is not only snippets of the creatures he’s tended to, but also offers a glimpse into human nature and all of the people he encountered throughout his veterinarian career.
December 10, 2025
**a collection of short stories**
I love how James Herriot makes the seemingly mundane come to life in thought provoking, adorable, and amusing ways.
I love how James Herriot makes the seemingly mundane come to life in thought provoking, adorable, and amusing ways.
May 4, 2019
These stories, lovingly chosen by Jim Wight, son of the real life country vet James Wight alias James Herriot relate some of the most funny and heartfelt moments in James Herriot's career as a country veterinary surgeon.
I enjoyed these simple stories of days gone by. I was expecting more focus on the animals as characters than the people. I love animals and I hate to see them in pain or upset in any way so these stories probably aren't for me. I also didn't care for the graphic depictions of surgery and whelping. Ugh. TMI! The writing style is conversational, witty and full of warmth. The affection James Herriot had for his patients and their humans really shows through. He was so kind and empathetic to the farmers, shepherds and working people in Yorkshire. James Herriot and partners were willing to only charge a pound for surgery on a dog's eyes! Yet, a pound was too much money for the retired shepherd who was responsible for caring for Mick.
The dog stories are my real favorites. I adore the obvious love Bert has for his little mongrel Susie. It's so sweet and his distress is so real and easy to relate to. He's one of the few pet owners in the story. Another adorable pet is Myrtle, a Beagle with soulful eyes who knows how to guilt trip her owner whenever he leaves her. This story took a dramatically different turn that what I had been expecting though. "Mick the Dreamer" about an old dog with untreated eye infections. His human's Yorkshire dialect is a bit difficult to understand but James Herriot translates into modern English. This story not only shows the passion Dr. Herriot had for his profession but also a sense of community in that village so long ago. Another favorite is about Blossom, the cow who comes home.
The watercolor illustrations are absolutely gorgeous and suit James Herriot's written descriptions very well.
I think in the future I will look for James Herriot stories for children. I remember reading and enjoying some in my younger days.
I enjoyed these simple stories of days gone by. I was expecting more focus on the animals as characters than the people. I love animals and I hate to see them in pain or upset in any way so these stories probably aren't for me. I also didn't care for the graphic depictions of surgery and whelping. Ugh. TMI! The writing style is conversational, witty and full of warmth. The affection James Herriot had for his patients and their humans really shows through. He was so kind and empathetic to the farmers, shepherds and working people in Yorkshire. James Herriot and partners were willing to only charge a pound for surgery on a dog's eyes! Yet, a pound was too much money for the retired shepherd who was responsible for caring for Mick.
The dog stories are my real favorites. I adore the obvious love Bert has for his little mongrel Susie. It's so sweet and his distress is so real and easy to relate to. He's one of the few pet owners in the story. Another adorable pet is Myrtle, a Beagle with soulful eyes who knows how to guilt trip her owner whenever he leaves her. This story took a dramatically different turn that what I had been expecting though. "Mick the Dreamer" about an old dog with untreated eye infections. His human's Yorkshire dialect is a bit difficult to understand but James Herriot translates into modern English. This story not only shows the passion Dr. Herriot had for his profession but also a sense of community in that village so long ago. Another favorite is about Blossom, the cow who comes home.
The watercolor illustrations are absolutely gorgeous and suit James Herriot's written descriptions very well.
I think in the future I will look for James Herriot stories for children. I remember reading and enjoying some in my younger days.
May 24, 2022
Don’t let the sweet little lambs on the cover fool you. This is a gritty book full of laugh out loud stories, repeated use of the words “vagina” and “hell,” birthing, and whiskey. Despite all that, I did listen to it with my daughters and we loved it.
January 6, 2024
A sweet short book of stories written by James Herriot, a veterinarian from Yorkshire. His short stories in this memoir tell the tales of some of the animals and landowners he had encounter in his work.
I really enjoyed this book as a palate cleanser and had intended on reading one story a night-well that did not work-haha! Finished it in 2 sittings, but would be easy to do in one. For those of you who enjoy audio books, this book won The Audie Award in 1998 for non-fiction.
I really enjoyed this book as a palate cleanser and had intended on reading one story a night-well that did not work-haha! Finished it in 2 sittings, but would be easy to do in one. For those of you who enjoy audio books, this book won The Audie Award in 1998 for non-fiction.
November 20, 2008
This review is for all the Harriot books I read. I first read All Creatures Great and Small in high school. I was intimidated at first because well, it starts out with the birth of a calf. I didn't know if I could continue on (He goes into a lot of detail about that birth!) I finished it, and got an A on the quiz for the book. Then, I decided to read more of his series, because they were just so comical and well written. Unfortunately, I couldn't read those for a grade... just entertainment.
I've read some of these stories to my children when they were young. They fell in love with the animals as well. I highly recommend this book, and all the other Harriot books for everyone.
I've read some of these stories to my children when they were young. They fell in love with the animals as well. I highly recommend this book, and all the other Harriot books for everyone.
February 10, 2023
A heartwarming collection of short stories, recollected from James Herriot’s works, that made me fall in love with the Yorkshire countryside and its creatures. These beloved farm animals and pets were every bit as memorable and quirky as their humans— Herriot has a natural gift for storytelling, and pulling the extraordinary out of the ordinary. A delightful and quick read, perfectly paired with a cup of tea on a cozy winter day.
November 25, 2023
This book is a heartwarming collection, truly a delightful read. It's the perfect blend of charm, humor, and touching moments. It's just wonderful escapism, taking you on a journey through the picturesque countryside and immersing you in the lives of cuddly animals and their human companions.
Herriot's narratives are not just stories about animals; they are insightful glimpses into human nature and the bonds we share with our animal friends. Each story is a testament to Herriot's deep understanding and love for animals.
While the book is undoubtedly charming, at its essence, it’s pretty much the same story told again and again. Yet, I think that’s its magic. Just like a small child who wants the same story night after night, I think Harriot’s writing has the same deep comforting appeal. No great plots. Nothing really to pay attention to. It’s reading comfort food and I thoroughly enjoyed the escape.
Herriot's narratives are not just stories about animals; they are insightful glimpses into human nature and the bonds we share with our animal friends. Each story is a testament to Herriot's deep understanding and love for animals.
While the book is undoubtedly charming, at its essence, it’s pretty much the same story told again and again. Yet, I think that’s its magic. Just like a small child who wants the same story night after night, I think Harriot’s writing has the same deep comforting appeal. No great plots. Nothing really to pay attention to. It’s reading comfort food and I thoroughly enjoyed the escape.
June 29, 2020
I've read my share of Herriot and I don't think I have ever been disappointed in a single book. This is a really delightful addition, short stories that simply touch the soul and also provide little insights into the man. I almost followed his path into veterinary medicine, but alas college chemistry threw me a curveball. I love his beautiful, straightforward prose and humanity. I think his stories will live until thrre are no people to read. At least I hope so.
March 18, 2021
A little collection of ten heart-warming stories from an English vet. I watched the new adaptation of All Creatures Great and Small (you can watch on PBS in the US). Several stories in the collection are also in the TV series, such as the spoiled pet dog of a countryside aristocrat Tricki Woo, the cow who had a heat stroke, the poor pensioner's dog that needed an eye surgery.
"It was good to be able to work with animals in thrilling countryside in North East England. I was lucky to be a vet in the Yorkshire dales. "
"It was good to be able to work with animals in thrilling countryside in North East England. I was lucky to be a vet in the Yorkshire dales. "
December 25, 2021
i picked this up at a resale store, not realizing it was only a sampling of james herriot's series of stories. i decided to see how i liked them, and the handful in this book were so earthy and so pleasant, i think i'll read the series.
January 17, 2022
Heartwarming and delightful!
June 21, 2023
It is always such a treat to read James Herriot's eloquent words about life as a vet.
March 2, 2021
The introduction to this short collection, written by the author's son, states: "James Herriot had the rare ability to turn everyday happenings into a compelling read with the use of uncomplicated words delivered with maximum effect." I think that's about it. One or two of these were included in the first volume, "All Creatures Great and Small," but I will never get tired of reading about Tricki Woo and Mrs. Pumphrey. These stories have reminded me that I need to finish the main series, since I thoroughly enjoyed the first. Even the stories about cows and goats are enough to bring a lump to this reader's throat, at times. Must be the "uncomplicated words."
December 12, 2012
This was the third book that I read for my read-a-thon last weekend in the Goodreads group You'll love this one...!! A book club & more and it was by far my favourite read of the read-a-thon. Last year around this time I read my first James Herriot book and I've loved his writing ever since.
In this short book James Herriot told some old stories as well as some new ones. I really enjoyed reading the stories I've already read about some of the animals Tricki Woo in particular I think that story is probably one of my favourites of his because it's such a cute story.As for the new stories, it was nice to be introduced to new animals because I think each of the different stories about his 4-legged patients is like a little gift.
As always James Herriot's writing was a delight. Every time I pick up one of his books I know I will be entertained. His stories about his experiences as a Yorkshire vet are wonderfully heartwarming and charming and they are definitely books I will always turn too when I need a good old fashioned comfort read.
I would recommend this book to everyone young or old. I think that this book would be a great read aloud book that both the reader and audience but most of all I think all animal lovers should give James Herriot's books a try because they'll make you appreciate your pets just a wee bit more. Plus this book and all the others I've read by him are quick reads and in my opinion are meant to be read on a day where snuggling up with a good book, a hot beverage and your pets is the only thing you want to do. I can't wait to read my next James Herriot book. Hopefully I can get to one before Christmas which by the way his books would make the perfect Christmas gift for!
In this short book James Herriot told some old stories as well as some new ones. I really enjoyed reading the stories I've already read about some of the animals Tricki Woo in particular I think that story is probably one of my favourites of his because it's such a cute story.As for the new stories, it was nice to be introduced to new animals because I think each of the different stories about his 4-legged patients is like a little gift.
As always James Herriot's writing was a delight. Every time I pick up one of his books I know I will be entertained. His stories about his experiences as a Yorkshire vet are wonderfully heartwarming and charming and they are definitely books I will always turn too when I need a good old fashioned comfort read.
I would recommend this book to everyone young or old. I think that this book would be a great read aloud book that both the reader and audience but most of all I think all animal lovers should give James Herriot's books a try because they'll make you appreciate your pets just a wee bit more. Plus this book and all the others I've read by him are quick reads and in my opinion are meant to be read on a day where snuggling up with a good book, a hot beverage and your pets is the only thing you want to do. I can't wait to read my next James Herriot book. Hopefully I can get to one before Christmas which by the way his books would make the perfect Christmas gift for!
October 9, 2014
"Here are lambs, horses, cows, dogs, even a whimsical pig or two, along with their colorful human counterparts -- all brought vividly to life by [James] Herriot's storytelling magic. From a prickly horse young James encountered early in his veterinary-school experience, through Dorothy the goat -- star of the entrancing holiday tale 'There's Christmas -- and Christmas' -- we are reacquainted with all the charming companions of Herriot's Yorkshire menagerie. Once again illuminated by the radiant watercolors of Lesley Holmes, each of Herriot's animal friends is rendered with the kind of warmth and humor that comes with old, familiar friendship. With a special introduction by Herriot's own son Jim, the stories in this bright new collection will warm readers of every age,"
~~front flap
Another presentation of stories from the first books, with a couple of new ones thrown in just to make sure the reader shouldn't feel cheated.
~~front flap
Another presentation of stories from the first books, with a couple of new ones thrown in just to make sure the reader shouldn't feel cheated.
September 15, 2022
I received this book on Christmas 2000 but I don't think I ever read it. I had read other James Herriot books but I don't remember any of these stories.
Herriot has a way of writing which makes inserting his hand into the birth canal of an animal to extract her offspring sound pleasant and almost whimsically romantic. He does a wonderful job at painting a screen an landscape where you can truly envision the surroundings whether its a cold, dank cow shed to the elegance and comfort of the home of Tricki Woo.
His story can be a bit repetitive, such as a farm animal is struggling to give birth was common in many of these stories. On the other hand I found his stories to be positive if not with a humorous at time where is chuckled out loud.
Listen to audio book in 2022
Herriot has a way of writing which makes inserting his hand into the birth canal of an animal to extract her offspring sound pleasant and almost whimsically romantic. He does a wonderful job at painting a screen an landscape where you can truly envision the surroundings whether its a cold, dank cow shed to the elegance and comfort of the home of Tricki Woo.
His story can be a bit repetitive, such as a farm animal is struggling to give birth was common in many of these stories. On the other hand I found his stories to be positive if not with a humorous at time where is chuckled out loud.
Listen to audio book in 2022
August 23, 2010
Excerpt from Grade 6 review ahoy:
"The book I read today is a bunch of short stories about animals. The author is in all of the stories. He is a veterinarian.
The book is very well written and the pictures are spectacular. The book is pretty exciting -- not like murder-every-five-seconds exciting, but a life-and-death struggle.
The stories I've read so far mostly deal with all these animals having babies (eww), but in one of them, a bull had sunstroke and some calves got lead poisoning from paint."
I went through a bit of a Herriot phase in middle school thanks to my grandma giving me her copies of his story collections, so these books bring back good memories.
"The book I read today is a bunch of short stories about animals. The author is in all of the stories. He is a veterinarian.
The book is very well written and the pictures are spectacular. The book is pretty exciting -- not like murder-every-five-seconds exciting, but a life-and-death struggle.
The stories I've read so far mostly deal with all these animals having babies (eww), but in one of them, a bull had sunstroke and some calves got lead poisoning from paint."
I went through a bit of a Herriot phase in middle school thanks to my grandma giving me her copies of his story collections, so these books bring back good memories.
September 11, 2011
There is just something that is so magical about James Herriot's writing... I always love how he describes his life as a country vet. I've read all his other books, but when I ran across this one, I picked it up because I thought it might be a good introduction for my kids to his writing and stories. I think it's still a little beyond them with the language/dialect specific writing with the patients' owners, but breezing through this one evening was so uplifting, I didn't mind rereading some of his stories again. Great book for just a quick visit!
November 7, 2011
My children and I listened to this book on CD as narrated by Jim Dale. What an enjoyable 90 minutes! I adore Mr. Dale's narrations immensely. His voice brought a sense of homey-neighborly-kindness to all the stories which are already brimming with kindness, gentleness and humor. We loved it. I am now ready to begin reading Mr. Herriot's other books....I wonder if Jim Dale narrates any of those?
August 6, 2021
I rarely listen to audio books at 1.0 speed but it would have felt wrong to speed this up. Sometimes it’s just nice to go along with a country vet and meet some good folks who care for their animals.
February 4, 2021
Wonder collection of stories. James Herriot loves his patients and has an amazing way of sharing his adventures. Highly recommend reading this collection.
June 15, 2022
I read these books years ago and I'm happy to say that they still hold up. Written by a Yorkshire vet, these heartwarming stories of animals he's treated are wonderful. Highly recommended.
January 29, 2021
This is classic James Herriot: warm, interesting, funny, with lots of eccentric characters, lots of animals, and lovingly described countryside. I believe this was a collection of excerpts/chapters/essays from other books of his, so it did suffer a bit from lack of continuity. A few of the stories also had a similar setup and conclusion, where he's bemoaning his fate as a country vet in the rain and mud and the early hours and by the end he decides that it's all worth it and he has the best job in the world. It got a bit repetitive. But…despite these minor issues, it's just…charm. One of those things that makes you feel good.
I thought the narrator, Christopher Timothy, was excellent. I don't know my accents well enough to really know how accurate they were, but they sounded good to me. Character voices in audio books often bug me, and some of these were a bit over the top, but somehow it managed not to annoy me. Production value was really high, with music and a few sound effects. It often felt more like a radio play than an audio book. And I mean that in the best way.
I certainly enjoyed this. If you're looking for something wholesome and uplifting, this is it.
More accurate rating: 4.5
I thought the narrator, Christopher Timothy, was excellent. I don't know my accents well enough to really know how accurate they were, but they sounded good to me. Character voices in audio books often bug me, and some of these were a bit over the top, but somehow it managed not to annoy me. Production value was really high, with music and a few sound effects. It often felt more like a radio play than an audio book. And I mean that in the best way.
I certainly enjoyed this. If you're looking for something wholesome and uplifting, this is it.
More accurate rating: 4.5
September 2, 2021
A light and easy collection of short stories from a country veterinarian in the early to mid 1900s in England.
January 4, 2022
I love these books. This one, while short, was very enjoyable.
March 18, 2025
Listened to the audiobook. Charming, as always.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews