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Irish Country #13
An Irish Country Cottage
An Irish Country Cottage is a charming entry in Patrick Taylor's beloved New York Times and internationally bestselling Irish Country series.
The New Year brings challenges and changes to the colorful Irish village of Ballybucklebo. The Christmas holidays have barely passed before a fire engulfs the humble thatched cottage housing of Donal Donnelly and his family. Although the family escapes the blaze more or less unsinged, Donal, his wife, their three small children, and their beloved dog find themselves with nothing left but the clothes on their back.
Good thing Doctors O'Reilly and Laverty are on hand to rally the good people of Ballybucklebo to come to their aid. Rebuilding the cottage won't be quick or easy, but good neighbors from all walks of life will see to it that the Donnellys get back on their feet again, no matter what it takes.
Meanwhile, matters of procreation occupy the doctors and their patients. Young Barry Laverty and his wife Sue, frustrated in their efforts to start a family, turn to modern medicine for answers. O'Reilly must tread carefully as he advises a married patient on how to avoid another dangerous pregnancy.
As a new and tumultuous decade approaches, sectarian division threaten to bring unrest to Ulster, but in Ballybucklebo at least, peace still reigns and neighbors look after neighbors.
The New Year brings challenges and changes to the colorful Irish village of Ballybucklebo. The Christmas holidays have barely passed before a fire engulfs the humble thatched cottage housing of Donal Donnelly and his family. Although the family escapes the blaze more or less unsinged, Donal, his wife, their three small children, and their beloved dog find themselves with nothing left but the clothes on their back.
Good thing Doctors O'Reilly and Laverty are on hand to rally the good people of Ballybucklebo to come to their aid. Rebuilding the cottage won't be quick or easy, but good neighbors from all walks of life will see to it that the Donnellys get back on their feet again, no matter what it takes.
Meanwhile, matters of procreation occupy the doctors and their patients. Young Barry Laverty and his wife Sue, frustrated in their efforts to start a family, turn to modern medicine for answers. O'Reilly must tread carefully as he advises a married patient on how to avoid another dangerous pregnancy.
As a new and tumultuous decade approaches, sectarian division threaten to bring unrest to Ulster, but in Ballybucklebo at least, peace still reigns and neighbors look after neighbors.
349 pages, Hardcover
First published October 16, 2018
504 people are currently reading
1205 people want to read
About the author
Patrick Taylor
87 books1,370 followersThere is more than one author with this name
Patrick Taylor, M.D., is the author of the Irish Country books, including An Irish Country Doctor, An Irish Country Village, An Irish Country Christmas, An Irish Country Girl, and An Irish Country Courtship. Taylor was born and raised in Bangor, County Down, in Northern Ireland. After qualifying as a specialist in 1969, he worked in Canada for thirty-one years. He now lives on Saltspring Island, British Columbia.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/patric...
Patrick Taylor, M.D., is the author of the Irish Country books, including An Irish Country Doctor, An Irish Country Village, An Irish Country Christmas, An Irish Country Girl, and An Irish Country Courtship. Taylor was born and raised in Bangor, County Down, in Northern Ireland. After qualifying as a specialist in 1969, he worked in Canada for thirty-one years. He now lives on Saltspring Island, British Columbia.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/patric...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 226 reviews
October 14, 2018
Doctor Barry Laverty and his wife Sue were driving home after an evening out when he had to pull over to allow the emergency services vehicles to pass. Dreading they’d find their own home engulfed, they were shocked to see good friends Donal Donnelly’s small, thatched cottage a raging inferno. The immediate worry was the safely of Donal, his wife Julie and their three children. Their dog had warned them, and although singed, they were all safe and well, including the dog.
As the community of Ballybucklebo rallied to help the Donnelly’s, Doctor O’Reilly, Barry’s boss and mentor, as well as Barry, found their waiting rooms busy. The various illnesses in the depths of winter were the usual – but there were other, more concerning problems which both doctors had to find answers for. Adding to that was the unrest in Ulster, some of which Sue, Barry’s beloved wife, was connected to. His concern was valid – as were her feelings and passion for the cause.
With the new decade approaching, lives moved forward, answers were sought, found and discarded – but would the relative peace of Ballybucklebo remain? And would Doctors O’Reilly and Laverty continue to have the good regard of the townsfolk?
An Irish Country Cottage is the 13th in the Irish Country series by Patrick Taylor (of which I’ve only read #1) and I loved it! Laugh out loud funny in places, with the somber side of life, the hardship of the poor, the love and devotion of the married couples and the hard work of one and all – all blend to form a beautifully written and charming rendition of life in Ireland in the late 1960s. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
As the community of Ballybucklebo rallied to help the Donnelly’s, Doctor O’Reilly, Barry’s boss and mentor, as well as Barry, found their waiting rooms busy. The various illnesses in the depths of winter were the usual – but there were other, more concerning problems which both doctors had to find answers for. Adding to that was the unrest in Ulster, some of which Sue, Barry’s beloved wife, was connected to. His concern was valid – as were her feelings and passion for the cause.
With the new decade approaching, lives moved forward, answers were sought, found and discarded – but would the relative peace of Ballybucklebo remain? And would Doctors O’Reilly and Laverty continue to have the good regard of the townsfolk?
An Irish Country Cottage is the 13th in the Irish Country series by Patrick Taylor (of which I’ve only read #1) and I loved it! Laugh out loud funny in places, with the somber side of life, the hardship of the poor, the love and devotion of the married couples and the hard work of one and all – all blend to form a beautifully written and charming rendition of life in Ireland in the late 1960s. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
October 17, 2018
It's been a while since I visited the little village of Ballybucklebo in the North of Ireland and I very much enjoyed catching up again with it's Doctors and villagers. Even though I've only read the first few books in this series it was like meeting up with old much loved friends.
It's now 1969 and life is getting difficult for the residents with sectarian violence starting to rear it's ugly head again. The villagers don't understand why everyone can't just get along and when fire destroys the cottage of Donal Donnelly the village shows it's true community spirit with everyone, Catholic and Protestant, pitching in to help the family with temporary housing and rebuilding.
Life also goes on as usual for the resident doctors, Fingal O'Reilly, his young partner Barry Laverty and their first female trainee doctor Emer McCarthy. They deal with some difficult cases and struggle with helping their patients avoid dangerous or unwanted pregnancies as the contraceptive pill becomes more available but not accepted by the Catholic Church. Dr Laverty is struggling with his own fertility issues as he and his wife Sue seek help with their failure to become parents. It's always interesting to read medical stories from 50 years ago to appreciate how much medicine has advanced in that time, as well as how much is still not known. Patrick Taylor (himself a former Irish country doctor) has a talent for telling warm-hearted stories filled with wonderful characters and infused with humanity.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher Macmillan-Tor/Forge Books for a digital copy to read
It's now 1969 and life is getting difficult for the residents with sectarian violence starting to rear it's ugly head again. The villagers don't understand why everyone can't just get along and when fire destroys the cottage of Donal Donnelly the village shows it's true community spirit with everyone, Catholic and Protestant, pitching in to help the family with temporary housing and rebuilding.
Life also goes on as usual for the resident doctors, Fingal O'Reilly, his young partner Barry Laverty and their first female trainee doctor Emer McCarthy. They deal with some difficult cases and struggle with helping their patients avoid dangerous or unwanted pregnancies as the contraceptive pill becomes more available but not accepted by the Catholic Church. Dr Laverty is struggling with his own fertility issues as he and his wife Sue seek help with their failure to become parents. It's always interesting to read medical stories from 50 years ago to appreciate how much medicine has advanced in that time, as well as how much is still not known. Patrick Taylor (himself a former Irish country doctor) has a talent for telling warm-hearted stories filled with wonderful characters and infused with humanity.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher Macmillan-Tor/Forge Books for a digital copy to read
August 18, 2020
Nothing has changed with my re-read. Just read below and my comments stayed the same for the most part. I just felt more bored if that was possible while re-reading this one.
Previous review.
Well this is another Christmas book though I didn't realize it at the time. I think I just skimmed over the synopsis and started reading right away.
I will say that this may be a major change for many who have been reading the Irish Country books. Though Taylor invites some history into his books, he has mostly stayed away from the Troubles in Ireland. Now though, he takes on the first signs of this when he showcases the fights between the Protestants and Catholics in Northern Ireland.
I am not surprised he finally showed it in his books, Barry's now wife Sue, is a member of the Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association (NICRA) and has often talked about Dr. Martin Luther King, and one man, one vote. I think Taylor did a good job of incorporating that into his book, but I still find it unrealistic that the town of Ballybucklebo would not have any issues with things going on. Though that part was okay, I thought the rest of the book was a wash. Too many plots were going on and we didn't get to spend much time before rushing off to read about something else.
"An Irish Country Village" takes 18 months after the events in the last book. FYI, I am still salty we didn't get a wedding scene in the last book and instead had Kinky describing it before Taylor gets into his usual recipes.
We have Barry and Sue returning home from the Christmas holidays when they stop due to fire trucks rushing past. They follow and realize that Donal's family's cottage is up in flames. Barry and Sue of course take the whole family back to number one (O'Reilly's home) and soon the whole village pitches in to help out Donal and his family. Donal and his family are able to move temporarily, but the village does what it can to help him rebuild his old cottage.
We still have O'Reilly still wishing that Kitty would retire to spend more time with him (eyeroll city) and that's about it. He and Kitty are happy, and O'Reilly does what he does best, sits around and meddles with things.
We have a new doctor in this one that I didn't feel anything about her. She was just there, and boring in my eyes. We have reference to the doctor in the last book who takes over Fitzpatrick's practice and that's about it. It's so weird how Taylor will just ignore characters and go on and on about those I would happily take a break from (like Bertie and Flo). Fitzpatrick does appear in this one, and we get another romance on the horizon.
As I said above the book talks about the Troubles for the first time. I have never read about the march that took place on January 1, 1969. The People's Democracy began a four-day march from Belfast to Derry, which got harassed and attacked by loyalists. We even have Sue and Barry go and march in the book and I think the incident that is referenced in this book, is about Burntollet Bridge. We have Barry witnessed people getting attacked and doing what he can to help a young woman who is hit repeatedly over the head. I am not going to lie, I was sick of Sue's attitude in this one. She wants to continue marching even though people are being beaten all around them and doesn't get why Barry (who is a doctor) refused to continue on and stays and tends to the woman he got attacked. I read a bit more about this incident and it sound pretty bad. The book ends in March, but reading further, there are several more incidents that will be occurring that it seems Taylor will incorporate into this book.
We have major plots also dealing with Barry and Sue's fertility problems, Bertie's health issues, etc. It just reads like same old same old in this one.
There is an interesting ending though with the talk of someone who has been in this series from the beginning, who may emigrate due to the fights between the Catholics and Protestants. And it seems to be setting up possibly Barry's exit from this series.
I forgot to mention this book is $15 and is not worth the price at all.
Previous review.
Well this is another Christmas book though I didn't realize it at the time. I think I just skimmed over the synopsis and started reading right away.
I will say that this may be a major change for many who have been reading the Irish Country books. Though Taylor invites some history into his books, he has mostly stayed away from the Troubles in Ireland. Now though, he takes on the first signs of this when he showcases the fights between the Protestants and Catholics in Northern Ireland.
I am not surprised he finally showed it in his books, Barry's now wife Sue, is a member of the Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association (NICRA) and has often talked about Dr. Martin Luther King, and one man, one vote. I think Taylor did a good job of incorporating that into his book, but I still find it unrealistic that the town of Ballybucklebo would not have any issues with things going on. Though that part was okay, I thought the rest of the book was a wash. Too many plots were going on and we didn't get to spend much time before rushing off to read about something else.
"An Irish Country Village" takes 18 months after the events in the last book. FYI, I am still salty we didn't get a wedding scene in the last book and instead had Kinky describing it before Taylor gets into his usual recipes.
We have Barry and Sue returning home from the Christmas holidays when they stop due to fire trucks rushing past. They follow and realize that Donal's family's cottage is up in flames. Barry and Sue of course take the whole family back to number one (O'Reilly's home) and soon the whole village pitches in to help out Donal and his family. Donal and his family are able to move temporarily, but the village does what it can to help him rebuild his old cottage.
We still have O'Reilly still wishing that Kitty would retire to spend more time with him (eyeroll city) and that's about it. He and Kitty are happy, and O'Reilly does what he does best, sits around and meddles with things.
We have a new doctor in this one that I didn't feel anything about her. She was just there, and boring in my eyes. We have reference to the doctor in the last book who takes over Fitzpatrick's practice and that's about it. It's so weird how Taylor will just ignore characters and go on and on about those I would happily take a break from (like Bertie and Flo). Fitzpatrick does appear in this one, and we get another romance on the horizon.
As I said above the book talks about the Troubles for the first time. I have never read about the march that took place on January 1, 1969. The People's Democracy began a four-day march from Belfast to Derry, which got harassed and attacked by loyalists. We even have Sue and Barry go and march in the book and I think the incident that is referenced in this book, is about Burntollet Bridge. We have Barry witnessed people getting attacked and doing what he can to help a young woman who is hit repeatedly over the head. I am not going to lie, I was sick of Sue's attitude in this one. She wants to continue marching even though people are being beaten all around them and doesn't get why Barry (who is a doctor) refused to continue on and stays and tends to the woman he got attacked. I read a bit more about this incident and it sound pretty bad. The book ends in March, but reading further, there are several more incidents that will be occurring that it seems Taylor will incorporate into this book.
We have major plots also dealing with Barry and Sue's fertility problems, Bertie's health issues, etc. It just reads like same old same old in this one.
There is an interesting ending though with the talk of someone who has been in this series from the beginning, who may emigrate due to the fights between the Catholics and Protestants. And it seems to be setting up possibly Barry's exit from this series.
I forgot to mention this book is $15 and is not worth the price at all.
September 19, 2018
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan-Tor/Forge Books for a digital galley of this novel.
I have not read any other books by Patrick Taylor in his Irish Country series so I was interested to read his author's note where he mentioned that fans of the series seemed to be worried about having the actual historical events which began in early 1969 in Ulster impinge on the lives of the people in Ballybucklebo. The conflict could not be ignored so Taylor decided to contrast the unrest in Ulster with the steadfastness in Ballybucklebo. As a new reader of the series I appreciated the explanation on such a basic level of the unrest that grew into a long period of conflict. The unrest described did not make me dislike this book, but it did make me curious to read some of the other twelve books to see why readers are so enthusiastic about this series.
The daily life of people living in Ballybucklebo carries on here in much the same way life goes by for most people. There are near tragedies - a fire destroys all but the outside walls of a cottage, and there are personal problems - a couple want to conceive but haven't had any success. The neighborly spirit and personal friendships come into play to help whenever they can. A new GP trainee, Doctor Emer McCarthy, has been attached to the practice and is receiving additional training from Dr. Barry Laverty. No matter how much the residents of Ballybucklebo accept each other regardless of religious beliefs the same thing cannot be said for others outside their village. The Ulster march of 1969 can't help but have an impact on this small community. The book contains recipes from Kinky Auchinleck for Beef and Guinness Stew, Mussels in Guinness, Irish Wheaten Bread, Creamy Chicken Soup, and Kipper Pate. I'm not so sure about the Kipper Pate, but the others sound good enough to tempt me to try them.
I have not read any other books by Patrick Taylor in his Irish Country series so I was interested to read his author's note where he mentioned that fans of the series seemed to be worried about having the actual historical events which began in early 1969 in Ulster impinge on the lives of the people in Ballybucklebo. The conflict could not be ignored so Taylor decided to contrast the unrest in Ulster with the steadfastness in Ballybucklebo. As a new reader of the series I appreciated the explanation on such a basic level of the unrest that grew into a long period of conflict. The unrest described did not make me dislike this book, but it did make me curious to read some of the other twelve books to see why readers are so enthusiastic about this series.
The daily life of people living in Ballybucklebo carries on here in much the same way life goes by for most people. There are near tragedies - a fire destroys all but the outside walls of a cottage, and there are personal problems - a couple want to conceive but haven't had any success. The neighborly spirit and personal friendships come into play to help whenever they can. A new GP trainee, Doctor Emer McCarthy, has been attached to the practice and is receiving additional training from Dr. Barry Laverty. No matter how much the residents of Ballybucklebo accept each other regardless of religious beliefs the same thing cannot be said for others outside their village. The Ulster march of 1969 can't help but have an impact on this small community. The book contains recipes from Kinky Auchinleck for Beef and Guinness Stew, Mussels in Guinness, Irish Wheaten Bread, Creamy Chicken Soup, and Kipper Pate. I'm not so sure about the Kipper Pate, but the others sound good enough to tempt me to try them.
September 16, 2018
Patrick Taylor apologizes to the reader in his introduction. He says people have written saying they enjoy escaping to the Irish village of Ballybucklebo, but time has progressed in his series, and since it’s 1969 he has to bring in the matter of sectarian dissension. Marches and riots in Ulster contrast with the live-and-let-live atmosphere of Ballybucklebo, where Catholics and Protestants help each other every day. This book has other differences from previous novels in the series. There’s more on rugby than I ever wanted to know, and a chapter on roof thatching; serious issues like women’s reproductive rights are also addressed. As enjoyable as it is to revisit favorite characters, I definitely didn’t enjoy this novel as much as earlier ones.
December 9, 2018
While this will be best for those who have been following the series, a new reader can pick up the threads of life in Ballybucklebo in Northern Ireland in 1969. The local doctor introduces us to all in the village, especially Donal Donnelly whose family escape with their lives but nothing else - except the dog - when their cottage burns down in December.
An adult thread running through the tale deals with those who have difficulty conceiving or carrying a baby, so some may find this aspect a bit distressing.
The sparks of the Troubles are occurring in the cities but the locals have too much to do to worry about the Civil Rights movement and they seem to get on well. I found this a genial, not too intense read, with lots of chat and local colour.
I downloaded an ARC from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
An adult thread running through the tale deals with those who have difficulty conceiving or carrying a baby, so some may find this aspect a bit distressing.
The sparks of the Troubles are occurring in the cities but the locals have too much to do to worry about the Civil Rights movement and they seem to get on well. I found this a genial, not too intense read, with lots of chat and local colour.
I downloaded an ARC from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
June 4, 2019
The latest in the author’s delightful Irish Country series sings gloriously to this reader who is proudly one-quarter Celtic! The trials and tribulations in the quaint village of Ballybucklebo in 1967 capture the heart and provide happy hours away from one’s own challenges. 5/5 stars
Pub Date 16 Oct 2018
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.
#AnIrishCountryCottage #NetGalley
Pub Date 16 Oct 2018
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.
#AnIrishCountryCottage #NetGalley
September 27, 2018
Patrick Taylor never fails to deliver a fantastic book and this one is another great one. Any time you can journey to Ballybucklebo, with your favorite characters from the series, you are in for treat. Highly recommend for all that love the series and for anyone wanting to experience this great series for the first time. 5 stars all the way on this one.
January 30, 2019
Book received from NetGalley
Review to Come
Review to Come
November 19, 2018
Book number 13 in this usually stellar series. I just didn't love this book as I have loved many others in the series. The writing was very good, but the various story-lines were not as strong as previous books. Many of the story-lines felt forced & were yawn-inducing. I will definitely read book 14, but hope it has a little more of the magic that is synonymous with this series.
November 7, 2022
Every now and then I like to escape the present, and visit the quaint village of Ballybucklebo, Northern Ireland, in simpler times. Book 13 in the series finds us in 1968, a not so simple time of sectarian violence in Northern Ireland, and the author warns us and apologizes at the beginning of this book that he has included some of this strife in the name of authenticity. Fortunately, he does not allow the troubles to invade Ballybucklebo, where everyone always gets along and pulls together, small misunderstandings notwithstanding. In this installment, tragedy befalls one of our dear families in the village, and everyone works together to get them back on their feet. Women's reproductive rights are also at the forefront at this time, and this book sees one couple struggling with their consciences on the topic of contraception, and another dealing with infertility. All of this is heavy stuff, but not when the story is told by Patrick Taylor in the setting of Ballybucklebo. I know this delightful series will have to come to an end one day, but I hope that day isn't soon.
November 6, 2018
Once again Patrick Taylor has come through with a heartwarming story about the small Irish village of Ballbucklebo. All of the favorite village characters are in full swing. after all this time, reading these novels is like "going home again".
Set in late December of 1968, Barry Laverty is driving home, when he comes upon a fire at the cottage of Donal Donnelly. The village comes to the "aid" of Julie and Donal to the relief of Barry, and good ole Dr. Fingal O'Reilly.
It is the beginnings of the Irish Troubles between the Protestants and the Catholics, Sue, Barry's wife is determined to be involved in the protests, Barry is more than concerned about her safety, as they have been trying to have a baby.
Patrick has woven a tale of love, the upcoming hate to envelope Ireland for so many years, with his usual feeling of hope for a better outcome.
Should one want to read more about the Irish Troubles, Patrick has written tthree novels about that time ----- "Pray for Us Sinners", "Now and In the Hour of Our Death", and "Only Wounded"
For those of you not familiar with Patrick, he is a retired doctor and lives on Saltspring Island, British Colombia.
Set in late December of 1968, Barry Laverty is driving home, when he comes upon a fire at the cottage of Donal Donnelly. The village comes to the "aid" of Julie and Donal to the relief of Barry, and good ole Dr. Fingal O'Reilly.
It is the beginnings of the Irish Troubles between the Protestants and the Catholics, Sue, Barry's wife is determined to be involved in the protests, Barry is more than concerned about her safety, as they have been trying to have a baby.
Patrick has woven a tale of love, the upcoming hate to envelope Ireland for so many years, with his usual feeling of hope for a better outcome.
Should one want to read more about the Irish Troubles, Patrick has written tthree novels about that time ----- "Pray for Us Sinners", "Now and In the Hour of Our Death", and "Only Wounded"
For those of you not familiar with Patrick, he is a retired doctor and lives on Saltspring Island, British Colombia.
December 29, 2018
I always enjoy the Irish Country Doctor series, but this one was particularly good. I appreciate how Taylor weaves in important moments in Irish history. It reminds me of Call the Midwife, but with doctors instead of nurses!
January 1, 2019
When it has been a week since I started the book and I am still not finished, it does not have me hooked. The pace of the book is very slow, and then there was more about the political scene than I wanted to know.
August 2, 2021
I know the author explained why he got into politics in this one, but I don't read this type of book to be dragged into stories of terrorism. I'm looking for fiction, plain and simple.
Read
November 6, 2018A lot more political/religious/medical history than past books in this series. Ends very abruptly. I love the series, but this one was disappointing.
May 12, 2022
The story of Dr. O'Reilly and Dr. Laverty and the people of Ballybuckleboo continues. As tension between the religious groups in Ireland increases, the people in the little community continue to work together to help their neighbors and friends. The Donnelly family must find a temporary home while their cottage is rebuilt following a fire which destroyed everything. A magic unicorn helps little Tori overcome her guilt. Sue and Barry some difficulty in their relationship when things aren't going as easily as they had hoped. Another great read!
January 29, 2021
I usually pick up a book from this series when I want to escape to a place where times were kinder and gentler. It’s my feel good spot. But this book is different. Taylor tackles some heavy subjects and suddenly Ballybucklebo isn’t quite the usual calm escape. While I understand why he felt he needed to go there, I look forward to wrapping up this storyline in the next book and, hopefully, returning to the peaceful place I know and love.
September 2, 2020
I've not known much about the troubles in Ireland before now, and I kept getting mixed up between the different groups and what they all stood for! But other than that, I really enjoyed the time spent in Ballybucklebo with Barry and Sue, Fingal and Kitty, with the various other characters coming in and out.
June 30, 2020
Homey stories of Irish life centre readers in a world uniquely described in each book of this series. Authentically represented and capably authored by Irish born Canadian Patrick Taylor.
December 15, 2025
“He pursed his lips. The MacNamees were Catholic and the Vatican forbade all contraception save abstinence or the rhythm method, better known as papal roulette.”
AN IRISH COUNTRY COTTAGE is the continuing story of doctors Fingal O’Reilly and Barry Laverty general practice (the 13th novel, in fact, in a wildly successful series by a treasured Canadian author) in mid-20th century small town Ballybucklebo in Northern Ireland. It is a heartwarming story of community pulling together when a fire destroys the home of one of their own. It is also a thoughtful political history that touches on the issues of strong Catholics dealing with the unreasonable strictures of papal demands from the Vatican and the continuing story of the resulting rifts, arguments, debates, protests, and violence caused by Catholic-Protestant differences between Northern Ireland and its neighbour to their south.
Fans of Patrick Taylor’s magnificent IRISH COUNTRY DOCTOR series certainly won’t be disappointed with his continuing servings of life, love, medical practice, sickness and worry, joy and merriment, happiness and grief, drama and melodrama, sadness, humor, and even political commentary in the 13th in an astonishing series with marathon legs that seem to be giving no indication of weakening or tiring. I’m a confirmed fan and Patrick Taylor may count on me coming back for more.
Patrick Taylor has to be considered a national treasure in the pantheon of Canadian literature. Definitely recommended.
Paul Weiss
AN IRISH COUNTRY COTTAGE is the continuing story of doctors Fingal O’Reilly and Barry Laverty general practice (the 13th novel, in fact, in a wildly successful series by a treasured Canadian author) in mid-20th century small town Ballybucklebo in Northern Ireland. It is a heartwarming story of community pulling together when a fire destroys the home of one of their own. It is also a thoughtful political history that touches on the issues of strong Catholics dealing with the unreasonable strictures of papal demands from the Vatican and the continuing story of the resulting rifts, arguments, debates, protests, and violence caused by Catholic-Protestant differences between Northern Ireland and its neighbour to their south.
Fans of Patrick Taylor’s magnificent IRISH COUNTRY DOCTOR series certainly won’t be disappointed with his continuing servings of life, love, medical practice, sickness and worry, joy and merriment, happiness and grief, drama and melodrama, sadness, humor, and even political commentary in the 13th in an astonishing series with marathon legs that seem to be giving no indication of weakening or tiring. I’m a confirmed fan and Patrick Taylor may count on me coming back for more.
Patrick Taylor has to be considered a national treasure in the pantheon of Canadian literature. Definitely recommended.
Paul Weiss
January 22, 2019
I have enjoyed this series of books. You never know what some of the characters might end up doing.
February 11, 2019
A rather wordy story of life in an Irish Village. The Donnelly’s cottage burns to the ground, drs O’Relly an Laverty are on hand to help. The village people turn out to help the Donnellys and young Dr Laverty is learning how to be a general practioner in a small village. Dr Laverty and his wife are trying to start a family. Mrs Laverty is getting involved in trying to keep peace between the laws of the Catholic and non Catholics.
January 23, 2024
I love these books shamelessly
They don't teach me anything and even when they touch on serious subjects like the disparity and violence between Catholic and Protestant beliefs, it is written from the bubble of Ballybuckaboo so it feels safe.
They don't teach me anything and even when they touch on serious subjects like the disparity and violence between Catholic and Protestant beliefs, it is written from the bubble of Ballybuckaboo so it feels safe.
October 8, 2018
1969 is off to a rough start in the Small Irish village of Ballbucklebo. A fire has destroyed the house and belongings of Donal Donnally and his family. Doctor Fingal O'Reilly and Dr. Barry Laverty and the rest of the people in the village do whatever it takes to help the family, but the doctors are dealing with other issues as well. Dr. O'Reilly has a patient who needs sound advice on contraception and Barry and his wife are seeking advice from a fertility expert. However, it's the growing violence of civil rights protesters that have Barry and the rest of the village worried for the future.
I have read several, but not all of the books in this series. Although some storylines regarding the personal lives of the doctors continue from book to book, I have read several books out of order and think the book can be enjoyed to readers new to the series. The best part of this book and the entire series is the portrayal of life in a small village in Northern Ireland. Things aren't perfect and people face serious problems, but everyone in the village helps each other out in times of need.
I also enjoy the great example Dr. O'Reilly sets for his onetime assistant, now partner, Barry. Barry has grown a lot from the first book and my favorite parts of this book and each of the books I've read in this series are those with the doctors with their patients. These doctors really care about their patients and it's touching to see the lengths they go to give them the best possible care they can.
All of the books include a bit of Irish history, but his installment was heavy on the civil rights issues, reproductive issues, and the Catholic church's stance on birth control. I learned a lot that wasn't covered in any history class I took, but it was sometimes hard to figure out what the main plot of the book was supposed to be. I enjoyed the forward by the author to set the story up and always enjoy the glossary of Northern Irish words included in the back. This series is charming and will appeal to fans of Maeve Binchy, Hazel Holt, or Alexander McCall Smith. There ending is a bit abrupt and leaves questions about Barry and Sue's personal life unresolved. Some of the charm of the prior books is lacking in this one and I can only rate it 3.5 stars. However, I'm still glad I read it and will probably check out the next one to find out what is in store for Barry and Sue.
I received this book from NetGalley, through the courtesy of Forge Books. The book was provide to me in exchange for an honest review.
I have read several, but not all of the books in this series. Although some storylines regarding the personal lives of the doctors continue from book to book, I have read several books out of order and think the book can be enjoyed to readers new to the series. The best part of this book and the entire series is the portrayal of life in a small village in Northern Ireland. Things aren't perfect and people face serious problems, but everyone in the village helps each other out in times of need.
I also enjoy the great example Dr. O'Reilly sets for his onetime assistant, now partner, Barry. Barry has grown a lot from the first book and my favorite parts of this book and each of the books I've read in this series are those with the doctors with their patients. These doctors really care about their patients and it's touching to see the lengths they go to give them the best possible care they can.
All of the books include a bit of Irish history, but his installment was heavy on the civil rights issues, reproductive issues, and the Catholic church's stance on birth control. I learned a lot that wasn't covered in any history class I took, but it was sometimes hard to figure out what the main plot of the book was supposed to be. I enjoyed the forward by the author to set the story up and always enjoy the glossary of Northern Irish words included in the back. This series is charming and will appeal to fans of Maeve Binchy, Hazel Holt, or Alexander McCall Smith. There ending is a bit abrupt and leaves questions about Barry and Sue's personal life unresolved. Some of the charm of the prior books is lacking in this one and I can only rate it 3.5 stars. However, I'm still glad I read it and will probably check out the next one to find out what is in store for Barry and Sue.
I received this book from NetGalley, through the courtesy of Forge Books. The book was provide to me in exchange for an honest review.
May 23, 2019
In this the thirteenth addition to the series, Patrick Taylor has made some significant changes. He continues his stories about the residents of the small village of Ballybucklebo but has brought his narrative up to the late nineteen sixties a time when people the world over were clamoring for civil rights.
The potent mix of religious and political identity has always been an important part of Irish history. For the most part, the landed gentry in the country were Anglican and the working poor were Catholic or non-conforming Protestants. That class struggle and religious divide bedeviled Irish politics for centuries, caused decades of unrest and violence and led to the partition of the country into two separate territories in 1921. Southern Ireland became the Republic of Ireland, free of British rule with the goal of the Nationalists to reunite the entire island as a free independent state. Northern Ireland and the Unionist however, were loyal to the British and adamant about maintaining their ties with the United Kingdom. Up to this point, apart from Kinky’s occasional reference to “the troubles”, Taylor has kept his stories free of these political and religious issues. There was little sectarian violence in the rural area surrounding Ulster and the people in Ballybucklebo had socialized and worked together despite their religious affiliations. Everyone simply got along. The two churches had a combined Christmas pageant every year and the minister and the priest were golfing partners. The small village had always been a quiet friendly place with a slow pace of life, but times are changing and people are worried that the political upheaval experienced elsewhere in the country may eventually work its way to their doorstep.
Taylor has also made another change to the pattern of these books. For the first time he does not conclude his story in one volume, leaving readers to go to the next book to find out how some of the plot lines are resolved.
When the story opens Xmas is over and a fire has destroyed Dun Bwee, the small, thatched roof, stone cottage where Donal Donnelly lives with his wife Julie, their daughter Tori now three, twins Abigail and Susan eighteen months and their beloved greyhound Bluebird. They all escaped without injury, but their home has been destroyed and they have nowhere to live. It is also the coldest time of year in County Antrim so the family must quickly find a place to stay. The villagers quickly gather to help, finding them shelter, donating clothes and household items and helping to repair the burned structure. Everyone is unfailingly generous in their efforts to help this young family who have always been active participants in village life.
Dr. Fingal O’Reilly is now sixty years old. He recently lost loyal dog Arthur Guinness who he considered a friend and although no one could replace him, he now has Kenny who he has trained to be a fine gun dog. There are now four doctors sharing call in the practice. Dr. Connor Nelson is in the Kenneggar running Dr. Ronald Fitzpatrick’s former practice and Dr. Barry Laverty and Fingal are sharing supervision of GP trainee Dr. Emer Mc Carthy. Emer is a good physician, is appreciated by her female patients and is excellent with children, but she is a perfectionist. She berates herself over every perceived misstep and is losing her confidence, wondering if she has what it takes to be a physician. Barry and Fingal try to reassure her but cannot settle her concerns or give her comfort.
Sue and Barry Laverty have been married eighteen months now but their efforts to start a family have not been successful so they make an appointment with fertility specialist Dr. Graham Haley to see if there is anything that can be done. While they hope anxiously for a child, others in town, with little to support their growing families, are struggling with the issue of unwanted pregnancies. They are hampered in their efforts by the teachings of the Catholic Church which forbids all forms of contraception except abstinence or the rhythm method, commonly known as papal roulette. Fingal, sympathetic to their cause, consults with Father Hugh who has come up with an interesting way to think about the problem and that helps O’Reilly come up with a solution.
There is a wide cast of interesting characters in the village and we learn a bit more of their ongoing stories. Barry’s good friend Jack Mills and Helen Hewitt are engaged to be married but are keeping the news quiet until after Helen is qualified in medicine. Jack is Protestant and Helen is Catholic and they are concerned about their families’ reaction. Dr. Ronald Fitzpatrick returns to Ballybucklebo from the Tengbuche monastery in Nepal where he spent time confronting his problems with gambling and drinking. He has reconsidered his future, bought a property next to the sea and begins a romance with one of the village residents. Eileen Lindsay who has been struggling to raise her three children after her husband abandoned her, is also experiencing a new romance with bachelor Gordon McNab. And Councilor Bertie Bishop who recently experienced serious cardiac problems and is now having stomach problems, begins to think about his future. And as every day passes, readers see how Kinky now happily married, is growing more comfortable in her role as family friend rather than as housekeeper to the O’Reillys.
This is another solid addition to the series. Donal plays a large role in this volume and the narrative, filled with the dialogue of his “missed words” is very funny despite the more serious tones of political upheaval, the sadness of a couple unable to conceive and the anxiety of others who want to halt the child bearing process but still wish to adhere to their Catholic faith. Taylor throws into the mix two small primers for his readers, one on the ancient skill of roof thatching and the other on the game of rugby. What more can you ask for in a quiet, comfortable and entertaining read?
The potent mix of religious and political identity has always been an important part of Irish history. For the most part, the landed gentry in the country were Anglican and the working poor were Catholic or non-conforming Protestants. That class struggle and religious divide bedeviled Irish politics for centuries, caused decades of unrest and violence and led to the partition of the country into two separate territories in 1921. Southern Ireland became the Republic of Ireland, free of British rule with the goal of the Nationalists to reunite the entire island as a free independent state. Northern Ireland and the Unionist however, were loyal to the British and adamant about maintaining their ties with the United Kingdom. Up to this point, apart from Kinky’s occasional reference to “the troubles”, Taylor has kept his stories free of these political and religious issues. There was little sectarian violence in the rural area surrounding Ulster and the people in Ballybucklebo had socialized and worked together despite their religious affiliations. Everyone simply got along. The two churches had a combined Christmas pageant every year and the minister and the priest were golfing partners. The small village had always been a quiet friendly place with a slow pace of life, but times are changing and people are worried that the political upheaval experienced elsewhere in the country may eventually work its way to their doorstep.
Taylor has also made another change to the pattern of these books. For the first time he does not conclude his story in one volume, leaving readers to go to the next book to find out how some of the plot lines are resolved.
When the story opens Xmas is over and a fire has destroyed Dun Bwee, the small, thatched roof, stone cottage where Donal Donnelly lives with his wife Julie, their daughter Tori now three, twins Abigail and Susan eighteen months and their beloved greyhound Bluebird. They all escaped without injury, but their home has been destroyed and they have nowhere to live. It is also the coldest time of year in County Antrim so the family must quickly find a place to stay. The villagers quickly gather to help, finding them shelter, donating clothes and household items and helping to repair the burned structure. Everyone is unfailingly generous in their efforts to help this young family who have always been active participants in village life.
Dr. Fingal O’Reilly is now sixty years old. He recently lost loyal dog Arthur Guinness who he considered a friend and although no one could replace him, he now has Kenny who he has trained to be a fine gun dog. There are now four doctors sharing call in the practice. Dr. Connor Nelson is in the Kenneggar running Dr. Ronald Fitzpatrick’s former practice and Dr. Barry Laverty and Fingal are sharing supervision of GP trainee Dr. Emer Mc Carthy. Emer is a good physician, is appreciated by her female patients and is excellent with children, but she is a perfectionist. She berates herself over every perceived misstep and is losing her confidence, wondering if she has what it takes to be a physician. Barry and Fingal try to reassure her but cannot settle her concerns or give her comfort.
Sue and Barry Laverty have been married eighteen months now but their efforts to start a family have not been successful so they make an appointment with fertility specialist Dr. Graham Haley to see if there is anything that can be done. While they hope anxiously for a child, others in town, with little to support their growing families, are struggling with the issue of unwanted pregnancies. They are hampered in their efforts by the teachings of the Catholic Church which forbids all forms of contraception except abstinence or the rhythm method, commonly known as papal roulette. Fingal, sympathetic to their cause, consults with Father Hugh who has come up with an interesting way to think about the problem and that helps O’Reilly come up with a solution.
There is a wide cast of interesting characters in the village and we learn a bit more of their ongoing stories. Barry’s good friend Jack Mills and Helen Hewitt are engaged to be married but are keeping the news quiet until after Helen is qualified in medicine. Jack is Protestant and Helen is Catholic and they are concerned about their families’ reaction. Dr. Ronald Fitzpatrick returns to Ballybucklebo from the Tengbuche monastery in Nepal where he spent time confronting his problems with gambling and drinking. He has reconsidered his future, bought a property next to the sea and begins a romance with one of the village residents. Eileen Lindsay who has been struggling to raise her three children after her husband abandoned her, is also experiencing a new romance with bachelor Gordon McNab. And Councilor Bertie Bishop who recently experienced serious cardiac problems and is now having stomach problems, begins to think about his future. And as every day passes, readers see how Kinky now happily married, is growing more comfortable in her role as family friend rather than as housekeeper to the O’Reillys.
This is another solid addition to the series. Donal plays a large role in this volume and the narrative, filled with the dialogue of his “missed words” is very funny despite the more serious tones of political upheaval, the sadness of a couple unable to conceive and the anxiety of others who want to halt the child bearing process but still wish to adhere to their Catholic faith. Taylor throws into the mix two small primers for his readers, one on the ancient skill of roof thatching and the other on the game of rugby. What more can you ask for in a quiet, comfortable and entertaining read?
February 10, 2023
Another great book in the series. There is a major catastrophe in town when a family escapes from their burning home. Everyone in town rallied around them and help them out. In the meantime Dr Laverty and his wife are trying unsuccessfully to have a baby and another couple are trying hard not to have one. There is always someone struggling with their own problems, yet willing to help others. I look forward to the next book in the series.
March 25, 2019
I have read other books in this series about an Irish country doctor. This one I had difficulty keeping track of all the characters, keeping the Nationalists and the Loyalists straight. I was frequently turning back to previous chapters.
I am still mulling over a doctor's decision to use some deception in order to encourage his patient to take the b.c. pill.
I am still mulling over a doctor's decision to use some deception in order to encourage his patient to take the b.c. pill.
January 18, 2019
lots of words but it really does not go much of anywhere. Not as charming as some of the earlier books in this series. Maybe because he is bringing it into the more recent past (1960's) and all the troubles in Ireland.
January 3, 2020
One of the best books in the series. Much more depth than usual. As Patrick Taylor stated in his author notes, a lot of people might not welcome the more somber tone. But, realistically, you can't set a series in the late 1960's/early 1970's and ignore all the upheaval and change that was going on in the world at the time. I like that we got a more in depth look at some characters, such as Bertie Bishop, and I was also glad to spend more time with Barry and Sue (especially since Barry's sole purpose was not just to mope around like in several books previous). I really like Sue. I did like Patricia Spence, too, but Sue and Barry are more suited for each other.
I was definitely saddened by one story line. I'll miss Arthur Guinness. This development antagonized a recent loss and was especially hard for me as our black lab, Sadie, went to doggie heaven in September.
Taylor tends to run a theme or two throughout each book and this time around, the inevitable mortality of us all was one. So, I was definitely worried about Bertie for a portion of the book. At least, poor Arthur was the only casualty this time around, yet I can't help but wonder if Taylor is preparing us for losses in future books. Even if he chooses to have O'Reilly live to the ripe, old age of 98, not everyone in Ballybucklebo could be so lucky.
I love the secondary characters populating the books. One new twist I'm not sure if I like or not is the GP trainees. I do like their scenes in the book and seeing the way general practice changed over the years, but I hate growing comfortable with a character only to have them gone in the next book or so. Taylor did find a way to keep Connor in the loop, but I miss Jenny Bradley. And I'll miss Emer McCarthy if she moves on after the next book or so. I really enjoyed her character. Speaking of missing characters, I'll also miss Jack Mills and Helen Hewitt when they move on, but I was not surprised by their decision, like Barry. Moving to Canada or America seemed like the only sensible course once knowing Jack's father would never approve of the union. How else would they find any peace?
I do like the contrast Taylor made between the upheavals in Northern Ireland against the tranquility and camaraderie of Ballybucklebo. If only everyone could get along so well. Very poignant for our times today, too.
I was definitely saddened by one story line. I'll miss Arthur Guinness. This development antagonized a recent loss and was especially hard for me as our black lab, Sadie, went to doggie heaven in September.
Taylor tends to run a theme or two throughout each book and this time around, the inevitable mortality of us all was one. So, I was definitely worried about Bertie for a portion of the book. At least, poor Arthur was the only casualty this time around, yet I can't help but wonder if Taylor is preparing us for losses in future books. Even if he chooses to have O'Reilly live to the ripe, old age of 98, not everyone in Ballybucklebo could be so lucky.
I love the secondary characters populating the books. One new twist I'm not sure if I like or not is the GP trainees. I do like their scenes in the book and seeing the way general practice changed over the years, but I hate growing comfortable with a character only to have them gone in the next book or so. Taylor did find a way to keep Connor in the loop, but I miss Jenny Bradley. And I'll miss Emer McCarthy if she moves on after the next book or so. I really enjoyed her character. Speaking of missing characters, I'll also miss Jack Mills and Helen Hewitt when they move on, but I was not surprised by their decision, like Barry. Moving to Canada or America seemed like the only sensible course once knowing Jack's father would never approve of the union. How else would they find any peace?
I do like the contrast Taylor made between the upheavals in Northern Ireland against the tranquility and camaraderie of Ballybucklebo. If only everyone could get along so well. Very poignant for our times today, too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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