Like I mentioned before, my mother suggested I read "All Creatures Great and Small". Not sure that I would be interested in a book about the life of a veterinary surgeon, I picked it up only gingerly several months after the suggestion had been made. Lo and behold; I read the first page and a half and was instantly intrigued. I could tell right away that I liked James Herriot's writing style even though the subject matter wasn't one I usually preferred. I told my mom that I probably wouldn't get really into it because I'm not a huge animal person. She assured me that the book would make me into an animal person. Damnit, she was right. What are we? 2 for 2 now, Mom?
I think I've been in the same vicinity as a horse maybe 3 times in my whole life. I don't really get the hype. But when I was reading a section in the book about a horse that was suffering a twisted intestine (a completely incurable condition) my heart positively ached for that horse and for poor Mr. Herriot who had to put the horse down. The author doesn't go into great detail about what he was feeling at the time, but rather explains the reactions of the farmers upon hearing such news and describes the suffering of the animals. I tell you: What a writer!
Another great section was, again, one where an animal had to be put down. This one was about an old man and his aging, sick dog. I don't often think of my poor childhood dog who was very sick until we had him put down almost 3 years ago, but I read that section of Herriot's book and flat out cried my eyes out. Herriot, you bastard. This is the same writer who had me laughing my head off 2 pages prior. (I really do enjoy books with emotional rollercoasters, even if they're tiny rollercoasters. If it's too emotionally stagnant I get bored)
It's ok to like fluffy romance and action books but there are some amazing writers out there, people, who will give you a great story and deliver you that story with impeccable style and taste. Go for the good stuff!
Status Update: "All Creatures" chapter 8; "Breakfast" chapter 4.
I'm so glad you like it! I won't say I told you so, cause that's very bad form, but I was pretty sure you'd find his style and characterizations very hard to resist. It's a great window into a totally different life and time.
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