All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot – Audiobook

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Samyann
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All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot – Audiobook

Post by Samyann »

An autobiography, All Creatures Great and Small was written by James Herriot, audiobook narrated by Christopher Timothy, and is close to 16 hours of listening. Narration by Timothy is great, no issues and a pleasant listen.

A Norman Rockwell painting in print, or possibly A Prairie Home Companion radio broadcast, this story tells us of an innocent world cover to cover. No murder, no bad language, no sex, a clean … really clean … story. Depending on perspective, All Creatures Great and Small is young adult, although the story has moments of eloquent prose a seasoned reader will enjoy. Settings and environmental detail is nicely conveyed – you’ll smell the barn.

The story begins early in Jim Herriot’s life as a rural veterinarian and ends with his marriage just prior to WWII. The book is a compilation of short stories, Jim’s adventures as a vet, i.e., birthing pigs and cows, turning a foal in the womb, being “uncle” to a wealthy woman’s Pekinese and pet pig, and eccentric farmers pouring out old wives tales of animal cures. Example: Cut off the tail of a cow to let the worm out. Jim keeps a straight face through such advice if he wants to keep the farmer as a customer.

There are sequels to All Creatures Great and Small, a BBC television series, etc., it’s been around a long time – mid 1970s. A great story for a family read and discussion, or a gift for any animal lover. Just a lovely story. Enjoy.
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Angela Stripes
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Post by Angela Stripes »

I treasure this story. It's on my "favorites" shelf. Typically gore or detailed descriptions of the insides of the human body turn my stomach, but when James Herriot talks about lathering up to help deliver a calf... I couldn't put the book down.

I also enjoyed the clean nature of the book. His romance is sweet and endearing, if awkward at first! Its one that warmed my heart, and taught me something, and I feel as though its a part of this world tucked away in history and forgotten.

Thank you for posting on it! Reading your thoughts on it made my day. :)
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Samyann
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Post by Samyann »

I’ve not gone through the sequels, yet. But plan to because I imagine they are equally as good - same author, same narrator of audiobooks.

You’re right, this story is a treasure.
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Post by Magnify3 »

I read this book years ago in high school. I could not remember the author's name. I just remembered that the title was a line of a hymn. It is a good book.
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Post by ChainsawCat »

My dad read this out loud to me and my brother when we were young. We loved it. I did really like the BBC adaptation, too.
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Post by thaservices1 »

I read this book and would love to read the sequels. I was literally in tears laughing so hard when he tried out the new age calving suit. It was just so moving in so many ways.
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Post by Lady-of-Literature »

May I ask what you found so pleasant about the audiobook? Is it the voice itself, is he expressive?
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Onyinyechi Obi
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Post by Onyinyechi Obi »

I haven't read the follow-ups yet. However, I intend to since I'm sure they're just as good—the same author and narrator for the audiobooks, that is.
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