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39 pages 1 hour read

James Herriot

All Creatures Great and Small

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1972

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot follows newly graduated veterinary student James as he starts his career in the Yorkshire Dales, working under the eccentric Siegfried Farnon, bonding with Siegfried's brother Tristan, and earning the trust of local farmers. As James adapts to his new life, he begins a challenging yet heartfelt courtship with Helen Alderson, culminating in their marriage. This narrative intertwines stories of veterinary practice with a deep appreciation for the beauty of Yorkshire and its inhabitants.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

James Herriot's All Creatures Great and Small offers heartwarming and charming vignettes of a country vet's life, delighting readers with its wit, rich storytelling, and endearing characters. However, some find the episodic structure lacking depth. Ultimately, it's a beloved classic for animal lovers and those seeking cozy, nostalgic reads.

Who should read this

Who Should Read All Creatures Great and Small?

A reader who would enjoy All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot likely appreciates heartwarming, humorous, and poignant tales of rural life and veterinary practice. Fans of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House on the Prairie or Jan Karon’s At Home in Mitford series would find similar charm in Herriot's memoirs.

Book Details
Pages

448

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

Yorkshire, England • 1930s

Topic
Publication Year

1972

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

12+ years

Lexile Level

990L

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