“If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals are better off than a lot of humans. You’ve nothing to worry about there.”–James Herriott, All Creatures Great and Small
This classic novel by James Herriott has been delighting readers since 1972. Some may be surprised to see this book listed in the fiction category. While it is based on Herriott’s real life experiences as a veterinarian, it is a novel and not a memoir. Some characters are composites of real life individuals, names have been changed, and some of the stories are different from how they really happened I remember being shocked and a little dismayed when I found out it was not a “true” story! I have since gotten over my shock and can appreciate why it was constructed the way it was and am able to very much enjoy the story.
Set in a small English town in the 1930s, this book is full of heartwarming and often hilarious stories. They portray the wonderful relationships between humans and animals and exude wonder at the magnificence of all life. This book takes the reader back to simpler time and it is sure to put a smile on your face.
Content Advisory: Descriptions of treating animals