Around the World in 80 Books discussion

Start discussion here for All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot.

Summary (from GradeSaver)

All Creatures Great and Small is a book made up of a series of episodes that occur in the first two years of the veterinary practice of the protagonist, James Herriot. The plot is told through short anecdotes about treating animals, meeting farmers and other clients, and participating in the culture of the Dales. The overall plot follows the growth of Herriot’s career as a vet.

Discussion Questions

1. How does the landscape of Yorkshire Dales shape the character of its residents? Is James Herriot changed by the landscape at all?

2. Why is Siegfried frustrated by younger people? What do you think frustrates Siegfried Farnon the most about his younger brother, Tristan?

3. How is the theme of the natural world illustrated in the novel?

4. What value do animals have in the novel?

5. Discuss the use of humor in the novel.

What a coincidence! I went for a 16 mile run through the Yorkshire Dales on Saturday where I really did see "All Creatures Great and Small." And popped down off the moors to visit Askwith where the tv program was set. A lovely part of the world :-)

This is one of my favorite books, and I like to read it every decade or so. I don't know if I will have time now, but I would love to see what everyone else thinks about it.

I remember this trilogy. I might have read all three. Loved the doctor, the setting and the animals. Would like to see the movie.

This is a wonderful book! The entire series, which includes All Creatures Great and Small, All Creatures Bright and Beautiful, All Creatures Wise and Wonderful, and The Lord God Made Them All, is, in my opinion, one of the most wonderful, classical series ever written...and that's saying something! The British TV show was also a lot of fun...but I don't think you can ever really top the books! Jim Herriot had a real gift for capturing what he saw...the humor, sadness, but most of all, the sweetness and joy of working with animals (and their owners!) in the Yorkshire Dales!
I never get tired of reading it!

I had forgotten the titles of the second and third book. Thanks.

When my sons were young boys and we lived in rural Missouri, we used to read "All Creatures Great and Small" together. What a wonderful, warm feeling Herriot created for us all. He showed such respect for all creatures that it couldn't but rub off on us.

I love allthe James Herriot books. It is wonderful story telling, and books I have re read countless times.

I joined this group 10 mins ago and I got this notification that this book was in the Currently Reading category. And what a coincidence...I am currently reading this book! I read his book All Things Wise and Wonderful and enjoyed it. I am quite sure it will be a similar experience with this book as well.

Anyway this is a good start that I have with this group and hope that it goes a long way. Happy Reading!

PL

I have memories of a family vacation when I was young - we were driving across the country, and Mom read All Creatures Great and Small aloud in the car. Herriott was such a wonderful and witty storyteller - and Mom made a wonderful memory. My husband and I went to England for our honeymoon, and included in our itinerary was a pilgrimage to Thirsk - because it turned out my husband loved Herriott too! Warm memories of these books.

I read these a few years ago and mostly I remember literally laughing out loud! The stories are so raw and personal, many of them hysterically funny and told with such a dry humor... but such sweet, tender stories of a country town, hardship, and love. They really are wonderful!

I just finished a re-read of this while on a cross-country drive with my husband, and lost track of the number of times we both burst out laughing at some dry one-liner of situational comedy. Brilliant wordsmith. I love these stories!