Nancy A. (Chocoholic) reviewed on 8/16/2011 + 291 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 1

This book bills itself, incorrectly, as a "memoir" of the man that the world knows as James Herriot. In actuality, I believe it should be labeled as a biography as it covers the man's lifespan from his birth and upbringing through his death. I picked this book because I like to read memoirs; biographies, not so much. Whatever the case, this book is about the life of Alf Wight, the man behind the famous James Herriot veterinary books. The book is written touchingly and lovingly by his son, who is also a veterinarian. The author spends a goodly portion of the book writing about his father as a young man and his training as a vet; it seems that the James Herriot part of the book was almost an afterthought. There are plenty of 'behind the scenes' stories about Wight's life as a vet, and how he came to use the Herriot pseudonym. The book is full of little anecdotes about the people and personalities that were so famous in the Herriot books. I enjoyed reading this.

Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details