Irish Country Doctor, An (Irish Country Books, 1)

It's 1964, and Dr. Barry Laverty, the ink barely dry on his degree, takes a job out in the country with Dr. Fingal Flahertie O'Reilly. The old doctor's reputation precedes him as, when Barry asks for directions to the doctor's residence in Ballybucklebo the young man he's asking flees away on his bicycle. Dr. O'Reilly is a big man with a florid face, who's nose turns alabaster when his temper is up. His surgery (Office) is attached to his house on Main Street, and ran by the irascible Mrs. Kinky Kincaid. Kinky is a battleship of a woman, "large and in charge" one might say. She runs the household and schedules the patients with iron determination, and cooks up irresistible meals. The household also consists of a daft, beer-drinking black Labrador named Arthur Guiness, and most recently a saucy white cat named Lady Macbeth. Barry accepts the job as O'Reilly's assistant, and takes up residence in the attic room of the household. It was a time when country doctors still made house calls; a time when the degreed residents of the township (such as doctor, teacher, minister, priest, or town council) were looked up to as leaders of the community. Barry discovers his work with O'Reilly includes a lot more than simply treating physical complaints and ailments. There's the personal problems of the residents to look after, like old Maggie MacCorkle and her old beau Sonny who lives in his car since nasty Councilor Bertie Bishop hasn't finished his roof for twenty years. There's a young, unwed pregnant girl to whom O'Reilly promises things will turn out (much to Barry's chagrin); and the old doctor does his research on her to discover the best way to help. O'Reilly manages to show Barry that there's more to small town treatment than what comes out of a medical text. On a trip to Belfast, Barry makes the acquaintance of a young college girl named Patricia Spence, who limps from the residue of her childhood polio, and Barry falls madly in love with her. Balancing his time at the clinic, only two pairs of trousers that Arthur Guiness is intent on ruining, and his desire to see more of Patricia becomes a full time worry for young Barry. Does he have what it takes to survive the boisterous and quick-tempered O'Reilly, managing small town medicine, and unrequited love? You'll have to read the novel to find out. "Quaint" and "Cozy" are the best words to describe 'An Irish Country Doctor'. There are three books in the series right now. I found myself reading the third book first, 'An Irish Country Christmas', and simply had to purchase the first two books. This beginning of the life and times of the village of Ballybucklebo and it's temperamental doctor is highly entertaining, and like me you'll find yourself wanting more. Despite it's laid-back country appeal, you'll find yourself unable to put down the book. While reading, I felt like I was a part of the community, deep in Ireland back in the 60's. Taylor's writing really involves the reader; you'll be entirely "sucked into" the atmosphere. His characters are fully fleshed out, real people you feel like you know, each with unique personalities and quirks. Following the story is a quick note with some recipes by Kinky Kincaid, and a glossary of terms for those who wish to know more of the language spoken in the book. I'm on to the second novel now, 'An Irish Country Village'. I highly recommend this book and the series. Enjoy!

"James Herriot meets Maeve Binchy" in this charming story about a new doctor who signs on to be the assistant to an established GP in 1960s Northern Ireland. There isn't one big drama in the plot of this story - the drama comes from everyday life in a small Irish village. The book follows Barry Laverty as he learns about practicing medicine, friendship, and love by working with the unique Dr. Fingal O'Reilly. Most importantly Barry discovers that some of the most important lessons in life don't come from a book. I enjoyed the character of Fingal who is kindhearted and caring behind his sometimes gruff exterior and unconventional methods of practicing medicine. Barry is an intelligent young man and a good person who wants to do the right thing. For the most part, I like his character, but he is quick to jump to conclusions over and over and doesn't seem to learn to get all the facts first before making a judgment. In spite of his flaws, Barry is an interesting and likeable main character and I enjoyed this book that has a relaxing pace, but remains interesting from the beginning to the end.

Such wonderful residents in a small Irish village, make reading a delight. Kinky is my favorite ……I think ! You will love her too !

The start of a wonderful series about a young Dr starting out in a small country village, a bit of a brash over the top out spoken yet gentle hearted family Dr that not only tends to the sick, but also works in mysterious ways to help out his patients, rights the wrongs, and comes up with some unusual schemes to say the least, all the while teaching the new Dr the ropes and differences of general country practice. What I love the most about these books is how you are brought into the the story, captivated by the character's, and the books keep getting better! I recently came back from Ireland and was looking for something in the Irish accent and theme, the librarian was right on, fell in love at page one and have listened to 4 audio books already. Go ahead and take a refreshing a comical breath of all the mishaps that could possibly fall upon two canny county Irish Dr's and see if you too don't fall in Love!

Too many cuss words

I very much wanted a good Irish read...and I have found it in the writings of author Patrick Taylor. His series of delightful books remind me a lot of the "All Creatures Great and Small" book. This opening volume is a period piece set in Ireland with physicians as the protagonists. It is a light, fun read with good doses of medical problems as the center pieces of the action in the novel. The characters are well drawn and the scenes are beautifully described. The characters are richly detailed....so as for me to care and want to read on to find out more about them. Again, fun, light read for those who want to spend some amazing time with new friends in the countryside of old Ireland.

I read this on the way to Ireland. I have learned lots of new words. It’s a charming book, fiction but the stories of a small town GP have real human stories. I will love the next 15 books as well. Reminds me of the James Herriot veterinarian series.

Absolutely LOVED this one! I am an Ireland enthusiast, so I was looking for something to read that was set in Ireland and really gave you a glimpse of life there. That's what I like. This book did not disappoint me! The characters are well developed and you feel invested in their lives. I felt like I knew Barry personally and from the first page I was drawn in and wanted to keep reading. I have read very few books that captivated me like this one did and I'm looking forward to reading the next two! This was a light, easy read and I absolutely loved it. I was sad when it ended because I just wanted to stay in Ballybucklebo forever with it's crazy, funny characters and simple Irish country life. I agree with another reviewer who said that this book just made them happy. It made me happy too! I found myself smiling while reading it and I just enjoyed it's lightheartedness SO much. Such a great book.

This book was so full of charm and descriptive of the countryside and the folks A lovely read

An Irish Country Doctor: A break from poor social literature It was just what the doctor ordered, so-to-speak. A great read, (or romp), taking you on a journey into Ireland. Mr Taylor overdoes nothing, but keeps things at a terribly human level. His jokes do not deride, his serious moments are not overbaked with sentiment; they are clear statements about life. If this is light and pleasant reading, it also gives an insight into Ireland, to its character and to the life of the people. This more down-to-earth reading gave a much needed break from my habitual diet of war literature or poorly written social drama. How can you resist a story where a dog drinks pints and cat is named Lady Macbeth?

Uno spaccato piacevolissimo della vita di campagna in Irlanda del secolo scorso. Lettura gradevole e accattivante, mai noiosa. Un must per gli amanti dell'Irlanda.

I really enjoyed An Irish Country Doctor. The story takes place in Ulster. I didn't know much about this part of Ireland and I enjoyed learning more from the author who obviously loves it. Although I already knew what a GP did, I was charmed and entertained to read how involved country GPs were in their patients lives. The humour the author shows in describing the characters' personalities and actions is priceless! And to have Kinky, Dr O'Reilly's endearing cook, give us her recipes at the end is a stroke of genius! I truly enjoyed this Book 1 of the Irish Country Books series and I highly recommend it. I plan on reading the whole series!

Some things in this book seem very old world and they are. But it is a very charming book set in a country with quaint names and phrases. I enjoyed it