All Creatures Great And Small by James Herriot - A Short Summary & Review

All Creatures Great And Small by James Herriot - A Short Summary & Review

By:  a.d. elliott | Take the Back Roads - Art and Other Odd Adventures

A Rite of Fancy Book Recommendation and Review

The joys of the country vet

A short summary:

Set in the Yorkshire countryside between the wars, All Creatures Great and Small follows James Herriot as he begins his career as a rural veterinarian. Through episodic encounters with farmers, pets, livestock, and unpredictable emergencies, Herriot introduces readers to the realities of country veterinary work—mud, midnight calls, stubborn animals, and deeply human (and often eccentric) clients. The book is less about plot than place and people, building a gentle portrait of a profession rooted in responsibility, patience, and care.

My Favorite quote from the book:

"If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals are better off than a lot of humans."
- James Herriott, All Creatures Great and Small

Questions to ponder while reading:

Do I love animals enough?

Could my job ever be that icky?

My review:

This book is both charming and quietly demanding. Emergencies never wait for daylight, cows are far more complicated than you expect, and pigs—well—you will never look at them the same way again. Herriot’s writing balances humor with humility, never sentimentalizing the work but never losing affection for it either. What lingers most is his steady compassion: for animals, yes, but also for the flawed, tired, and earnest humans who love them. It’s a comforting read, but not a shallow one; it reminds you of the responsibility that comes with care and of how deeply ordinary work can matter.

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About the Author
a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller traveling through life

She shares her journeys at Take the Back Roads, explores new reads at Rite of Fancy, and highlights U.S. military biographies at Everyday Patriot.

You can also browse her online photography gallery at shop.takethebackroads.com.

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