Reflections 4
Ok, that's all I shall do on short stories. I shall go on to novels
If Only They Could Talk-James Herriot
Just a short introduction on the author. James Herriot was a veterinarian working in England (it is England, isn't it?), in the Dales. So his stories are based, guess what? On animals, of course. But in his writings he also talked about the different kinds of people he met, like the silent resilience of the farmers, as well as some of the eccentric personalities he met.
One of the most stirring themes that recurr again and again in Herriot's stories is the philosophical outlook that the "simple" Dales farmers have towards life. As James Herriot put it himself, "even when they (the farmers) took blows that would have made the city dweller bang his head against the wall in frustration", their outlook was always "Aye, things like that happen." And "things" do happen; prized milk cows die of anthrax or milk fever; entire stys of pigs die of swine fever; horses have to be put down because of colic. They take it all in their stride. Simple-minded folks? Even the pet owners understand when "it's time for him (the pet) to go". Wow, if only I could be so accepting to what life gives me. If being simple-minded is what gives them such resilience and peace in times of trouble, then its not such a bad thing after all. Of course, there are tight-fisted farmers who grumble and complain. A typical example would be a certain Mr Biggins, who would only call James and his colleague after an animal has lain in pain and suffered for a few weeks. Even then, he was not willing to to have James examine his animal immediately, hesitating over "t' large bill yer gonna send me". And of course, there is usually nothing James can do for the animal, and when it finally dies, its complain and grumble. But, as Herriot himself said, its these contrasting personalities that give his work "variety".
Another heartwarming feature of the Dales folk is their hospitality. After a treating his patient, regardless of whether it lived or died, Herriot would always be invited in for "a cup o' tea". What he would actually be treated to was a lot more sumptious than what was said. Even after the meal, the farmer would slip a pound of butter or pork into the back of Herriot's car before he left. This hospitality of their's was often hidden underneath deadpan faces, but is nevertheless heartwarming to read of such friendliness and kindness. As with everything, there are exceptions to the rule. Many a time James was blamed for the death of an animal and left with threats hurled after him
James married his wife, Helen, after a year or two of moving to Darrowby, but before that, he lived with Siegfried and Tristan Farnon. Siegfried was his employer, while Tristan was Siegfried's younger brother, who was still studying to be a veterinarian. When James first heard Siegfried's name, he thought he was in for a pudgy, short and fat German vet. Meeting under unusual circumstances, James got the surprise of his life when Siegfried turned out to be very English indeed. Siegfried and Tristan seldom got along harmoniously, and many interesting, amusing, and frantic moments were shared.
I have enjoyed reading James Herriot's many books on his career. It talks about the different people he met, which was indeed very varied, from the doting Mrs Pumphrey and her Pekinese Tricki Woo, to grouchy, tight-fisted Mr Cranford. It also talks about the advantages and difficulties that he faced due to the advancement of technology. It is indeed very heartwarming, with many amusing and many frantic moments. James Herriot has the ability to draw his reader into the situation, and enables the reader to visualise things as they were. I could hear, smell and even see what must have happened at that very moment he writes about. I have truly enjoyed being absolutely drawn into the story by his marvelous ability to tell a story.
If Only They Could Talk-James Herriot
Just a short introduction on the author. James Herriot was a veterinarian working in England (it is England, isn't it?), in the Dales. So his stories are based, guess what? On animals, of course. But in his writings he also talked about the different kinds of people he met, like the silent resilience of the farmers, as well as some of the eccentric personalities he met.
One of the most stirring themes that recurr again and again in Herriot's stories is the philosophical outlook that the "simple" Dales farmers have towards life. As James Herriot put it himself, "even when they (the farmers) took blows that would have made the city dweller bang his head against the wall in frustration", their outlook was always "Aye, things like that happen." And "things" do happen; prized milk cows die of anthrax or milk fever; entire stys of pigs die of swine fever; horses have to be put down because of colic. They take it all in their stride. Simple-minded folks? Even the pet owners understand when "it's time for him (the pet) to go". Wow, if only I could be so accepting to what life gives me. If being simple-minded is what gives them such resilience and peace in times of trouble, then its not such a bad thing after all. Of course, there are tight-fisted farmers who grumble and complain. A typical example would be a certain Mr Biggins, who would only call James and his colleague after an animal has lain in pain and suffered for a few weeks. Even then, he was not willing to to have James examine his animal immediately, hesitating over "t' large bill yer gonna send me". And of course, there is usually nothing James can do for the animal, and when it finally dies, its complain and grumble. But, as Herriot himself said, its these contrasting personalities that give his work "variety".
Another heartwarming feature of the Dales folk is their hospitality. After a treating his patient, regardless of whether it lived or died, Herriot would always be invited in for "a cup o' tea". What he would actually be treated to was a lot more sumptious than what was said. Even after the meal, the farmer would slip a pound of butter or pork into the back of Herriot's car before he left. This hospitality of their's was often hidden underneath deadpan faces, but is nevertheless heartwarming to read of such friendliness and kindness. As with everything, there are exceptions to the rule. Many a time James was blamed for the death of an animal and left with threats hurled after him
James married his wife, Helen, after a year or two of moving to Darrowby, but before that, he lived with Siegfried and Tristan Farnon. Siegfried was his employer, while Tristan was Siegfried's younger brother, who was still studying to be a veterinarian. When James first heard Siegfried's name, he thought he was in for a pudgy, short and fat German vet. Meeting under unusual circumstances, James got the surprise of his life when Siegfried turned out to be very English indeed. Siegfried and Tristan seldom got along harmoniously, and many interesting, amusing, and frantic moments were shared.
I have enjoyed reading James Herriot's many books on his career. It talks about the different people he met, which was indeed very varied, from the doting Mrs Pumphrey and her Pekinese Tricki Woo, to grouchy, tight-fisted Mr Cranford. It also talks about the advantages and difficulties that he faced due to the advancement of technology. It is indeed very heartwarming, with many amusing and many frantic moments. James Herriot has the ability to draw his reader into the situation, and enables the reader to visualise things as they were. I could hear, smell and even see what must have happened at that very moment he writes about. I have truly enjoyed being absolutely drawn into the story by his marvelous ability to tell a story.
a dancing munchkin @ 8:28 PM
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