A Dublin Student Doctor

An Irish Country Novel

By: Patrick Taylor

Narrated by: John Keating

Length: 15 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's summary

Patrick Taylor's devoted listeners oknow Doctor Fingal Flahertie O'Reilly as a pugnacious general practitioner in the quaint Irish village of Ballybucklebo. Now Taylor turns back the clock to give us a portrait of the young Fingal—and show us the pivotal events that shaped the man he would become.

In the 1930s, fresh from a stint in the Royal Navy Reserve, and against the wishes of his disapproving father, Fingal O'Reilly goes to Dublin to study medicine. Fingal and his fellow aspiring doctors face the arduous demands of Trinity College and Sir Patrick Dun's Hospital. The hours are long and the cases challenging, but Fingal manages to find time to box and play rugby—and to romance a fetching, gray-eyed nurse named Kitty O'Hallorhan.

Dublin is a city of slums and tenements, where brutal poverty breeds diseases that the limited medical knowledge of the time is often ill-equipped to handle. His teachers warn Fingal not to become too attached to his patients, but can he truly harden himself to the suffering he sees all around him—or can he find a way to care for his patients without breaking his heart?

A Dublin Student Doctor is a moving, deeply human story that will touch longtime fans of the Irish Country Books series as well as readers who are meeting Doctor Fingal O'Reilly for the very first time.

Listen to another Irish Country novel.

©2011 Patrick Taylor (P)2011 Macmillan Audio

Medical training

I had read a few "Irish Country Doctor" books, but this one told me of Fingal Flaherty O'Reilly's journey to become a doctor. I think having already read the previous books gave me a good background in appreciating this one.

Another great story about Dr. F. F. O’Reilly

Wonderfully written and as usual John Keating is great. Thanks to Patrick Taylor!

Okay, now. Spoiler alert—- I absolutely hate that O’Reilly’s dad died. And that his mom had a stroke and died. And hate that Bob died the way he did. I just loved his character. Are we going to learn about what happened with Kitty and O’Reilly going their separate ways and how he ends up with his wife? I hope so. Great book.

How the series all began!

Would you consider the audio edition of A Dublin Student Doctor to be better than the print version?

The audio of this book was great. The narrator, John Keating does a terrific job of bringing the characters to life so that you can picture each one in your head.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I could not pick a favorite character because I enjoyed each one of them for different reasons. Each character in the book has their own quirks, their own personalities and I found that I laughed and cried with each.

Which character – as performed by John Keating – was your favorite?

John Keating does a great job with Fingal but I find that his performance as the

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I was moved by Fingal's feelings towards his fellow man. Against all advice to stay distant from his patients, he didn't and they became people with names and faces.

Any additional comments?

I pray that Patrick Taylor writes more in this series and that John Keating narrates. The books are awesome and the reader is beyond compare. You won't be disappointed with this listen.

good Irish story, worth a credit

Being fascinated with Ireland from other books I've read, I decided to give this author's story a try. And I am glad I did. The narrator, with his Irish brogue, makes you feel you are in Ireland. The story itself is intriguing with its mix of Irish life and a student doctor's life as he struggles to become a doctor. There are more books in the Irish Country series and I intend to try some of those too. Glad I spent the credit.

Another great installment in this series!!

What a great addition to the series! The backstory for Fingal Flaherty O'Reilly!!!! I wouldn't have missed this for any thing!

Best series ever

What made the experience of listening to A Dublin Student Doctor the most enjoyable?

The narrator made the characters come to life. Patrick Taylor's description of Ireland before the war was excellent. I felt like I was there.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Flaherty O'Reilly - the guy is full of life. Big Heart, and isn't afraid to express his beliefs. (except for his emotional feelings). I love the expressions he comes out with!

Have you listened to any of John Keating???s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Excellent, as usual. I have listened to all of the Irish Country Doctor series, and the narrator keeps up the excellent standard.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Laugh, laugh, laugh. - and cry when he lost some of his patients (spoiler).

Any additional comments?

If you enjoy James Harriett, you'll like this series. Highly Recommended! More books, please, Patrick Taylor!

The making of the Dr Flahertie O'Reilly

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I certainly would recommend this book as I have become quite the fan of Fingal O'Reilly and the crew of Ballybucklebo. The community sounds very charming and quite believable.

What does John Keating bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I enjoy listening to the Irish accent.

Enjoyed another

This is a great series that is well narrated. I enjoyed hearing the back story to O'Riley's life.

Excellent reading experience

If you enjoy being transported in time and space to a location filled with warm memorable characters, Patrick Taylor's series on the Irish country doctors will fill the bill. I challenge anyone who enjoys a good read to pick up one of these books and see if they are not habit forming.

love the lilt

I'm a big fan of Patrick Taylor's series, both my husband and I are. when I had trouble finding this one in print so we could share, we opted for the Audible version and listened together. it was delightful. I so enjoyed being read to, and the Irish lilt of John Keating was perfect.