The older physician, whose motto is to never let the patients get the upper hand, has his own way of doing things. At first, Barry can't decide if the pugnacious O'Reilly is the biggest charlatan he has ever met, or the best teacher he could ever hope for. Through O'Reilly, Barry soon gets to know all of the village's colorful and endearing residents, including a malingering Major and his equally hypochondriacal wife; an unwed servant girl, who refuses to divulge the father of her upcoming baby; a slightly daft old couple unable to marry for lack of a roof; and a host of other eccentric characters who make every day an education for the inexperienced young doctor.
Ballybucklebo is long way from Belfast, and Barry is quick to discover that he still has a lot to learn about the quirks and traditions of country life. But with pluck and compassion and only the slightest touch of blarney, he will find out more about life - and love - than he ever imagined back in medical school.
An Irish Country Doctor is a charming and engrossing tale that will captivate listeners from the very first page - and leave them yearning to visit the Irish countryside of days gone by.
©2007 Patrick Keating; (P)2009 Macmillan Audio
"Delightful Entertainment"
I had to listen twice - sensational story, fabulous characters and a top quality reader!
"An Irish Country Doctor"
I was very happy to learn that there are three Audiobooks by the author; expecially that John Keating would the narrator. I quickly became interested in the wonderful characters Mr. Taylor, the Author, created, and I believe whomever listens to these wonderfully happy stories will find themselve reliving their memories.
"delightful "read""
Another one of those books that should just not end. John Keating's voice is perfect for this story. Loved every minute!
"Delightful"
This is a delightful slice of Irish life. The narrator was wonderful. His rich brogue made the text come alive. An innocent, charming respite.
"I've just fallen in love..."
....with "An Irish Country Doctor"! What a delight. Great humor, wonderful characters, and a very entertaining narration. I just finished this audiobook and I've already ordered the next in the series.
Thank you, Patrick Taylor!
Diane, CA
"Great book , easy to listen to!!"
I really enjoyed this funny and believable book, terrific story line, great narrator. It shows us that you cannot always judge actions when you don't know the history of someone else.
Great characters, cant wait to get the next story in the series
"Fantastic"
I read a lot of action-based fiction with fast moving plots, but decided to try something a bit different. This was a fantastic read that really makes you feel like part of the small town in Northern Ireland where it is set. The characters are interesting, different, and well developed and there is just enough of plot to keep you going to the end. The narrator does a terrific job with all the different Irish accents.
"Thoroughly Enjoyed - An Irish Country Doctor"
I would highly recommend this audio novel for the story line itself. The bonus is the narrator! The characters are so well written, that you wish they were you friends. Instead of a fictional novel you are so engrossed in the characters that the story just sort of happens. Well worth the read --- don't miss the great audio book.
Listen on dog walks, commutes and around the house. Welcome virtually any genre but southern fiction holds a special place in my heart.
"Be Reminded Gently of Important Life Lessons"
For those who enjoy quirky 1990s European films like "The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain" and "Waking Ned Divine," this may be the book for you. Like those films, this book focuses on life's minutia and finds humor in the everyday. Although the lessons set forth are not new, there is no doubt that these are lessons worth being reminded of and there is no better way to be reminded then in a gentle novel such as this.
"CHARMING!"
I was truly transported to an
Fingle. He was bigger than life, country - wise, funny and kind. I also loved Arthur, the crazy dog.
Handled all the Northern Irish accents well.
The REAL Northern Ireland.
Enjoy you trip!