If Only They Could Talk is the semi-autobiographical of real-life vet James Herriot (well, that’s his pen-name anyway). A
book about a newly qualified Veterinary Surgeon hardly sounds like the makings of a great book, but in it’s own unique way it is quite wonderful.
This book covers Herriot’s first year of being a vet – having just qualified and seeking an Assistant’s post somewhere in the Yorkshire Dales. He had heard horror stories of new vets being made to work all hours of day and night without only board and lodging as their pay, and of reluctance of the gritty northern folk to accept any newcomers into their community. However he finds a job for good money with an amiable, youngish vet called Siegfried. Siegfried is a jolly, friendly fellow with a forward-thinking attitude toward veterinary practice and some very strange habits, but he and James get along fine. The farmers in the area are hospitable – some more than others – but slow to trust and quick to criticise – again, some more than others. Just as Herriot is starting to get into the swing of things, Siegfried’s brother Tristan shows up, causing more than a
little tension in the household. Later on a secretary is introduced, who helps to add even more tension… but all ends well, or at least, James lives to tell the tale of his first year!
The beauty of If Only They Could Talk is in Herriot’s creating (or perhaps recounting?) some truly memorable characters, and in his down to earth
writing style that fits so well with the rigours of his job and the Yorkshire setting. (Some of the animals are memorable characters in their own right, too!) There are some wonderful moments of humour, overall it is funny but now and then it really causes a good belly laugh. At times it’s a little… rustic, shall we say, though there are very few instances of bad language. There is a good deal of medical terminology used, which I suppose may be a little off-putting to some (working in a hospital I’m quite used to it of course – after all most body parts are basically the same!), and you can tell that the author certainly knows what he’s talking about. Some may find the accounts of certain things – calf birthings, for instance – a little uncomfortable, so I’d advise you to stay away from this book if you have a squeamish disposition. Town life in the country is described accurately (at least as far as I know!) and vividly, and while the faults are certainly not glossed over, there is a deep affection for the countryside, people, and of course animals in the writing.
Apart from it being an account of Herriot’s first year as a vet, there isn’t a real storyline running through the book – there are a couple of plots and subplots in a few chapters, but they don’t really go anywhere. Some chapters feel almost stuck in without having anything much to do with the rest of the book, but it’s not a huge problem. This is a case of the destination not mattering, you just enjoy the ride while you’re on it. Overall this is an extremely enjoyable book and thoroughly recommended.