The Real James Herriot: A Memoir of My Father by James Wight
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Book Reviews of The Real James Herriot: A Memoir of My Father
Book Review: A good book about a good man
Summary: 4 Stars
He doesn't gush but it's obvious that Jim Wight enjoyed a healthy, loving relationship with his father, whom the world knew as James Herriot. What greater tribute can a son pay a father (other than writing a memoir) than to follow in his career footsteps?James Herriot is a role model for "C" students everywhere. His academic record was merely adequate, but enriched by a keen interest in many unrelated subjects, an unremitting work ethic, and the knack for seeing the humor in most any situation. Which was good, considering the appalling rate (83%!!) of taxation in Great Britain at the time he was enjoying his literary success.
Even if you've never read any of the Herriot books, you'll enjoy this one.
Book Review: A wonderful insight into James Herriot!
Summary: 5 Stars
Well do I remember the day back in the 1980s when I stopped in Thirsk on my way from York to Edinburgh. As we headed for the door of the most famous veterinary surgery in the world just to stand and look at it, a local man passed us. The expression on his kind face was amused, as if he knew a secret that we didn't. Our stunned reaction was the same - was that who we thought it was? By the time we concurred and turned to have a second look, he had disappeared into the alleyway behind the building. That man was none other than James Herriot! I received the biograpy of James Herriot as a gift from a friend who knew I loved his books. I was going to Europe, and one of the tour stops (all too brief) was once again to be in Thirsk.
I was captured the moment I opened the book and read the first paragraph of the introduction. But before digging into the meat of the story, I had to study the pictures, and I referred to those pictures regularly as I read and was reintroduced to James & Helen, Sigfried & Tristan, and met other characters - in particular, the many pets that Alf Wight called his own.
It got a little embarrassing as I read the book on tour because suddenly I'd burst out laughing in front of everyone - or worse yet, dissolve into tears! The story is told with a warmth and humor that, like the James Herriot books, makes the reader run the gamut of emotion. Yet unlike the Herriot books, the reader knows that this is "the rest of the story", the behind-the-scenes truth that created the basis for Herriot's books.
The book portrays Alf Wight as a humble, hard-working person, persisting in the attempt to achieve his goal of writing a book despite numerous disappointments, a man whose greatest ambition was his occupation as a veterinarian, who did not let stardom get in the way of his love of his work or his love of the beautiful area in which he lived. In a day where so many capitalize on their stardom, it is refreshing to know that Alf Wight was totally unaffected by it, continuing to do what he loved the most.
Thank you, Jim Wight, for giving such an honest and wonderful insight into "The Real James Herriot"!
Book Review: Tremendous appeal for James Herriot fans
Summary: 5 Stars
I resisted this biography because I enjoy James Herriot's books so much that I didn't want any realities to sully my image of the famous vet. The hesitance was entirely misplaced. If anything, the real Alf Wight emerges more interestingly here than in the Herriot books (where his modesty often conceals the depth of the author's character). James Wight writes beautifully about his parents and the "Farnon" brothers. (Sigried had even more of an edge than I imagined). I believe that animal lovers and Herriot fans will be as happy to meet the young "vitnery" as I was.Book Review: A delightful memoir
Summary: 5 Stars
Dear Jim Wight, I have thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful romp throught the life of Alf Wight. I have enjoyed many of his books as well as this one, written realistically by you. Jim, you did a marvelous job examining the life of your father, and presenting it to us. This work is excellent and it sort of caps your fathers works, unifying them. I found it especially interested to read the sections on how he became an author. In short, I think you are an excellent writer, too, just as you father was! My favorite books of your father's are the All Creatures Great and Small series, Dog Stories, and The Christmas Day Kitten. I got the kitten story for my kids when they were little and we still keep it with our Christmas books which we bring out each year, and read, just like sentimental old friends.
Your father's books and now yours, have given me a great desire to see Yorkshire. I am disabled I probably will never get there, but the many books of the Wight family have given me a lovely feeling for the beautiful grassy hills and dales. Congrats on a terrific book. My daughter heard hysterical laughter coming from my room as I read your book, esp. the anecdote about the dustbin men.
Just one tiny mistake--the author's name is O. Henry, not O'Henry. Lots of folks make that mistake. Thanks for the memoir.
Book Review: Talent runs in the family
Summary: 4 Stars
I love Jim Wright's style of writing; it is as easy as his father's. He uses letters, unpublished writings, and his own recollections in this biography of his father. Some of the stories, which James Herriot didn't include in his books as he thought them too outrageous, made me laugh out loud. The book is touching as well, especially regarding his relationship with his wife. I appreciate the honesty of the author in that he includes some potentially embarassing material regarding Herriot's health and episodes of mental illness.My one criticism is that I wished the author included less about James Herriot's friends and more about James Herriot himself.