Friday, March 9, 2018

Notes from March 2018 group


An Irish Country Doctor by Patrick Taylor - Discussed on Wed March 7, 2018, at Geneseo Public Library

Barry Laverty, M.B., can barely find the Northern Ireland village of Ballybucklebo on a map when he first sets out to seek gainful employment there. But Barry jumps at the chance to secure a position as an assistant in a small rural practice.

At least until he meets Dr. Fingal Flahertie O'Reilly.

The older physician 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 colourful and endearing residents and a host of other eccentric characters who make every day an education for the inexperienced young doctor.

Ballybucklebo is a long way from Belfast, and Barry is quick to discover that he still has a lot to learn about 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.

This wholesome story was filled with interesting characters and situations written by a real Irish doctor.  We like the contrast of the old established doctor (Fingal O’Reilly) vs the new rookie doctor (Barry Laverty) in rural Northern Ireland in 1960’s.  We discussed the morning patient office visits then each afternoon they went to on home visits.  The older doctor O’Reilly knew and was concerned for all his patients and sometime used unusual methods to resolve medical / personal conflicts.  Both doctors learned from each other, and admitted when they made a mistake.  Doctor O’Reilly was the soul of the small community and well respected.  The medical experience was so different back then.  Our group really enjoyed this book and some of us will continue reading rest of this series.  Note there is an Irish glossary at the end of this book – helpful to American readers.

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