Patrick Taylor, MD, An Irish Country Doctor

An Irish Country Doctor

Patrick Taylor, MD

Forge, Feb 2007, $24.95

ISBN: 0765316234

Barry Laverty has just graduated from medical school, but is not sure what type of medicine to practice. So he responds to an ad for a physician's assistant in Ballybucklebo, Northern Ireland. After he's hired he travels to his new home immediately.

Barry meets his new boss Fingal Flahertie O'Reilly as the doctor tosses an apparent patient out into the street and onto his butt. After that introduction to the ex-boxer turned medical practitioner, Barry is not sure whether to marvel or scorn Fingal's bedside manner as the physician will do anything to calm a distraught patient. Still he finds he likes the eccentric townsfolk, his boss, and especially civil engineering student Patricia Spence. Perhaps the only person the newcomer disdains is greedy Councilor Bishop, who plots for his personal gain at the cost of the community.

This is a fun look at a small Northern Ireland village filled with delightful eccentric characters, especially the doctor, with a bit of the brogue who is part gruff and part nurturer. The storyline is simplistic as the outsider finds his place in the town while ready to slay the meanie Bishop and get the girl. This is simply a lighthearted tale that readers will enjoy.

Harriet Klausner