This is a novel with an usual format: David Appleton, a large animal veterinarian in rural Vermont, writes journal-style entries after each house-call he makes.
The reader quickly gets into the rhythm of these entries, and reads between the lines to learn more about the doctor, his family (wife and three sons), and the many people and animals he services:
CALL: Horse is colicking.
ACTION: Drove to farm dodging dry, brown leaves skating across the road because at first I thought they were mice or voles running to the safety of the other side. Gave horse Banamine. Watched him sweating. Watched him rolling on his stall floor. Watched owner cry. Just a few tears down a freckled cheek. Listened to horses in other stalls whinny; worried for the colicky horse.
RESULT: Stayed for hours, until night. Moon was full. Walked horse out to field by the apple tree. Gave him a shot to put him to sleep. Patted his neck. Left owner with her head by his head, not saying anything. Maybe just breathing in his last exhaled breath.
THOUGHTS ON DRIVE HOME: When I go I wane to go in a field by an apple tree on a full-moon night.
WHAT I SAW WHEN I PULLED UP TO THE HOUSE: Bright lights in the sky, an object moving quickly back and forth. Not a plane.
WHAT I HEARD FROM THE CHILDREN WHEN I GOT HOME: Gentle snoring.
WHAT I HEARD FROM MY WIFE WHEN I GOT HOME: Loud snoring.
Just as we’re getting into a routine, appreciating Appleton’s dry humor and quiet (typically terse, New Englander) observations, Murphy adds a family crisis to the vet’s mix … I’m at this point in the novel, and it won’t let me go!
Oh, it’s also interesting to note that Yannick Murphy’s husband is a large-animal vet, and that their family lives in Vermont. I’ll share the dedication page of the novel:
For Jeff, the best man, father, and veterinarian I know, and for our children, who take after him in so many good ways.
What are you reading this week? Care to share a few teaser sentences and your thoughts/reactions to your current book?
Looks really interesting – I’ll pick it up from the library!
This sounds interesting, but the cover is not that attractive.
I would agree with Serena…the cover could use some sprucing. However, I am very attracted to this book. I’m reading one now about a female vet who has passed away, but has yet to move to the great beyond because she has unresolved worries about the husband and animals she has left behind. Yeah, right? Not sure I’m emotionally fit to handle it, but it is a lovely book.
I saw this book last year (oh really just a month or so ago) and thought it sounder interesting. After reading your excerpt I think I’m adding it to my list today. Thanks for the push. Happy New Year-you’ve already got some good reading going on.
Obviously colic in horses is worse than it is in humans. The book sounds fascinating.
I am excited about this one, and love the little snippet that you posted here. It looks to be a wonderful read. Thanks for sharing it!
How’s tricks?
(Yes, I’m going to continue to just leave obscure phrases as comments, just to see if you can respond!)
At first I was thinking this was non-fiction…obviously, I missed the word novel at first read.
Being an animal lover, I bought this one right away, but I had a hard time getting into it, so I put it aside. I think it was the format in which it was written that kept jolting me. When the mood strikes, I’m sure I’ll pick it up again.
Now it is calling to me!! Thanks for sharing. This got me all excited about this book.
That is definitely going on my TBR list – it sounds terrific.
I loved this book! So did Mr. BFR.
What an interesting way to tell a story. Look forward to seeing more.