The Apprenticeship of Doctor Laverty

I don't even remember where I came across the mention of this book, "The Apprenticeship of Doctor Laverty" by Patrick Taylor, but I am so pleased to have discovered it! This book is like a cross between Maeve Binchy and James Herriot, two of my favorite authors. The setting is in Northern Ireland in the 1960's. It is the story of a young doctor apprenticing for the first time with the brilliant yet eccentric Dr. O'Reilly, who has a busy practice in a small village by the sea.

The book is well-written with wonderful descriptions of the country-side and hilarious mannerisms and antics of the locals. Dr. O'Reilly uses all manner of un-orthodox methods to treat his patients, but at the end of the day, has their health and well-being as his first priority. Young Dr. Laverty learns many lessons about life and the reality of treating patients as he practices medicine for the first time. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and have already made plans to read the second in the series. I highly recommend this book!