An Irish Country Practice: An Irish Country Novel by Patrick TaylorMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Three years have gone by since a young doctor, Barry Laverty, arrived in Ballybucklebo to interview with Fingle Flaherie O'Reilly. Fingal, a widowed bachelor doctor, was in the process of physically ejecting a patient into a rose bush, tossing a shoe and sock behind the victim, as Barry walked up the path to the door. Barry, a young single doctor, who was applying to the practice as an addition, almost turned on his heel, got back into Brunhilde his ancient VW and headed back to Belfast . Instead, he was accepted by Fingle and now three years and eleven books later Barry is a partner and soon to be married to a local schoolteacher. Fingal is cutting back his hours and trying to get his new wife, Kitty to do the same. Another member of the practice, Dr Fitzgerald is dealing with a gambling addiction and a new Dr has come to intern for a year and is a unique addition as a result of his upbringing and experience finishing med school. Kinky, the intrepid housekeeper now lives in her own home with husband, Archie.
Ballybucklebo's residents, too, have seen changes, the aforementioned ousted patient now lives in California but now must find the wherewithal to return home to visit with his mother,Anne, diagnosed with cancer. Donal and his wife are expecting a new baby and Donal as usual has a lottery going on the delivery date. Fingal's brother, Lars and his female friend, the Marquis' sister are finding their relationship somewhat strained. As a result, Fingal and Kitty now have a new Lab, Kenny, who is being trained by the old boy, Arthur Guiness, in the fine art of birding and also the joys of a bowl of Smithwick's.
And so life in Ballybucklebo moves on as it does in all the world--with joy and sorrow, ups and downs, challenges and easy sailing, wins and loses, laughter and tears, achievements and failures, success and disappointments--all in all--a nice normal place to be.
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