Vet at the End of the Earth by Jonathan Hollins

 Vet at the End of the Earth

by Jonathan Hollins

Vet at the End of the Earth by Jonathan Hollins was published on 5th October 2023 by Duckworth.

My thanks to the author and the publisher for sending me a copy to review and to Random Book Tours for inviting me to take part on the tour.

Synopsis

The role of resident vet in the British Overseas Territories encompasses the complexities of caring for the world’s oldest known land animal – a 190-year-old giant tortoise – and MoD mascots at the Falklands airbase; pursuing mystery creatures and invasive microorganisms; relocating herds of reindeer; and rescuing animals in extraordinarily rugged landscapes, from subtropical cloud forests to volcanic cliff faces. Witty, warm and beautifully crafted, Jonathan Hollins’s tales of island vetting are not only full of wonderful creatures – they are also steeped in the unique local history, cultures and peoples of the islands, far removed from the hustle of modern life. These tales of island vetting are perfect for animal lovers, adventurers and armchair travellers alike.

My Review

This is a book for all those animal lovers out there who enjoy finding out facts as well as reading a good narrative about the life of a vet, and the interesting encounters he has " At the End of the Earth !!!!!!!"

I learnt some interesting facts an terminology that I hadn't come across before, especially about turtles whilst reading this well written book and could fully understand why he enjoyed his time out there. The narrative is also supported by some wonderful photographs, including some of the animals that Jonathan tells the stories about. I also really enjoyed the quotes at the beginning of the chapters from explorers and poets as , for me, they added another learning dimension to the book.

Owing to the way the book is written you can really immerse yourself into Jonathan's adventures and feel as though you come to know the different people with their quirks and personalities.

Like many vet books this is also one that shows that when it comes to working with animals there are no rules, you just get on and do what needs to be done in whatever way possible.

An entertaining, easy to read narrative that will have you laughing at times and reading with wonder at others.

About the Author

Originally from the south of England, Jonathan Hollins MRCVS trained at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, and has been a working vet for four decades. Since the mid-2000s, he has spent long periods as a senior vet in the British Overseas Territories of the South Atlantic and has a home on St Helena. He has written for the UK national press and presented documentary features for BBC Radio 3 and Radio 4.