A Dublin Student Doctor: An Irish Country Doctor Novel by Patrick Taylor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This sixth book in Patrick Taylor's "Irish Country..." series is set in the 1930's and follows Dr. Fingal O'Reilly though his days as a student doctor.

Fingal has always wanted to be a doctor. His father, a professor, wants him to be an engineer. The elder O'Reilly refuses to fund Fingal's education as a doctor. Fingal joins the Navy for four years to earn and save the money he'll need for med school.

He begins school, finds time for rugby, boxing, and courting. A couple of setbacks during his senior year changes the course of his life as he puts the sports and courting on hold to devote his time to study. He also must decide whether or not to specialize. When the year ends, he has missed his big chance to play rugby and lost his girlfriend. His father dies soon after he graduates, and the direction he'll take his career becomes clear.

Another interesting look at life in a different time and place, and at how "small" decisions can be life changing.


This book was borrowed from T. H. Pulliam and was actually a Doubleday Large Print Edition.

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