All Things Bright and Beautiful: The Warm and Joyful Memoirs of the World's Most Beloved Animal Doctor

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes depictions of substance use, animal cruelty, and death.

“But a realization of my blessings began to return when I slid into bed and Helen, instead of shrinking away from me as it would have been natural to do, deliberately draped her feet and legs over the human ice block that was her husband. The bliss was unbelievable. It was worth getting out just to come back to this.”

Herriot employs a reflective tone when describing his and Helen’s life together in Darrowby. He is expressing gratitude for life’s simple pleasures—specifically the enjoyment he derives from returning home to a warm bed with his wife after a late-night work call in the cold. His overarching perspective in this passage captures the tenor of All Things Bright and Beautiful at large, which focuses on Herriot’s ability to appreciate his blessings.

“It was the start to every day. And, driving from the yard, it seemed a good start. In fact everything was good. The raucous cawing of the rooks in the elms above as I closed the double doors, the clean fragrance of the air which greeted me every morning, and the challenge and interest of my job.”

Herriot’s observations of the natural world convey The Power and Beauty of Nature and capture his appreciation for the natural world. Every day feels like a good day to him because of where he is living and working. He can bask in the “fragrance of the air” and the “challenge and interest” of his job—all of which gives his life meaning and affords him a positive outlook.

“Despite the wind cutting over the straw bales into my face I found myself grinning down at the scene; this was always the best part, the wonder that was always fresh, the miracle you couldn’t explain.”

Herriot combines elements of frustration with elements of fulfillment in this scene from a veterinary visit, and together, they capture his appreciation for life. He is working in the “cutting wind” but he is “grinning down” at his work. The disparity between his harsh circumstances and his positive body language captures his ability to enjoy his life and work despite his often trying rural surroundings.