In
1976
Paul migrated from England to Australia with his then-wife in an attempt to rejuvenate their relationship. When that didn't work, and the marriage finally petered out, Paul decided to give up city life altogether and move to the country. There he served the locals of "Dixon's Bridge" and "Rushby" in central Victoria as their medical practitioner for thirty-plus years. In those three decades of service, he met lots of colorful and memorable people, became involved in many difficult and unforgettable cases, and lived his life to the fullest. In the stories in this, his second book about life in the country, readers are introduced to the residents of the local home for the elderly: Doris who danced as a teenager in the Folies Bergère; Marianne, who fought with the resistance in France; and Merv, who shared the smelliest house in Stoney Creek with his best mate, Charlie the ram. Readers will also meet Mario, the patriarch of a local Italian family, whose many cousins seem able to help Paul out with whatever he needs, including making furniture and mending pianos; Rita with her Viking vocabulary and razor-sharp intellect undamaged by ever having received any education; and Roxy, a teenager taken too early in a car crash in the rain.
In amongst all of this Paul meets the love of his life: Helen. Unfortunately, Helen leaves for France shortly after they meet, leaving Paul with Chanel, a very pampered poodle, guardianship of which proves to present many challenges. The stories are all full of heartbreak, love, laughter, and inspiration, and will make readers laugh, smile, and cry as they get to know each of the characters.
Paul also openly shares the time he was hospitalized, and his road to recovery which was made easier with the support of the whole community who embraced him as their own.