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Malcolm Alexander

Close to Where the Heart Gives Out

A Year in the Life of an Orkney Doctor

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Details

Imprint: O'Mara Books

Publication date: 02/07/2020

ISBN: 9781789292367

Subject: Non-Fiction

Category: Autobiography & Memoir

Binding: Paperback

Size: 198 x 129 mm

Extent: 320 pages

Territorial Rights: UK and Commonwealth ex Canada

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Summary:

‘Malcolm Alexander is to GPs what James Herriot is to vets’ – MATT GAW
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‘An ode to island life in all its glorious foibles’ – THE HERALD
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'A fascinating, funny and utterly heart-warming family adventure.’ – RUTH HOGAN
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An immensely heart-warming story of life on the frontline within extreme circumstances.

When Malcolm Alexander saw the job advert, ‘urgent: island doctor needed’, he applied immediately. What he didn’t anticipate was how much Orkney would affect his family, for better or worse.

In stories that range from the humorous to the deeply moving, Malcolm describes what it’s like adjusting to life without modern conveniences and to the extreme – and constantly changing – weather; and what it means to be providing the best medical care to the local population with limited resources. Which often includes the wildlife as well ...

Malcolm’s journey evokes the awe that the Orkney landscape can inspire, as well as the challenges of island life and the demons that the dark, cold winter months can give birth to. Gripping and beautifully written, Close to Where the Heart Gives Out reminds us of the importance of listening to our heart, as well as to the rhythms of the landscape.

Reviews:

A fascinating memoir... an ode to island life in all its glorious foibles and heart-soaring delights

The Herald

Orkney, more than any other place that I've been, really did get under my skin... I love the descriptions of the landscape and everyday life in Close to Where the Heart Gives Out

Dolly Alderton

Wind-whipped and salt-stung, Malcom's account of island life is both grounding and immensely heart-warming. He is to GP's what James Herriot is to vets

Matt Gaw

A fascinating, funny and utterly heart-warming family adventure. Beautifully written and completely unforgettable

Ruth Hogan, author of 'The Keeper of Lost Things

An] utterly enchanting casebook

Daily Mail

A mesmerising read about a personal journey, this book is all versions of love (with the island of Eday in starring role)

Hannah Persuad

Sales points:

  • A beautifully written memoir which crosses over into a number of successful genres, including medical stories and nature writing

  • A GP’s story told with the remote and wild backdrop of Orkney, celebrating quintessential village life

  • This sits nicely alongside The Yorkshire Vet, and Everything That Makes Us Human

About the Author:

Malcolm Alexander

Dr Malcolm Alexander graduated from Edinburgh University in 1980 with the single thought of becoming a General Practitioner. Life had other plans, and he became Medical Director for Orkney Health Board and he finished his career working for 11 years as Associate Medical Director for the Scottish National Telephone Triage service, NHS 24, before finally returning to face-to-face practice in his local GP practice on one of the Scottish islands. He lives in an old Victorian home on the Isle of Bute.