'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.

Set in the wild and remote landscape of Eday, part of the Orkney archipelago, Close to Where the Heart Gives Out is the unflinchingly honest and moving memoir of rural life in Orkney, from the only doctor on the island.

About the Author
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.

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 *



Book Information
ISBN 9781789292367
Author Dr Malcolm Alexander
Format Paperback
Page Count 320
Imprint Michael O'Mara Books Ltd
Publisher Michael O'Mara Books Ltd
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 23mm