Yes, it's not just the anecdotes that are so compelling, but his witty insight into people's personalities and behavior. The funny thing is, readers naturally believe that his descriptions of his partner are exaggerated, but according to "Herriot's" son, in real life "Siegfried" was far more colorful a character than in the books.Such a gentle, warm sense of humor!
The Real James Herriot: A Memoir of My Father by Jim Wight