My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell

My Family and Other Animals is full of extensive descriptions of nature, including bugs, reptiles, flowers, etc., so if this bores you, you might not enjoy this book. What could be better than growing up on a Greek island surrounded by all that nature? Honestly, sometimes I'd like to get my children away from technology and civilization. Quite frankly, it sounds like a fantastic childhood. Instead of simply rescheduling or cancelling some of their visitors, they settle on the obvious solution - moving to a larger villa!! Later, to avoid an unpleasant relative who propose an extended visit, they move to a smaller villa.Īnd because young Gerry is fascinated by nature, the villa is full of various creatures he brings home, including lizards, tortoises, baby owls, magpies, snakes in the bath, et cetera.

For example, one summer the family realize they've invited far too many friends to come and stay from abroad (to avoid the dreary English climate, which is why the Durrells left in the first place). I don't know if he's merely exaggerating, or if some if these stories are actually true, but either way they're a hoot. And it is really funny - I found myself laughing out loud quite a few times. It's basically just a series of short chapters of funny and interesting things that Durrell remembers from his childhood. This book is short (a plus for summer reading), and it's not a novel, so there's not a lot of plot. The book is filled with his reminisces of his eccentric family, quirky locals, including various tutors, and fascinating descriptions of his nature studies which were his lifelong passion. When he was ten years old, Gerald Durrell, the celebrated British naturalist and younger brother of novelist Lawrence Durrell, moved with his entire family to a villa on the island of Corfu in the early 1930s.

This would be an excellent beach read as well.Īnd it's a true story! Well, as true as one's childhood memories can be. My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell is a delightful, light read, perfect for any time you need something humorous that's not too taxing, like traveling or vacation. Honestly, moving sucked so much out of me I could hardly read anything more challenging than Agatha Christie (more on that next week when I post for the Classics Circuit).ĭuring the past couple of weeks, I did find an excellent read for stressful times. I'm finally back blogging! After more than two weeks of packing and moving (hellish), I am finally calm enough to post coherent thoughts.