My Family and Other Animals
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4.4 • 62 Ratings
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- $11.99
Publisher Description
A naturalist's account of his childhood on the exotic Greek island—the inspiration for the Masterpiece TV series The Durrells in Corfu on PBS.
When the Durrells could no longer endure the gray English climate, they did what any sensible family would do: sold their house and relocated to the sun-soaked island of Corfu.
As they settled into their new home, hilarious mishaps ensued as a ten-year-old Gerald Durrell pursued his interest in natural history and explored the island's fauna. Soon, toads and tortoises, bats and butterflies—as well as scorpions, geckos, ladybugs, praying mantises, octopuses, pigeons, and gulls—became a common sight in the Durrell villa.
Uproarious tales of the island's animals and Durrell's fond reflections on his family bring this delightful memoir to life. Capturing the joyous chaos of growing up in an unconventional household, My Family and Other Animals will transport you to a place you won't want to leave.
This ebook features an illustrated biography of Gerald Durrell including rare photos from the author's estate.
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
Gerald Durrell grew up to become one of England’s most respected naturalists…and an absolutely smashing memoirist. His hilarious account of his family’s impetuous 1935 move to the Greek island of Corfu—when he was only 10 years old—is a joy to read. The Durrells are a quirky lot: Aspiring novelist Larry is convinced the clan’s widowed mother, Louisa, needs a man; middle child Leslie is interested in little besides hunting; and snarky teenager Margo is both combative and easily confused. But the Durrell siblings are no match for the island’s fascinating locals, from a heroic cabdriver to a mute hobo who ties beetles to the brim of his hat. Young Gerry’s love of animals is a constant theme here, but what really stayed with us were the family’s offbeat adventures. My Family and Other Animals (along with its sequels) formed the basis of the charming British TV series The Durrells in Corfu, but the book is even better.
