Name: Laura Mauler's review of My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell
Item: My Family and Other Animals
Rating: 3
Author: Laura Mauler

Gerald Durrell

Escaping the ills of the British climate, the Durrell family - acne-ridden Margo, gun-toting Leslie, bookworm Lawrence and budding naturalist Gerry, along with their long-suffering mother and Roger the dog - take off for the island of Corfu. In a series of colourful villas, the Durrells give a sometimes reluctant home to a trail of local fauna, among them scorpions, geckos, toads, bats and butterflies. Recounted with immense humour and charm, this is a wonderful account of a rare and magical childhood.

My Family and Other Animals

Jai Relan

Gerald Durrell's My Family and Other Animalsis a charming and comic autobiographical novel. Fleeing the gloomy British climate, the Durrell clan move to Corfu carrying the bare essentials of life- acne cures for Margo; revolvers for Leslie; books for Larry and a jam jar full of caterpillars for Gerry. Recounted with warmth and humour, it is a heart-warming portrait of an eccentric family surrounded by a wonderful cast of friends and fauna.

Laura Mauler

My only complaint for this book is that the author reproduces the speech impediments and incorrect English of some of the characters. This is very distracting, and has been considered poor form for several decades. When the book was published it was probably a common style, so the author isn't trying to make fun of the characters, but all the same it is irritating.

Gerald Malcolm Durrell

A memoir of an English boy growing up on the Greek island of Corfu recounts the author's humorous adventures as he collects all kinds of animals and insects and brings them back to the house, much to his family's dismay.

Beth Bartholomew

A really lovely look into the lives of the Durrel family told through funny and cheeky anecdotes. I loved getting to know this family more through these pages after finishing the fantastic TV show, The Durrels. 

Summer Stanley

Delightful, light-hearted, and perfectly enjoyable. The perfect beach read.

Liv Rockwell

I read and laughed. This book centers on a family who moves to Greece for economic and inspiration reasons. However, what this book is really about is the eccentricities that individuals have, and how life is about interactions between these eccentricities. 

How this warmed my heart! I felt present as Gerry took us through his life, showing us his passion with all livings beings, including his family. 

Definitely a book series I plan to continue, if only to walk forward and explore with this family.

Jai Relan &
My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell

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Jai Relan &My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell

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Join the club

Jai Relan &
My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell