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lprnana6572's review
5.0
Charming book about an ex-pat British family and their true adventures in Corfu in the 40s or so.
laurabelle35758's review
4.0
The writing and the story were wonderful, but the family members themselves seemed insufferable.
apochemu's review
5.0
I loved this book. It was both enchanting and humorous. The family and their friends are so interesting with such great dynamics between them. Parts of it were just plain laugh out loud funny, while other parts felt so magical and peaceful. It's hard to describe; he's such a great writer. I loved it told from Gerry's perspective, so carefree and charming. His love for and interest in the creatures made his stories all the more vivid and captivating. I'm glad there are two more books in the series because I may have found a new favorite.
civil6512's review
3.0
Second time reading this book, this time in English as an adult, a lot of the magic was gone. I couldn't help disliking the Durrells, and pitying the animals Gerald kept hunting.
When the story focused on the island and its beauty (the night baths, the phosphorescent sea, the porpoises) it was great, and I could easily connect with my younger self.
In summary, though, some memories are best left untouched!
When the story focused on the island and its beauty (the night baths, the phosphorescent sea, the porpoises) it was great, and I could easily connect with my younger self.
In summary, though, some memories are best left untouched!
karenluvstoread's review
While there were definitely some things that frustrated me with this book, Durrell’s writing style is the one thing that really shines. He was a true storyteller. His narrative voice in this memoir is lively and humorous. For me what really stood out the most in this memoir, aside from the writing style, is the stunningly beautiful descriptions of nature. Durrell was a naturalist and conservationist. I read that in his later life he was dedicated to protecting endangered species. It was interesting to read of his early years full of his love of nature.
pallavi_sharma87's review against another edition
5.0
****5.0****
A memoir by conservationist and naturalist, Gerald Durrell gives the account of his stay in Corfu Island when he was 10. He along with his family start living on Corfu Island and the author especially finds it interesting. Corfu played a big role in Authors' unsatisfying urge to gain knowledge on nature and animals. I loved this family which consisted of an amazing Mother ,a variety of siblings and a variety of animals/birds/insects with funny names.
Amazingly written descriptions, Author is a master storyteller with good hold on his English language. There are many laugh out loud moments and lot of humor wrapped between lines. Highly recommended for nature/animal lovers also who like humorous writing.
Happy Reading!!
A memoir by conservationist and naturalist, Gerald Durrell gives the account of his stay in Corfu Island when he was 10. He along with his family start living on Corfu Island and the author especially finds it interesting. Corfu played a big role in Authors' unsatisfying urge to gain knowledge on nature and animals. I loved this family which consisted of an amazing Mother ,a variety of siblings and a variety of animals/birds/insects with funny names.
Amazingly written descriptions, Author is a master storyteller with good hold on his English language. There are many laugh out loud moments and lot of humor wrapped between lines. Highly recommended for nature/animal lovers also who like humorous writing.
Happy Reading!!
cathiedalziel's review against another edition
1.0
Not my cuppa. I thought the whole family rude, pompous and well, just plain weird, except for the mother, who seemed very meek and willing to take a lot of shite from her kids. Maybe it's just a reflection of the times it was written in...but I don't think the era produced a whole lot of self-centered people as these people.
This is a memoir, so I know the facts are (mostly) true and taken from the youngest child's perspective. What is his fascination with bugs, scorpions, snakes, etc.? Part of me was intrigued at how fascinated he was with every crevice of his world and part of me just kept thinking "ick".
This is a memoir, so I know the facts are (mostly) true and taken from the youngest child's perspective. What is his fascination with bugs, scorpions, snakes, etc.? Part of me was intrigued at how fascinated he was with every crevice of his world and part of me just kept thinking "ick".
krobart's review
4.0
See my review here:
https://whatmeread.wordpress.com/2018/11/06/day-1281-my-family-and-other-animals/
https://whatmeread.wordpress.com/2018/11/06/day-1281-my-family-and-other-animals/