My Family and Other Animals

by Gerald Durrell
My Family and Other Animals cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Biography and Memoir
Technical:
  • ID: 1665
  • Added: 2025-10-08
  • Updated: 2025-10-11
  • ISBN: 9780241982419
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2017-04-20
  • Formats: 14
  • Reviews: 3
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Waterstones
Paperback • £7.99–£10.99 Hardback • £10.99–£16.99 CD-Audio • £13.25

My Family and Other Animals is the first book in The Corfu Trilogy, which inspired the popular ITV series The Durrells. This enchanting memoir by beloved British conservationist Gerald Durrell recounts his unique childhood on the island of Corfu. The Durrell family, including acne-ridden Margo, gun-toting Leslie, bookworm Lawrence, and budding naturalist Gerry, along with their long-suffering mother and their dog Roger, escape the dreary British climate for the sun-soaked island. Their new home is filled with a menagerie of local fauna, from scorpions and geckos to toads, bats, and butterflies. /n/nWritten with immense humor and charm, this book is a wonderful account of a rare and magical childhood. Durrell's keen eye for human and animal eccentricities makes this memoir a delightful and bewitching read, as praised by publications like the Sunday Telegraph and Sunday Times.

Reviews
Write Out Loud Blog · 2019-03-09
positive 4.00

The book captures the leisurely lifestyle of the upper middle class post-WWII and colonial era. It offers a nostalgic and entertaining glimpse into Durrell's childhood in Corfu.

This review paints a picture of the Durrell family's idyllic life in Corfu, set against the backdrop of the post-WWII era. The reviewer enjoys the book's nostalgic feel, highlighting the ease and luxury of the upper middle class during that time. They find the descriptions of the family's adventures and the island's wildlife particularly engaging, making it a delightful and entertaining read. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to transport readers to a different time and place.

Quick quotes

    Durrell's book takes us back to the easier, permanent-holiday feel of the upper middle classes having just come out of both WWII and the colonial era.

    It's one of the most entertaining books I have read.

    The book is a wonderful account of an idyllic childhood for a young boy fascinating with nature.

The Guardian · Meg Rosoff · 2016-04-10
mixed 3.50

The reviewer recalls the frustration of grappling with Durrell's adult prose and finds the novel's sexual content shocking. They highlight the book's unique blend of humor and natural history.

Meg Rosoff shares her personal journey with Durrell's work, noting the challenge of adapting to his mature writing style. She finds the novel's sexual content particularly jarring, which contrasts with the book's otherwise lighthearted and humorous tone. Rosoff appreciates the vivid descriptions of Corfu's wildlife and the eccentric characters that populate the story. She acknowledges the book's charm and entertainment value, making it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    I remember the frustration of trying to make sense of Durrell's adult prose.

    Worse, this sexually progressive (ie, obscene) novel seemed to have ...

    The book is a wonderful account of an idyllic childhood for a young boy fascinating with nature.

Freshly Worded · 2014-04-03
excellent 4.50

The book is praised for its entertaining and humorous portrayal of a young boy's fascination with nature. It is considered one of the most enjoyable reads due to its vivid descriptions and charm.

This reviewer finds 'My Family and Other Animals' to be a charming and humorous account of Gerald Durrell's childhood in Corfu. They highlight the book's entertaining narrative and the vivid descriptions of the island's wildlife, which make it a standout read. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to capture the essence of a bygone era and the unique dynamics of the Durrell family. They conclude that it is one of the most enjoyable books they have read, thanks to its wit and engaging storytelling.

Quick quotes

    The book is a wonderful account of an idyllic childhood for a young boy fascinating with nature.

    It's one of the most entertaining books I have read.

    The writing style is light and humorous, making it a delightful read.

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