Gerald Durrell’s “My Family And Other Animals” is a book that, once you start, you simply don’t want to put down. From the very first page to the last, it’s an utterly charming and detailed exploration of a unique childhood. Let me take you on a journey through this literary gem, highlighting what makes it so special, from A to Z in spirit, but with a fresh perspective for today’s readers.
Gerald Durrell in his element, surrounded by nature.
Animals: The Heart of Durrell’s Corfu
The sheer brilliance of Gerald Durrell’s writing lies in his unparalleled ability to describe animals. Whether he’s depicting a flamboyant butterfly or a humble beetle, Durrell’s words weave a spell. He doesn’t just describe their appearance; he captures their essence, their personalities, and their place in the vibrant ecosystem of Corfu. This deep appreciation for creatures both grand and small is infectious, drawing the reader into his world of natural wonders.
Bathing Costume Antics and Family Fun
One chapter that stands out for its sheer comedic brilliance involves Mother’s acquisition of a new bathing costume. This isn’t just any swimwear; it’s an extravagant affair “covered from top to bottom with hundreds of frills and pleats and tucks.” The family’s reactions, particularly Larry’s dry wit, elevate this scene to an unforgettable level of hilarity. Larry’s observation, “It looks to me like a badly skinned whale,” perfectly encapsulates the over-the-top nature of the garment and the family’s characteristic banter.
Corfu: An Enchanting Island Paradise
Corfu itself is as much a character in the book as any member of the Durrell family. The Greek island, where the Durrells relocated from Britain, becomes a vibrant backdrop for Gerald’s childhood adventures. Durrell’s descriptions paint a dazzling picture of Corfu’s beauty, capturing its allure across seasons and times of day. He evokes the magic of the island so powerfully that even knowing modern Corfu is likely changed, the enchantment he describes feels timeless. His lyrical prose, like, “Outside, the island was striped and patched in black and silver by moonlight…The sky looked as black and soft as a mole-skin covered with a delicate dew of stars,” makes you yearn to experience this idyllic setting firsthand.
A serene view of Pondikoisi island from Kanoni, Corfu, in 1937.
Dodo the Dandy Dinmont Terrier: A Canine Character
Mother’s dog, Dodo, is another source of amusement and affection. This Dandy Dinmont Terrier, affectionately nicknamed “that canine Frankenstein” by Larry, constantly challenges conventional notions of beauty. Dodo’s unique charm and personality shine through, adding another layer of endearing eccentricity to the Durrell household.
Education, or Rather, Eccentric Tutors
Formal schooling takes a backseat in Gerald’s Corfu life. Instead, he is educated by a series of tutors, each more eccentric than the last. This parade of unconventional educators provides numerous humorous anecdotes and highlights the family’s rather unconventional approach to life and learning.
Family Bonds: Warmth Beneath the Banter
While the adventures and animal encounters are captivating, the heart of “My Family and Other Animals” lies in the family relationships. The Durrells’ interactions are filled with warmth and tolerance, even amidst the constant teasing and witty remarks. Their strong communication, as illustrated by “we seemed unable to extract the full flavour of our letters and magazines unless they were shared,” reveals a family that, despite their quirks, is deeply connected and supportive.
Gerald Durrell with his family in Corfu, 1936, against the backdrop of the Daffodil Yellow Villa.
Guests Galore: A Rotating Cast of Characters
The Durrells’ Corfu home is a magnet for guests, often eccentric artists and writers who arrive spontaneously and in droves. This constant influx of visitors leads to hilarious chaos, perfectly described as: “Sometimes the fresh load of guests would turn up before we had got rid of the previous group, and the chaos was indescribable.” These encounters further enrich the narrative with colorful personalities and comedic situations.
Humor: A Constant Source of Delight
Humor is omnipresent in “My Family and Other Animals.” It’s genuinely one of the funniest books you’ll ever read. What’s remarkable is that Durrell wrote it while recovering from jaundice, a serious illness. The humor is so pervasive and natural that it’s impossible not to laugh out loud, often unexpectedly. From witty dialogue to slapstick situations, the book is a comedic masterpiece, so accurately portrayed by “Living in Corfu was rather like living in one of the more flamboyant and slapstick comic operas.”
Inspiration and Gratitude: A Book to Share
The book’s charm is so infectious that it’s easy to understand why it inspires such devotion. Many readers, like myself, have been encouraged by friends to discover this gem. Sharing the joy of “My Family and Other Animals” is part of the reading experience, as it’s a book that truly resonates with diverse tastes and preferences.
A young Gerald Durrell in a photograph that captures his inquisitive spirit.
Just Perfect for Any Day
“My Family and Other Animals” isn’t just a delightful read; it’s literary comfort food. It’s perfect for a rainy day, a day when worries weigh you down, or simply when you need a literary pick-me-up. Durrell’s writing is therapeutic, offering an escape into a world of warmth, humor, and natural beauty. Interestingly, the shadow of war, the real reason for the family’s return to Britain, is subtly absent from the narrative, further enhancing its escapist charm.
Kralefsky: The Comical Tutor
One of Gerald’s tutors, Kralefsky, is a particularly comical character. Known for his exaggerated chivalry and supposed wrestling prowess, Kralefsky’s actual capabilities often fall far short of his boasts, leading to many humorous situations.
Lugaretzia: The Housekeeper with a Gloomy Disposition
Lugaretzia, the Greek housekeeper, is another memorable character. Her constant moaning and preoccupation with her ailments provide a steady stream of comedic relief. “There was only one thing in life that could bring a smile to Lugaretzia’s gloomy countenance…and that was a discussion of her ailments,” perfectly summarizes her character and her role in the Durrell household.
Mother: The Heart of Sanity
Mother Durrell is the practical, patient, and remarkably sane center of this eccentric family. She is endlessly adaptable to the chaos around her, whether it’s her children’s antics or the sudden arrival of exotic animals. Her hobbies, cooking and gardening, ground her amidst the family’s whirlwind lifestyle, making her an utterly lovable and admirable figure.
Gerald Durrell as a child with his mother, showcasing their close bond.
Nirvana: Mother’s State of Unflappability
Mother’s ability to remain unfazed by the extraordinary becomes almost legendary. She reaches a state of “happy Nirvana where nothing shocks or startles,” exemplified by her calm reaction to a weekend delivery of “two pelicans, a scarlet ibis, a vulture, and eight monkeys.” This unflappability is a key source of humor and admiration throughout the book.
Other Family Eccentrics (Beyond the Immediate)
While the book focuses on Gerald, his siblings, and Mother, glimpses of other family members add to the Durrell family lore. Mentions of “Aunt Bertha, keeping flocks of imaginary cats” and “Great-Uncle Patrick, who wanders about nude and tells complete strangers how he killed whales with a penknife” suggest that eccentricity runs deep in the Durrell bloodline.
Pink Villa: A Colourful Start
The first Corfu villa the Durrells rent is described as strawberry pink, setting the tone for their vibrant and somewhat whimsical life on the island. The villa itself has “an air of pink-faced determination,” mirroring the family’s own spirited approach to their new life.
Quirky: The Durrells’ Defining Trait
Quirky is perhaps the most fitting adjective to describe the Durrells. Their unconventional lifestyle and personalities often bemuse outsiders. When traveling back to England, a Swiss official’s description of them as “One travelling Circus and Staff” perfectly captures how the world might perceive their delightfully bizarre family.
Roger: Gerry’s Canine Confidant
Roger, Gerald’s dog, is more than just a pet; he’s a true companion and confidant. Durrell’s portrayal of Roger is one of the most poignant and heartwarming canine portraits in literature. Their bond is a testament to the deep connection between humans and animals that is central to Durrell’s work.
Spiro: The Unconventional Taxi Driver and Friend
Spiro, the Durrells’ taxi driver, becomes an indispensable friend and ally. His unconventional English, particularly his random addition of ‘s’ to words, adds to his charm. Spiro’s loyalty and resourcefulness make him an integral part of the Durrells’ Corfu experience.
Tortoise: Achilles and the Love for Strawberries
Achilles, the tortoise, is one of the first animals to join Gerald’s menagerie in Corfu. His particular fondness for wild strawberries adds a touch of endearing specificity to his character, highlighting Durrell’s talent for making even the smallest creatures memorable.
Universal Appeal: A Book for All Ages
“My Family and Other Animals” possesses a universal appeal that transcends age. Children will delight in the adventurous escapades and animal stories, while older readers will appreciate Durrell’s sophisticated humor and beautiful prose. The book’s ability to entertain and resonate with such a wide audience is a testament to its enduring quality.
Veracity: Truth with a Wink
Gerald Durrell claims that “all the anecdotes about the island and the islanders are absolutely true.” However, there’s a sense of playful exaggeration throughout the book, a wink to the reader suggesting that perhaps truth is embellished with comedic license. The idealized portrayal of his family adds to the book’s charm, even if it might be a slightly romanticized version of reality.
Writer: Lawrence Durrell’s Literary Aspirations
Larry, Gerald’s older brother, is portrayed as a budding writer, consumed by his literary ambitions. Later known for “The Alexandria Quartet,” the young Lawrence in “My Family and Other Animals” is a figure of both humor and aspiration. His dramatic pronouncements about the household hazards, like “I assure you the house is a death-trap. Every conceivable nook and cranny is stuffed with malignant faunae waiting to pounce,” showcase his flamboyant personality and literary flair. Interestingly, the absence of his wife from the narrative adds a layer of fictionalization to this autobiographical work.
Xenophobia: Conspicuously Absent Hospitality Abounds
Fortunately, xenophobia is entirely absent from the Durrells’ Corfu experience. The hospitality of the Corfiots is genuinely moving. Their kindness and generosity in welcoming the Durrells and sharing their delicious food create a warm and welcoming atmosphere that is integral to the book’s idyllic portrayal of Corfu.
Yes to the Corfu Trilogy: More Adventures Await
“My Family and Other Animals” is just the first part of the Corfu Trilogy, and after reading it, the answer is a resounding “Yes!” to reading the other two parts. The promise of more Durrell adventures in Corfu is irresistible.
Zatopec: The Enthusiastic Poet
Zatopec, an elderly Armenian poet and one of the Durrells’ more flamboyant guests, bursts into their lives with theatrical flair. “His voice shook the house like a sirocco as he swept into it, his cloak rippling, his arms full of bottles.” Known for his enthusiastic appreciation of women, including the perpetually gloomy Lugaretzia, Zatopec adds another layer of comedic eccentricity to the Durrells’ already colorful world.
“My Family and Other Animals” is more than just a memoir; it’s an invitation to a world brimming with humor, warmth, and a profound love for nature. It’s a book that stays with you long after you’ve turned the final page, prompting you to rediscover the joy and wonder in the everyday.
