My Family and other Animals (1956)
My Family and other Animals is a 1956 natural history book written by Gerald Malcolm Durrell.
Gerald Durrell was ten when his widowed mother moved the family to Corfu, and the island became his classroom. This warm, funny memoir of the years from 1935 to 1939 sets his growing menagerie of scorpions, geckos and owls against the comic chaos of his siblings: gun-loving Leslie, would-be novelist Larry, diet-obsessed Margo. Durrell watches the Greek countryside with a naturalist's patience and describes his relatives with a younger brother's mischief. Sun, olive groves and a parade of eccentric tutors fill a childhood recalled with obvious affection and a light touch.
Quick answers
What is My Family and other Animals about?
Gerald Durrell was ten when his widowed mother moved the family to Corfu, and the island became his classroom. This warm, funny memoir of the years from 1935 to 1939 sets his growing menagerie of scorpions, geckos and owls against the comic chaos of his siblings: gun-loving Leslie, would-be novelist Larry, diet-obsessed Margo. Durrell watches the Greek countryside with a naturalist's patience and describes his relatives with a younger brother's mischief. Sun, olive groves and a parade of eccentric tutors fill a childhood recalled with obvious affection and a light touch.
When was My Family and other Animals published?
My Family and other Animals was published in 1956.
Who made My Family and other Animals?
My Family and other Animals was written by Gerald Malcolm Durrell.
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A few thoughts on My Family and other Animals
Gerald Malcolm Durrell's Corfu translates beautifully to screen. The Durrells turns these same summers into a sunny family comedy and keeps the animals and the sibling squabbles intact. For the natural-history streak that runs under the humor, any David Attenborough series pairs well, sharing Durrell's delight in watching creatures simply be themselves.