Book Review: My Family and Other Animals
With the leaden August sky ushering in blowing away the wick of July, Gerald Durrell narrates a tale of such zany happenings with his articulate genius that surprisingly happens to be an account of his ‘eventful’ childhood.
Gerald Durrell moved to the lively little Greek island of Corfu when he was eight. A passionate zoologist, he provides a humorous, vivid yet lucid account of the island’s teeming wildlife juxtaposed with his own family’s idiosyncrasies. This five-year sojourn in Corfu is the first of a trilogy. He grew up to be a renowned conservationist and naturalist who established the Jersey Zoo in 1959 for the preservation of endangered species and it was through his efforts that certain species like the Mallorcan Midwife evaded extinction.
Afflicted by a sundry collection of ills in the English weather, ‘Gerry’, as the author is fondly called, along with his family decides to migrate to Corfu at the suggestion of the eldest child, Larry. What follows is a confused narration of a most intriguing family, interspersed with equally eccentric individuals and animals that befriend our cast.
Of the various queer pets that the author keeps however, one in particular, a scops owl christened Ulysses, captured my interest greatly. First introduced as a tiny owlet still clad in his baby down, Ulysses was one haughty customer. His first meeting with Roger, the family dog, highlighted the perils of being a sweet and amiable dog. Only after the owlet had proven itself to be an able fighter by burying his razor-sharp claws in a gullible Roger’s muzzle and scaring the daylights out of the poor black dog, was he satisfied being friends with Roger(unaware that this feeling wasn’t mutual). Luckily though, by the time Ulysses had grown out of his baby down, the forgetful Roger had become a good hunting companion of the owl. Besides this, Ulysses’ antics especially when riding on Roger’s wool-like black coat made for an especially fun read. The author’s succinct and picturesque portrayal of the exotic paradise that is Corfu charms readers with a never ceasing ride of the island’s vividity. This coupled with wacky dialogues coated by the most outlandish of punchlines all but embellish its refreshing and evergreen humour. The perfect example of this are the words of Yani, the shepherd. It’s honestly hard to mourn over the unforeseen death of a Corfiot by a scorpion sting if Yani describes his head, swollen by the virulent venom as ‘a pregnant brain’. This randomness in its dialogues makes it unpredictable and even more captivating.
My Family and Other Animals is a fascinating story that makes us appreciate and praise the beauty of mother nature. It would be recommended for all ages over 13 because of its rich vocabulary and occasional gossip on mature topics. Readers who prefer light-hearted humour are sure to enjoy the book. Those with an inclination towards vivid and picturesque novels, particularly about nature, will also relish this literary piece. Its slice of life setting also makes for a light read and suitable for part-time and frivolous readers. Its brilliantly executed chaos makes for a hilariously funny classic that is sure to get, at the least, a few laughs out of you.