Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
I wish I could give it 6 stars!, 23 April 2007
This book is absolutely, brilliantly funny. The wit and unique characterizations are woven with great descriptions of the animals and plants of Corfu. That Durrell can hold the attention of readers who have no interest in biology simply demonstrates what a fine work this is. Gerald's depiction of a larger-than-life expatriate family on a larger-than-life Greek island is a tremendous celebration of life. The variety of different Greek characters parading through this book rivals the variety of Corfu's flora and fauna. Absolute great read!
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14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful, 13 Aug 2006
This book is a must-read. Hilarious, witty, well-written and with great characters - what more can you ask? It is, as the old cliché goes,"a timeless classic" and will transport you to a world that most of us can only dream about. As Durrell himself said, "If I had the craft of Merlin, I would give every child the gift of my childhood."
If you haven't read this book since your schooldays, I urge you to reread it. If you're looking for a great summer holiday read, this is it. If you have children, introduce them to it as soon as they are old enough.
In short, read this book - you will not regret it!
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10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A delightful read, 14 Nov 2006
A delightful read, full of entertaining characters and comical situations.
Just before the Second World War, the Durrells move to Corfu to escape the miserable English weather for a few months. Though they planned to stay just the summer, this somehow stretches into five years, which gives them plenty of time to settle in comfortably to the local society. They get to know a great mixture of characters, including the indomitable Spiros, who knows everyone on the island personally and takes them under his wing the moment they arrive, ("Donts worrys Mrs Durrells, I fixes everythings for yous."); their housemaid, Lugaretzia, who gives the family regular updates on her medical ailments, with great relish and content; and Gerald's tutor, Kralefsky, who regularly breaks off from teaching mathematics or French to recount his many (imaginary) tales of his own heroism when saving a mysterious "Lady" from a terrible fate.
Gerald, the youngest of the family at the age of 10, has already developed an interest in animals that will make him famous later in life. He spends most of his time roaming around the island looking for interesting creatures to add to his collection, and tells us the story of some of his acquisitions. Insects and worms and other creepy crawlies wouldn't usually make for an exciting read, but Durrell's imagination gives the animals human traits, and suddenly this whole other world, as seen through his eyes, comes into focus, and it is truly fascinating. The battle played out between a gecko (named "Geronimo") and a mantis ("Cicely") is probably the most gripping that I have read this year. The scene opens thus:
"I was sitting in bed reading one night when, with a great whirring of wings, Cicely flew across the room and landed heavily on the wall, some ten feet away from where Geronimo was busily cleaning up the last bits of an exceptionally furry moth. He paused with bits of moth adhering to his lips, and gazed in astonishment at Cicely. He had, I am sure, never seen such a large mantis before, for Cicely was a good half-inch longer than he was. Amazed by her size and taken aback by her effrontery at sitting in his room, Geronimo could do nothing but stare at her for a few seconds. Meanwhile Cicely turned her head from side to side and looked about with an air of grim interest, like an angular spinster in an art gallery. Recovering from his surprise, Geronimo decided that this impertinent insect would have to be taught a lesson."
The gecko wins, after a fierce and bloody battle, but even he gets his come-uppance when his female companion is swallowed by a toad the following day.
It's an easy read, nicely divided into bite-sized vignettes, making it perfect for your morning train commute, or for winding down at bedtime.
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