Rating: 5 stars
Cover synopsis: When the Durrell family can no longer endure the damp, gray English climate, they sell their house and relocate to the sun-soaked Greek island of Corfu. Ten-year-old Gerry pursues his interest in natural history with a joyful passion...
Usually, when I read a good book, I want to devour it -- to hurry through and see what happens next. This book, however, was so good I wanted to savor it -- to take my time and enjoy the adventure.
First of all, this book is well-written. Durrell paints such a vivid picture with words, that you truly feel as if you are there. And as a naturalist, he has a gift for describing things. This includes his presentation of his family, tutors and friends, as if he were studying their personalities as well.
Second of all, this book is hilarious. The characters are colorful -- yet believable. And Durrell's descriptions of his adventures and discoveries with the animals on the island are funny -- yet believable. (This book is based on Durrell's life.) There are mischevious pet magpies, enormous toads and tortoises, pigeons, scorpions, dogs and more. I laughed outloud in almost every chapter. I think I was starting to drive my husband crazy.
