Questions About My Family and Other Animals (Corfu Trilogy, #1)

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Answered Questions (9)

I remember a pbs movie with this title, and now they're doing a new series. Does anyone know if the book as crude as the show?

Jamie I'm not sure if you mean The Durrells which is the most recent 'adaptation'. That show is not like the book at all! The book is very funny and beautif…moreI'm not sure if you mean The Durrells which is the most recent 'adaptation'. That show is not like the book at all! The book is very funny and beautifully written, focusing mostly on the wildlife of Corfu and humorous things the family do in reaction to Gerry's pet collection. The T.V. show seems to focus on human love affairs and sex which are curiously absent from the actual source material...stick with the book, it's much better! :)(less)

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what age is this appropriate for/ from?

mirba I read this book when I was 7 and I loved it so much.

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Can those books be read as stand- alones? Or is it necessary to read them all/ in order?

Inana They CAN be read standalone, but I recommend you read "My family and other animals" first (or buy the 1-volume trilogy). Then you'll be hooked (or not…moreThey CAN be read standalone, but I recommend you read "My family and other animals" first (or buy the 1-volume trilogy). Then you'll be hooked (or not) and will want to read the rest - in whatever order you find them. I've re-read most of them over the past ≈30 years, and think the earlier books are the best. Later ones were to fund the zoo that he eventually, wonderfully, DID start on the island of Jersey. (less)

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Are Gerald Durrell's other books as good? Any recommendations?

Janell I recently read Menagerie Manor and really enjoyed it. Three Singles to Adventure wasn't quite as good. I know I've read a couple of others, but can't…moreI recently read Menagerie Manor and really enjoyed it. Three Singles to Adventure wasn't quite as good. I know I've read a couple of others, but can't remember them well enough.(less)

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I'm watching the shows on PBS "The Durrells in Corfu" for the second time and took "My Family and other Animals "out of the library. I can't imagine moving to a place when I don't know the language or customs like they did, but I would like to be that adventurous. Is this book similar to the shows? Are the characters in the show rewritten for today's TV viewers or are they like they are portrayed in the books?

Chelsea I haven't watched the show, but from what I understand the show is focused more on the family as a whole and not particularly historically accurate. T…moreI haven't watched the show, but from what I understand the show is focused more on the family as a whole and not particularly historically accurate. The book is about how little Gerald just wants to learn about and bring home and take care of all the animals, and about how that affects his odd family. I think it was totally worth reading-- whether he's talking about animals fighting or his family hosting a disasterous dinner party, it is interesting, vivid, and clever.(less)

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