Group Non-Fiction Read - The Durrells of Corfu - Jan & Feb 20187- SPOILERS ALLOWED

[Paul]

The discussion thread is now open. Spoilers are allowed on this thread. Don't read on if you haven't finished the book. Can you also unclick the 'Add to my update feed' people don't see your comments in their home screen.

Things to consider:

1. Did you like the book?
2. Do you think that the author covers the subject adequately?
3. Do you like the tone and language of the book?
4. Was there any part of the book that was important or significant to you?
5. Have you learnt anything from the book?
6. Has reading this encouraged you to look for other books on the subject?

[Imogen]

I read this book having little interest in the Durrells though I have previously read and enjoyed My Family and Other Animals. I felt like the author of this biography was revelling a bit in digging up dirt on the Durrells, or pointing out inaccuracies, while I feel that of course their life would have been edited for the books written by Gerald Durrell, as life doesn't form a convenient coherent narrative! I also thought the biographer seemed unsympathetic really to "Mother". Personally I'm not surprised she had a bit of a drink problem, she'd had a tough time in many ways, losing a child in India and then being widowed young. However despite their claims to poverty their lives seemed pretty genteel! One thing I did like was the information about Laurence Durrell's life and his relationship with Henry Miller, in particular.