My father, after beginning his reading, got curious about the island and did some armchair exploring via Google maps. Later, they move to a smaller villa, because an annoying relative from England wants to stay with them and they need an excuse not to take her in.

The second time, they move to a larger villa, because Larry, who is an aspiring writer, has invited seven or eight of his artistic friends to stay with them. The climate would be better for their health. The family moves from England to Corfu, because they are all ill and the eldest son, Larry, suggests it, seemingly on a whim. Their reasons for moving each time, at least the way they are described in the book, are all humorous. The book is divided into three sections themed by three villas where the family lived in Corfu: the strawberry-pink villa, the daffodil-yellow villa and the snow-white villa. Gerald Durrell with owl, Source: Daily Mail The trilogy includes Birds, Beasts and Relatives and The Garden of the Gods. Amazon prime members can read the Kindle version of the trilogy for free. After reading a chapter or two, I persuaded both my mother and father to read it and helped them download the trilogy for Kindle. The title, of course, is also light and funny, suggesting that his family was just another species of interesting animals to be studied. I knew I was in for something good when even the book dedications in the opening pages were full of humor.

I’m not saying I would not give the series a chance, but I know words would be pared down to dialogue - which may or may not be true to the book - and it would be missing all of the beautiful narrative language from the books. I can’t imagine I would like the show more than the book … which I enjoyed very much. After reading the first book in this trilogy and after reading more about the PBS series, I’m intrigued but cautious. I have seen trailers for it and was intrigued by them, partly because I was attracted to the period feel and partly because I have enjoyed other Masterpiece Theatre series.

My family and other animals setting