Isn't it Novel? My Family and Other Animals

My Family and Other Animals, written by Gerald Durrell in 1956, was the first book I read this year.
It all started when I was op-shopping back in early december, and of course, after skimming over the clothes, my arms became piled high with old books. It was at this moment, leaden with aged tomes that I came across a whole section of REALLY old books (not just 1950's and 1940's, but 1890's and such. I actually found an 1895 collected works of Lord Tennyson for $3 there which almost gave me a heart attack of joy). But it was in this section that I found this little yellow hardcover book practically screaming at me to buy it. Upon closer inspection I saw the title was 'My Family and Other Animals'. That did it, really. I take things so literally so I found it hilarious, and decided to purchase it immediately. (I also re-bought Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, which had unconveniently gone missing a few months back).

It appeared to be such a happy little book that I was kind of wary of reading it, lest it turn out less than jovial. Fortunately, it exceeded my expectations with flying colours.

Gerald Durrell, related to Lawrence Durrell (Author of the Alexandria Quartet), is a naturalist, and My Family and Other Animals is the first of three autobiographical works. It documents (hilariously) the period of 1935 to 1939, in which his family spent on the Greek Island of Corfu. Gerald, also known as Gerry by his family, depicts each moment with such honesty and attention to detail. For those who like nature, you will love this. Even if the natural world doesn't interest you in the slightest, Gerald's portrayal of his family is well worth the read. I found myself laughing out loud in more than one section, and even having to put the book down to collect myself. (When this happens in public, and no self-restraint happens to work, you know it's a pretty darn good book).
Without wanting to raise your expectations too much, which may (unfortunately) dissapoint, I will have to quietly give this book the highest accolade that I can give by saying it is one of the more entertaining books I have ever read.

My Family and Other Animals has also been made into a BBC television series in 1987, and into a 90 minute BBC film in 2005. When I watch them, I will glading let you know if they are as good as the book.

Until next time, try Jarlsburg.