A review by florunia
My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell
lighthearted
slow-paced
1.25
It was supposed to lighthearted and funny, but I rather rolled my eyes in irritation.
Gerry's observations of nature were fine (if often cruel by today's standards), and if it was all I probably would've rated it higher.
But the family...
First of all - somebody punch Larry! What a self-absorbed buffoon! It infuriates me that in the chapter where he pointed out to everyone how he knows everything best, it turned out he does just because he kept a calm head during a fire. Well done, but it doesn't mean he's all-knowing! And he invites 8 people and no problem! The family will be fine, younger siblings can sleep outside, and if not, then let's move, it's not like it's a problem to find a new villa and move overnight! I know that it is probably a relatively wealthy family (no one works), but I think he should have some idea about the life? What is worse, it worked...! Mother is powerless - she always succumbs to Larry and most of the time waits around for a man to organize everything.
The best part of the family was the old dog, smart fellow.
Gerry's observations of nature were fine (if often cruel by today's standards), and if it was all I probably would've rated it higher.
But the family...
First of all - somebody punch Larry! What a self-absorbed buffoon! It infuriates me that in the chapter where he pointed out to everyone how he knows everything best, it turned out he does just because he kept a calm head during a fire. Well done, but it doesn't mean he's all-knowing! And he invites 8 people and no problem! The family will be fine, younger siblings can sleep outside, and if not, then let's move, it's not like it's a problem to find a new villa and move overnight! I know that it is probably a relatively wealthy family (no one works), but I think he should have some idea about the life? What is worse, it worked...! Mother is powerless - she always succumbs to Larry and most of the time waits around for a man to organize everything.
The best part of the family was the old dog, smart fellow.
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal cruelty and Animal death