an affectionate romp

I really enjoyed this affectionate recollection of a childhood full of generous (well mostly), freindly excentrics, beautifully narrated by Nigel Davenport. I felt bereft when it was over :(

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10 people found this helpful

Favourite classic book

I had forgotten how funny and lovely this book is. I'm so pleased to rediscover it with my son. The narrator is excellent.

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Animal Magic at its best!

Spending a few months with the Durrells was a most enjoyable holiday. It seems as if I was transported to Corfu with them as they trekked from villa to villa with animals in tow.

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Loved it.

I read this book years ago and thought at first that Nigel Davenport's narration was going to be too dry and slow. In fact it was very good ideed. It's funny, informative and I'm full of admiration for the long-suffering Mrs Durrel's calm acceptance of what her children got up to.

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Even better 40 years on

I read this book as a teenager. Reading it again 40 years on is a delight. Brings back pictures of bright Greek countryside sunshine & fun

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Amazing read of a fantastic story! Definitely recommend this programme. What a joy. Thank you.

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Genuinely Wonderful.

Loved it when I first herd it and it holds up just fine (if not better now that I'm an adult rather then a kid the sane age as the protagonist). It's a very sweet and immensely funny story that is content to move gently at it's own pace. This the perfect story to listen to on the bus or when you just want to chill out in the evening, no matter how bad a day you've had the misadventures of the Durrell family will cheer you up.

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I'm glad I waited

Here's a book that presented itself to me over and over throughout my years yet somehow I never found it the moment to read until now. The narration is superb, the characters funny and warm and its a total escape back to a simpler pre-war idyll. I'm glad I came to it as an audiobook because the characterisation and the measured approach forces one to listen and experience it at the correct pace and to revel in the warm breezes that stir the pages. I have decided to postpone listening to the further books because this one was so complete and satisfying on its own that I don't want to dilute the experience. Most enjoyable like a glass of ouzo on a hot summers day..

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18 people found this helpful

Wonderful

I've read this book several times... Although when I had it in my hands for the first time I couldn't stand it. I HATE bugs, but any other animal is very appealing to me, so when I confronted it for the second time I didn't stop until I read the whole trilogy. The animal side of the story is wonderfully written and explained, but, in my opinion, the Durrell's adventures are the best, just hilarious.

Besides, Nigel Davenport's work is exquisite, bearing in mind English is not my mother tongue so a little effort has to be taken if you are not to read the book at the same time.

So, as I have said before, I will continue the trilogy, enjoying Corfu under the sun!!!

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2 people found this helpful

Exquisite!

A wonderful story full of magic, charm and glory told beautifully. I recommend this book to everyone.

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