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Rosy is My Relative
Rosy, the elephant bequeathed to young Adrian Rookwhistle by a reprobate relative, turned out to be a not alone because of her size but also because of her fondness for strong drink. To Adrian she represented the chance to get away froma City shop and a suburban lodging by exploiting her theatrical talent and experience. To Rosy their progress towards the gayer South Coast resorts offered undreamed-of opportunities for drink and destruction. So the Monkspepper Hunt is driven to delirium and Lady Fenneltree's stately home reduced to a shambles. In due course the always efficient local constabulary caught up with the pair, whose ensuing trial was a like a triumph of the law and of the author's comic genius. The verdict was--but the story has to be read to be believed, if then. Even though the author does maintain that it is entirely credible, indeed that this, his first novel, is 'an almost true story'.
222 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1968
292 people are currently reading
1310 people want to read
About the author
Gerald Durrell
227 books1,711 followersGerald "Gerry" Malcolm Durrell was born in India in 1925. His elder siblings are Lawrence Durrell, Leslie Durrell, and Margaret Durrell. His family settled on Corfu when Gerald was a boy and he spent his time studying its wildlife. He relates these experiences in the trilogy beginning with My Family And Other Animals, and continuing with Birds, Beasts, And Relatives and The Garden Of The Gods. In his books he writes with wry humour and great perception about both the humans and the animals he meets.
On leaving Corfu he returned to England to work on the staff of Whipsnade Park as a student keeper. His adventures there are told with characteristic energy in Beasts In My Belfry. A few years later, Gerald began organising his own animal-collecting expeditions. The first, to the Cameroons, was followed by expeditions to Paraguay, Argentina and Sierra Leone. He recounts these experiences in a number of books, including The Drunken Forest. Gerald also visited many countries while shooting various television series, including An Amateur Naturalist. In 1958 Gerald Durrell realised a lifelong dream when he set up the Jersey Zoological Park, followed a few years later by the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust.
Gerald was married twice; Jacquie Durrell (1951-1979), Lee Durrell (1979-1995).
Gerald Durrell's style is exuberant, passionate and acutely observed. He died in 1995.
On leaving Corfu he returned to England to work on the staff of Whipsnade Park as a student keeper. His adventures there are told with characteristic energy in Beasts In My Belfry. A few years later, Gerald began organising his own animal-collecting expeditions. The first, to the Cameroons, was followed by expeditions to Paraguay, Argentina and Sierra Leone. He recounts these experiences in a number of books, including The Drunken Forest. Gerald also visited many countries while shooting various television series, including An Amateur Naturalist. In 1958 Gerald Durrell realised a lifelong dream when he set up the Jersey Zoological Park, followed a few years later by the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust.
Gerald was married twice; Jacquie Durrell (1951-1979), Lee Durrell (1979-1995).
Gerald Durrell's style is exuberant, passionate and acutely observed. He died in 1995.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
May 28, 2012
This is a charming story that the author clams is mostly true. A young Brit inherits an elephant (Rosy) from an uncle and he attempts to take her to the shore, where he's convinced there are any number of circuses that will take her off his hands. He gets into one scrape after another and finally is charged in court for (mainly her) misdeeds. This is a book you could read to your children or your grandmother.
Mainly though I want to express my appreciation for the string of librarians who did NOT "withdraw" this book and toss it on the book sale table. It pains me that so many good books disappear when they haven't been checked out for a while. This book (which I requested from my local library) has an interesting history. Published in 1968, it was first at the Library of Congress. As it was a duplicate, it was sent on (in unknown order) to: Griffiss AFB in Rome NY (now closed), Sacred Heart College (Belmont NC), Ashford University (Clinton, Iowa), and Mount St. Clare College (Clinton Iowa) - from which I obtained it.
Mainly though I want to express my appreciation for the string of librarians who did NOT "withdraw" this book and toss it on the book sale table. It pains me that so many good books disappear when they haven't been checked out for a while. This book (which I requested from my local library) has an interesting history. Published in 1968, it was first at the Library of Congress. As it was a duplicate, it was sent on (in unknown order) to: Griffiss AFB in Rome NY (now closed), Sacred Heart College (Belmont NC), Ashford University (Clinton, Iowa), and Mount St. Clare College (Clinton Iowa) - from which I obtained it.
April 28, 2017
This was laugh out loud hilarious! I've read it a number of times. The narrator inherits an elephant to his dismay. Rosy, the elephant, among other interesting traits, has a distinct fondness for alcohol, and had the response you'd expect to the drink. How do you deal with a drunkard elephant? Read this and find out!
4/20/17 It is worth adding that the trial scene, even if likely 100+ years ago, seem as though they could still be possible today in many ways! The defense attorney's comments have a real bite to them.
4/20/17 It is worth adding that the trial scene, even if likely 100+ years ago, seem as though they could still be possible today in many ways! The defense attorney's comments have a real bite to them.
March 18, 2014
If ever you are down in the dumps and want to get away from it all, just pick up this instant pep_me-up book.f whether this is a true life story or fancied imagination just climb on the roguish Rosy and hold on tight as she trots here way into drunken shenanigans in this Laugh Riot. And if you think your drunk relative is funny then read Rosy for size.
Alert: have a wad and more of tissues on you coz Rosy will have you wailing with laughter.
Alert: have a wad and more of tissues on you coz Rosy will have you wailing with laughter.
March 29, 2020
Gerald Durrell’s "Rosy is my Relative" is a tale from the rural locales, narrated so distinctively, that it provides the reader with a sense of warmth and innocence that one can only associate with the villages. Indeed, it takes a village to write a book; the cosmopolitan just seems to lack the fervour, the intrigue, and the romance of a village. Life on these parts of the world is one way the most enchanting, and in other ways hostile. As for me, the latter doesn’t matter; it’s hardly noticeable unless you pay attention to those kinds.
The book deals with an almost true story and goes on to testify that there is still a hint of craziness in this world gone awry, and innocence unexplored. We have Adrian Rookwhistle as the protagonist, a man who lives a lowly life after the demise of his parents. Rosy enters the fray, and everything changes. She isn't Adrian's romantic interest if you thought so, but an elephant. Not just any elephant, but an elephant with a fondness for strong drink.
Adrian thought he could get her away to the shore, where her theatrical talent and experience could be put to use. Little did Adrian know how but his life would take a course, ultimately for the better. His journey out of the mundane would be a thoroughly enjoyable experience for the reader, not so for poor Adrian though.
This book, it must be noted, doesn't merely deal with Adrian and his elephant, but with their various encounters with people and scenarios. It's a roller coaster ride and a remarkable page-turner. Rosie's love for liquor, which exposed Adrian to troubles of fascinating kinds (and from all ends), makes this book a laugh riot. It is truly a stress buster, reading in general is but Durell has his own way of doing it.
It would take an indifferent person to not relate with the humor this book so articulately provides. It's not only Rookwhistle's relationship with the elephant or the interplay of some interesting characters but the way the author chose to weave it all together with unparalleled profundity. This is a brilliant debut work by a writer who went on to pen some great literary works. Do gift this book to your children or to people who vouch against reading, you'll be doing a great service (I'm not sure of the latter, though). I express my heartfelt and generous gratitude to my friend and mentor Sangeetha Shinde, without whose intervention I wouldn't be reading such remarkable works. Hats off to the person you are, Sangs.
The book deals with an almost true story and goes on to testify that there is still a hint of craziness in this world gone awry, and innocence unexplored. We have Adrian Rookwhistle as the protagonist, a man who lives a lowly life after the demise of his parents. Rosy enters the fray, and everything changes. She isn't Adrian's romantic interest if you thought so, but an elephant. Not just any elephant, but an elephant with a fondness for strong drink.
Adrian thought he could get her away to the shore, where her theatrical talent and experience could be put to use. Little did Adrian know how but his life would take a course, ultimately for the better. His journey out of the mundane would be a thoroughly enjoyable experience for the reader, not so for poor Adrian though.
This book, it must be noted, doesn't merely deal with Adrian and his elephant, but with their various encounters with people and scenarios. It's a roller coaster ride and a remarkable page-turner. Rosie's love for liquor, which exposed Adrian to troubles of fascinating kinds (and from all ends), makes this book a laugh riot. It is truly a stress buster, reading in general is but Durell has his own way of doing it.
It would take an indifferent person to not relate with the humor this book so articulately provides. It's not only Rookwhistle's relationship with the elephant or the interplay of some interesting characters but the way the author chose to weave it all together with unparalleled profundity. This is a brilliant debut work by a writer who went on to pen some great literary works. Do gift this book to your children or to people who vouch against reading, you'll be doing a great service (I'm not sure of the latter, though). I express my heartfelt and generous gratitude to my friend and mentor Sangeetha Shinde, without whose intervention I wouldn't be reading such remarkable works. Hats off to the person you are, Sangs.
March 27, 2018
A charming book! Just the antidote to real life. I laughed out loud repeatedly -- Durrell creates the most eccentric characters and paints vivid images that really come alive. I was right there as Rosy the elephant repeatedly left devastation and chaos in her considerable wake.
This would be an awesome book to read aloud with kids. Just the names of the characters invoke silliness: Misters Filagree, Clattercup & Pucklehammer and of course Lord and Lady Fenneltree. The plot is all quite predictable and happily so. Such fun!
This would be an awesome book to read aloud with kids. Just the names of the characters invoke silliness: Misters Filagree, Clattercup & Pucklehammer and of course Lord and Lady Fenneltree. The plot is all quite predictable and happily so. Such fun!
February 15, 2014
The author claims that the events in this book happened are pretty close to what actually happened. I have read his book aloud to others more than I have read it to myself. This is one of the most fun book to read that I have ever found. Only Dickens came up with more strange and fascinating characters and he took a dozen books and 10,000 pages to do it.
April 14, 2020
Občas knížky, na kterých člověk vyrůstal a přečetl je už stokrát, nemile překvapí. Tak tahle ne. I po těch letech je to děsná sranda.
July 25, 2018
One of my absolute favourite books as a child was Gerald Durell's "My Family and Other Animals". I'd reread it every year - or maybe even more often that that - and it never failed to amuse me and make me laugh out loud. I thought I loved the book so much because it was so hilarious - I realized only when I was much older that my love for the book was because it transported to me to a time and place that was unfamiliar and yet seemed idyllic, and almost magical, even though it was autobiographical and set in an actual place.
So when I saw this much-thumbed copy of Gerald Durell's first novel at a second-hand store, I picked it up without so much as glancing at the blurb. I'd read anything by Durell.
In "Rosy Is My Relative", Adrian Rookwhistle unexptedly finds himself bequeathed an elephant (with a penchant for gin) by his uncle. Adrian decided to get away from the city and take Rosy to the coast - fun, frolic and adventures follow.
While this is a charming premise, with potential for much hilarity, the novel itself falls short. The plot is tedious, the humour is forced, and the characters are uninteresting, escept for Rosy. I had to force myself to read the novel - mainly because it was short but also because I felt guilty about abandoning the novel by an author whose other works I loved.
Keep in mind that this is a children's book (I was unaware of that until I started reading); and this is also Durell's first novel. He has improved significantly as a writer and as a humorist since then; and his non-fiction work is signficantly more interesting. With these two caveats, I think this can be a light, enjoyable read for those who have the appropriate expectations from this book.
Would I still pick up another old copy of Gerald Durell's works without even glancing at the blurb. For the man who helped me escape to a magical Greek island when my everyday life seemed too mundane, absolutely yes!
So when I saw this much-thumbed copy of Gerald Durell's first novel at a second-hand store, I picked it up without so much as glancing at the blurb. I'd read anything by Durell.
In "Rosy Is My Relative", Adrian Rookwhistle unexptedly finds himself bequeathed an elephant (with a penchant for gin) by his uncle. Adrian decided to get away from the city and take Rosy to the coast - fun, frolic and adventures follow.
While this is a charming premise, with potential for much hilarity, the novel itself falls short. The plot is tedious, the humour is forced, and the characters are uninteresting, escept for Rosy. I had to force myself to read the novel - mainly because it was short but also because I felt guilty about abandoning the novel by an author whose other works I loved.
Keep in mind that this is a children's book (I was unaware of that until I started reading); and this is also Durell's first novel. He has improved significantly as a writer and as a humorist since then; and his non-fiction work is signficantly more interesting. With these two caveats, I think this can be a light, enjoyable read for those who have the appropriate expectations from this book.
Would I still pick up another old copy of Gerald Durell's works without even glancing at the blurb. For the man who helped me escape to a magical Greek island when my everyday life seemed too mundane, absolutely yes!
September 29, 2018
I loved this book when I was a teenager, and I'm delighted to find I still love it now. It's a joyful romp of a comic novel set in late Victorian England, featuring the adventures of Adrian Rookwhistle, a hapless grocery clerk, and his frequently-inebriated elephant, Rosy.
It's a warm and funny book, and would be great to read on a plane when you're feeling a bit tired and grumpy. It also has a great supporting cast of travelling actors, white witches, stentorious lawyers, and other eccentrics.
It's a warm and funny book, and would be great to read on a plane when you're feeling a bit tired and grumpy. It also has a great supporting cast of travelling actors, white witches, stentorious lawyers, and other eccentrics.
June 14, 2019
Ειναι να απορει κανεις πώς το πρωτο μυθιστορημα ενός νέου ανθρωπου μπορεί να ειναι τόσο πετυχημενο, τοσο αστείο, τοσο γλυκό απέναντι στα ζώα και τόσο σατιρικό απέναντι στους ανθρώπους. Βλέπεις πίσω από κάθε προταση και σκηνή ενα πανέξυπνο και παρατηρητικό μάτι γεμάτο χιούμορ και σκανδαλιά. Δεν μπορείς παρά να νοιώθεις χαρούμενος κι ανάλαφρος φτάνοντας στην τελευταία σελίδα έχοντας γελάσει μέχρι δακρύων σε κάποιες σκηνές και χαμογελάσει με αγάπη σε άλλες
March 20, 2024
What would (or should) a young man bequeathed £500 and an elephant (with a penchant for the odd tipple ((or two)) I might add) do with such a ludicrously outrageous inheritance ? Well young Adrian Whistle -who has recently inherited said “properties”, thinks he has the answer -give her to the circus of course!
Though such seemingly simple solutions, don’t exactly appear to be as easy -or straightforward, as he perhaps envisioned …
As Adrian and Rosy trek through peaceful countrysides, embark on a voyage cross stormy seas (ok, maybe not literally stormy) chaos and misadventure inevitably ensues -so much so, that even the bloomin’ majesty of the law gets involved (side note, absolutely loves judge “Topsy Turvy”).
Comedically charming (the observational humour is honestly SPOT ON), Rosy is my Relative (another relatively ((pardon the unintentional pun)) side note; funnily enough, I also have (had?) a relative called Rosie (late grandmother) though she was obviously a walking, talking, SOBER ((her weaknesses were chocolate, cheese and marmite lol)), relative, who though much smaller in stature ((under 5ft)) was equally larger than life ((much like Rosy)) in character!) is the perfect antidote (or anecdote) to the craziness of the current state of the world right now.
4 (gin soaked) stars
Though such seemingly simple solutions, don’t exactly appear to be as easy -or straightforward, as he perhaps envisioned …
As Adrian and Rosy trek through peaceful countrysides, embark on a voyage cross stormy seas (ok, maybe not literally stormy) chaos and misadventure inevitably ensues -so much so, that even the bloomin’ majesty of the law gets involved (side note, absolutely loves judge “Topsy Turvy”).
Comedically charming (the observational humour is honestly SPOT ON), Rosy is my Relative (another relatively ((pardon the unintentional pun)) side note; funnily enough, I also have (had?) a relative called Rosie (late grandmother) though she was obviously a walking, talking, SOBER ((her weaknesses were chocolate, cheese and marmite lol)), relative, who though much smaller in stature ((under 5ft)) was equally larger than life ((much like Rosy)) in character!) is the perfect antidote (or anecdote) to the craziness of the current state of the world right now.
4 (gin soaked) stars
April 5, 2020
Lovely funny read. This definitely helped getting my reading mojo back. In these difficult times it provided abit of escapism and made me laugh out loud at times.
April 9, 2024
This was such an unexpectedly fun read! I had no idea what to expect when I started reading and found myself cheering on the characters, especially Rosy. It’s silly and goofy and it worked for me.
August 18, 2025
Hysterical, dry, witty. PG Wodehouse meets TJ Klune-ish. I giggled out loud all the way through.
January 25, 2020
(2020ReadingBingo: Title is a name)
Deservedly credited as “his uproarious first novel”, this is a thoroughly charming book that has unquestionably asserted itself as a favourite amongst my collection from Gerald Durrell.
The farcical antics befalling the hapless Adrian Rookwhistle and Rosy, the mischievous pachyderm bequeathed to him, are genuinely funny. The style is as comically well written as a Wodehouse, and has an abundance of wonderfully named characters (Pucklehammer, Fenneltree and Ethelbert Cleep) that could comfortably reside in a Dickens novel. Everything amongst these 222 pages perfectly encapsulates the pleasure to be found from reading.
Deservedly credited as “his uproarious first novel”, this is a thoroughly charming book that has unquestionably asserted itself as a favourite amongst my collection from Gerald Durrell.
The farcical antics befalling the hapless Adrian Rookwhistle and Rosy, the mischievous pachyderm bequeathed to him, are genuinely funny. The style is as comically well written as a Wodehouse, and has an abundance of wonderfully named characters (Pucklehammer, Fenneltree and Ethelbert Cleep) that could comfortably reside in a Dickens novel. Everything amongst these 222 pages perfectly encapsulates the pleasure to be found from reading.
May 14, 2021
3,5 stars. A charming read.
September 5, 2016
Gerald is at his best again. This is another memorable book which made me think how much fun it will be to have an elephant as a pet!
Imagine what will happen if we get an elephant in inheritance! This is how this book starts and builds with every page. The story is filled with memorable moments( funny as well as touching) and memorable characters( unique in every which way). Certainly there is no shortage of adventure around as the story progresses! No lack of laughs, either - this is one of those books which you have to avoid reading in public unless you want to make a spectacle of yourself howling with laughter with people around you!
And do keep in mind that the risk of trying for an elephant as a Pet is real high after you read it!!
Imagine what will happen if we get an elephant in inheritance! This is how this book starts and builds with every page. The story is filled with memorable moments( funny as well as touching) and memorable characters( unique in every which way). Certainly there is no shortage of adventure around as the story progresses! No lack of laughs, either - this is one of those books which you have to avoid reading in public unless you want to make a spectacle of yourself howling with laughter with people around you!
And do keep in mind that the risk of trying for an elephant as a Pet is real high after you read it!!
March 16, 2010
This is a very funny little book published in 1968 about the adventures of a shy young Englishman who inherits an elephant with a taste for liquor. It was probably written for about 6th to 8th graders, but I found it delightful, too. This is a plug for visiting your local library. I picked up this book from the discard/sale shelves because it had a cute picture on the cover (my copy was a published-in-the-UK version). What a pleasant surprise!
November 22, 2013
A fun romp. Adrian inherits an elephant, but what is he to do with an elephant in his rooms in the city? He decides to walk his elephant to the coast, where he hopes he can sell her to a circus. Hijinks, hilarity and romance ensue. I particularly enjoyed the last part with his lawyer and in the courtroom.
December 7, 2018
A Young Man and An Elephant With A Taste For The Hard Stuff
This is a cute, silly story of a young, somewhat stuffy Englishman who inherits an elephant with a drinking problem from an uncle he didn't know very well.
Rosy is the elephant's name, and she leads him on a merry chase around the countryside as he tries to find a place to stash her.
This is a cute, silly story of a young, somewhat stuffy Englishman who inherits an elephant with a drinking problem from an uncle he didn't know very well.
Rosy is the elephant's name, and she leads him on a merry chase around the countryside as he tries to find a place to stash her.
September 1, 2021
A fun read. Adrian inherits an elephant, Rosy and decides to take it to the seaside in the hope of finding a circus that might take it in. Obviously along the way he runs in to a whole heap of problems, exacerbated by Rosy’s love for beer and alcohol in general. Reminded me of the P G Wodehouse Jeeves’ books.
October 17, 2011
Adrian inherits his Uncle's Elephant, with resulting adventures. Had me laughing out loud.
July 27, 2016
Durrell's first novel is not too bad. A man inherits an elephant and they go on a road trip. At times it is sweet sometimes it drags a bit but it is ok.
November 28, 2022
I love Gerald Durrell's autobiographical stories, but this novel was a disappointment. The plot is uninteresting, the humor is forced, though there are some funny moments. It's a Durrell, after all.
March 19, 2015
Enjoyed this book a lot. Made me laugh so much.
May 7, 2015
Příběh plný báječného, originálního a nenásilného humoru. Ostatně stejně jako ostatní Durrellovo dílo.
Doufám že jednou také zdědím slona. :)
Doufám že jednou také zdědím slona. :)
October 24, 2020
A wonderful read! I chuckled most of the way through it!
The characters were fantastically funny and Rosy- just brilliant!
The characters were fantastically funny and Rosy- just brilliant!
December 1, 2022
Such a fun story. Can fix mood :D One of best, like all other books of gerald durrell.
Read
September 28, 2014The best book that I read as a child
December 1, 2019
What should I say? A funny narration of the interesting events in life of Adrian Rookwhistle who was thinking like how most of us suddenly think at some point in our life! “Half my life is wasted”!!! Familiar line eh..... little did he know a letter and further a courier is going to entirely change his life in a way he never thought of.
Amos Rookwhistle his only Uncle, sends a letter to Adrian one fine morning to create ripples in his life. The letter ends with a foot note which is really captivating and sends signals for the type of life he is going to face in near future. For me I did read a bit of review about the book earlier so I indubitably know what is in store for Adrian much before Adrian knew!
So that’s how the story starts and go on to describe one of the funniest characters of this book called ROSY! One of the not so complicated character names in the book given the fact that other character names are Pecklehammer, Filigree, Fenneltree, BlackNell, Ethelbert cleep, Clattercup etc etc. But the consequences every time when Rosy does something is the most complicated knot which Adrian tries to untangle at each juncture of the story.
Given the fact the Author had already mentioned in the Author’s note that he had almost seen the characters of Rosy and Adrian in real life, story becomes more interesting and we could relate it at every moment of the story!
Rosy’s fascination for liquor and her carefree attitude gives more headache to Adrian than anyone. But the bond they create within themselves, over their journey and how he’s facing the wall when Justice system accuses their behaviour as malicious to the society!
Last 50 to 70 pages of court hearing and Sir Magnus’S defence against Sir Augustus’s prosecution and Judge’s struggle to keep up with these lawyers who fight tooth and nail for their respective sides. Gerald Durrell never ceases to amaze us in this journey of Adrian and Rosy, considering the fact that Rosy is the only last standing relative of Adrian.
I enjoyed the journey. You may be too!!!!!
Amos Rookwhistle his only Uncle, sends a letter to Adrian one fine morning to create ripples in his life. The letter ends with a foot note which is really captivating and sends signals for the type of life he is going to face in near future. For me I did read a bit of review about the book earlier so I indubitably know what is in store for Adrian much before Adrian knew!
So that’s how the story starts and go on to describe one of the funniest characters of this book called ROSY! One of the not so complicated character names in the book given the fact that other character names are Pecklehammer, Filigree, Fenneltree, BlackNell, Ethelbert cleep, Clattercup etc etc. But the consequences every time when Rosy does something is the most complicated knot which Adrian tries to untangle at each juncture of the story.
Given the fact the Author had already mentioned in the Author’s note that he had almost seen the characters of Rosy and Adrian in real life, story becomes more interesting and we could relate it at every moment of the story!
Rosy’s fascination for liquor and her carefree attitude gives more headache to Adrian than anyone. But the bond they create within themselves, over their journey and how he’s facing the wall when Justice system accuses their behaviour as malicious to the society!
Last 50 to 70 pages of court hearing and Sir Magnus’S defence against Sir Augustus’s prosecution and Judge’s struggle to keep up with these lawyers who fight tooth and nail for their respective sides. Gerald Durrell never ceases to amaze us in this journey of Adrian and Rosy, considering the fact that Rosy is the only last standing relative of Adrian.
I enjoyed the journey. You may be too!!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews