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Fillets of Plaice
Durrell's hilarious and warm My Family and Other Animals (1957) began a trio of reminiscences of his life growing up with a slightly dotty family the overbearing and omniscient Larry; the affectionate and loving siblings, Margot and Leslie; and, of course, the overburdened and patient Mother on the island of Corfu in the 1930s, when a pound could buy a villa and life was conducted as a series of riotously high (and sometimes low) adventures. But what shines through these five vignettes is the author's engagement with and immense affection for animals in all their forms. From fish to fowl, from lizards to little water fleas (daphnia), Durrell's eye is acute and his prose is tart. You can read this book for the humor alone (for he did perceive his family as some rare and rarefied species), but between the lines you can discern the makings of a world-class naturalist and a cultivated and engaging writer.
189 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1971
74 people are currently reading
989 people want to read
About the author
Gerald Durrell
226 books1,710 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 133 reviews
February 24, 2019
3.5★
These random, "real life" (more on that later) stories from Durrell's life were a real mixed bag for me
A natural born raconteur;
Durrell appeared to be quite at home writing his tales down, but apparently he never loved writing or thought of himself as a writer - it was always a way to raise money. Some of his stories stood the test of time. Others really didn't. 🙄
The Birth of a Title Charming snippet that shows the close bond between GD & his brother Lawrence Durrell and tells how this book got its title. Brought back my own memories of Greece.
The book's dedication;
5★
The Birthday Party Oh my word, I just hated Larry after (& in fact during ) this story! I know a fair few arrogant SOBs like this in real life, always thinking they know best, always trampling all over others to get their own way.
Only the punchline saves this one.. 2★(barely)
A Transport of Terrapins Charming, delightful, what I hoped this whole collection would be like. GD's life long love of the animal kingdom just shines through. The standout story 5★
A Question of Promotion Where GD shows that Larry isn't the only insufferable member of the Durrell family. Long winded, vain & pompous (not to mention paternalistic & sexist), even GD"s rapport with animals can't save this one 1.5★
A Question of DegreesWhile fascinating in a way about the workings of the NHS was just TMI for me! 2.5★
Ursula Where GD doesn't let facts get in the way of a good story! Among others, his sister & mother both said he embroidered or omitted real life events.Lighthearted & funny though. 5★
Maybe I would have had a kinder view of Larry if I had read this first. Warning: may shatter a few Durrell illusions.https://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/even...
https://wordpress.com/view/carolshess...
These random, "real life" (more on that later) stories from Durrell's life were a real mixed bag for me
A natural born raconteur;
Durrell appeared to be quite at home writing his tales down, but apparently he never loved writing or thought of himself as a writer - it was always a way to raise money. Some of his stories stood the test of time. Others really didn't. 🙄
The Birth of a Title Charming snippet that shows the close bond between GD & his brother Lawrence Durrell and tells how this book got its title. Brought back my own memories of Greece.
The book's dedication;
This book is for my brother Larry who has always encouraged me to write and rejoiced more than anyone else in what success I had.
5★
The Birthday Party Oh my word, I just hated Larry after (& in fact during ) this story! I know a fair few arrogant SOBs like this in real life, always thinking they know best, always trampling all over others to get their own way.
Only the punchline saves this one.. 2★(barely)
A Transport of Terrapins Charming, delightful, what I hoped this whole collection would be like. GD's life long love of the animal kingdom just shines through. The standout story 5★
A Question of Promotion Where GD shows that Larry isn't the only insufferable member of the Durrell family. Long winded, vain & pompous (not to mention paternalistic & sexist), even GD"s rapport with animals can't save this one 1.5★
A Question of DegreesWhile fascinating in a way about the workings of the NHS was just TMI for me! 2.5★
Ursula Where GD doesn't let facts get in the way of a good story! Among others, his sister & mother both said he embroidered or omitted real life events.Lighthearted & funny though. 5★
Maybe I would have had a kinder view of Larry if I had read this first. Warning: may shatter a few Durrell illusions.https://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/even...
https://wordpress.com/view/carolshess...
November 27, 2017
I read this wonderful book when I was still very young some two years into secondary school at the time. Like everybody else, the great humour and vibrancy of the work was most impressive and I read the book many more times still in my youth. I found so many expressions in the book gripping and I committed them to memory then - especially the story on "Promotion" which as usual ended in disaster- but with the author contented, so long as he could latch onto his precious animals!
A few examples of phrases and sentences that I liked so much from this work that I still remember (and as usual quite hilarious too) - "everybody was lying the hind leg off a donkey " "my house does not lend itself to medieval splendour" "I want to plumb tbe depths of your ignorance" "lolling about in the labyrinthine passages of my sinus" "the deviousness of women" (as regards the charming Ursula)...
Ah, Ursula! This used to be my favourite Chapter of this book. As a non-native English speaker or pretender , we used to think in our youth that all English people were experts in their own language. But here the author tells us that the young English woman here frequently made mistakes with her English, and what malapropisms! As the author states "She adopted a more militant and Boadicea-like approach to language..." (eg referring to an 'alcoholic' as an 'incoherent'!) Incidentally we were young then, and felt that the relationship between the author and the charming lady was platonic. Now, in old age, and with dirty mind to boot, one knows better!
March 4, 2019
Would you like to live on a Greek island during the peaceful time of the 1930's?
You can with the stories of Gerald Durrell and his family
Mother's birthday is where they were marooned on a beach for several days.
Terrapins 1939 England
This story is about animal lovers. The most fascinating characters (not animals) are Mr Bellow, Colonel Anstruther and Mr Romilly make an impact on Gerry's life.
A Question of Promotion
In Mamfe - Africa where he helps organize the District Commissionner's dinner.
A question of degrees
Gerry gets bed rest in a hospital.
On describing an ignorant doctor...
He had a certain je ne sais quoi about him that led me to suppose that he had not as yet passed the stage of pouring boiling pitch over the stump.’
‘Ignorant,’ said Brenda gloomily.
‘He thinks pasteurization is something you do to the meadows that cows feed in.’
‘And that Lister is something a boat does when it’s badly loaded?’
Ursula
She was able to turn English idioms into quite unexpected phrases.
"petty beaujolais" person
"If music be the bowl of love, play on."
Daddy says he’s well on the way to being an incoherent.’‘An incoherent?’‘Yes. You know, he drinks too much.’
Well, she became pregnant. She was going to have an illiterate baby.’
he was taking the bull to the vet to have him castigated
Are you going to go all silent and withdrawn and morass?’
I've read many of Gerald Durrell's stories and liked everyone of them.
Enjoy!
July 4, 2013
Superb. A gem of a book. I read this at least four times in the 70's. Bits and bobs from his life that he couldn't find a place for in other books are collected together and make for some glorious and hilarious episodes. I particularly liked his investigations into the lives of people living just off Kensington High Street who survived rent free as long as their "businesses" made no profit; his attempts to buy items from their shops are met with great resistance. Other anecdotes about attempting to defuse a tense situation in Albania by trying magic tricks on hostile natives and attempting to entertain a District Commissioner to a slap-up dinner in tropical Africa show just how wrong things can go when one is wishing to impress.
February 18, 2019
A collection of 5 slice of life stories by the noted naturalist.
While I loved the very charming "A Transport of Terrapins", I found the other four merely okay. As someone new to this author's writings, I suspect that this collection was not the best place to start.
While I loved the very charming "A Transport of Terrapins", I found the other four merely okay. As someone new to this author's writings, I suspect that this collection was not the best place to start.
October 22, 2021
ENGLISH: The three initial chapters of this book tell stories about Gerald Durrell's life as a child and as a collector of animals: a hilarious anecdote (the longest in the book) about his life in Corfu with his family, which does not appear in his famous trilogy; his first job in a pet shop; and another hilarious anecdote during his first trip to collect animals in Cameroon.
I liked less the last two chapters of the book, which tell stories about Durrell's life in England.
ESPAÑOL: Los tres primeros capítulos de este libro cuentan historias sueltas de la vida de Gerald Durrell cuando era niño y cuando recolectaba animales: desde una anécdota hilarante (la más larga del libro) sobre su vida en Corfú con su familia, que no aparece en su famosa trilogía, pasando por su primer trabajo en una tienda de animales, y terminando con otra anécdota hilarante durante su primer viaje para conseguir animales en el Camerún.
Los dos últimos capítulos del libro, que cuentan anécdotas de su vida en Inglaterra, me gustaron menos.
I liked less the last two chapters of the book, which tell stories about Durrell's life in England.
ESPAÑOL: Los tres primeros capítulos de este libro cuentan historias sueltas de la vida de Gerald Durrell cuando era niño y cuando recolectaba animales: desde una anécdota hilarante (la más larga del libro) sobre su vida en Corfú con su familia, que no aparece en su famosa trilogía, pasando por su primer trabajo en una tienda de animales, y terminando con otra anécdota hilarante durante su primer viaje para conseguir animales en el Camerún.
Los dos últimos capítulos del libro, que cuentan anécdotas de su vida en Inglaterra, me gustaron menos.
February 10, 2025
Ocena: 3,25/5
„Groch z kapustą i inne historie” Geralda Durrella to moje pierwsze spotkanie z twórczością autora – choć uważam je za udane, mam pewne zastrzeżenia. Nie wszystko w tych opowieściach „dobrze się zestarzało”.
Ostatnio odczarowałam zbiory opowiadań, więc chętniej po nie sięgam. W tym przypadku mamy do czynienia z pięcioma zupełnie różnymi historiami z życia autora, które łączy jego charakterystyczny styl. Wszystkie są lekkie, pełne humoru, uwielbienia do przyrody i w pewien sposób swojskie. Łatwo wyobrazić sobie realia, w których toczy się akcja, jakbyśmy sami w nich uczestniczyli. To naprawdę wyjątkowe – dawno nie miałam takiego odczucia, które kojarzy mi się z książkami przyrodniczymi i podróżniczymi, jakie czytałam w dzieciństwie.
Najbardziej przypadła mi do gustu opowieść o pracy autora jako asystenta w londyńskim sklepie zoologicznym. Widać w niej ogromne uwielbienie i pasję do zwierząt. Dodatkowo wywołała we mnie skojarzenia z dzieciństwem – ciepłem lata, czytaniem na antresoli i spacerami po lesie w poszukiwaniu dzikich stworzeń. Kolejne historie zabierają nas na Korfu, do Afryki, a także do Bournemouth w Wielkiej Brytanii.
Teraz jednak przejdźmy do tego, co może odebrać radość z lektury współczesnym czytelnikom. Niestety, Durrell był typowym, uprzywilejowanym białym człowiekiem swoich czasów. A że żył w latach 1925–1995, można się spodziewać, że niektóre żarty i komentarze mają zabarwienie rasistowskie – szczególnie w opowiadaniu osadzonym w brytyjskiej kolonii w Afryce. Dla części osób będzie to do zaakceptowania jako kontekst historyczny, dla innych – nie do przełknięcia. To sytuacja podobna do tej z „W pustyni i w puszczy”, więc ostrzegam. W dodatku tutaj problematyczne treści są podane w humorystycznej formie, co może dodatkowo zniesmaczyć.
Podsumowując: zbiór zabawnych i barwnych opowieści z dawką przestarzałych poglądów.
Czytana w ramach współpracy barterowej z Wydawcą.
„Groch z kapustą i inne historie” Geralda Durrella to moje pierwsze spotkanie z twórczością autora – choć uważam je za udane, mam pewne zastrzeżenia. Nie wszystko w tych opowieściach „dobrze się zestarzało”.
Ostatnio odczarowałam zbiory opowiadań, więc chętniej po nie sięgam. W tym przypadku mamy do czynienia z pięcioma zupełnie różnymi historiami z życia autora, które łączy jego charakterystyczny styl. Wszystkie są lekkie, pełne humoru, uwielbienia do przyrody i w pewien sposób swojskie. Łatwo wyobrazić sobie realia, w których toczy się akcja, jakbyśmy sami w nich uczestniczyli. To naprawdę wyjątkowe – dawno nie miałam takiego odczucia, które kojarzy mi się z książkami przyrodniczymi i podróżniczymi, jakie czytałam w dzieciństwie.
Najbardziej przypadła mi do gustu opowieść o pracy autora jako asystenta w londyńskim sklepie zoologicznym. Widać w niej ogromne uwielbienie i pasję do zwierząt. Dodatkowo wywołała we mnie skojarzenia z dzieciństwem – ciepłem lata, czytaniem na antresoli i spacerami po lesie w poszukiwaniu dzikich stworzeń. Kolejne historie zabierają nas na Korfu, do Afryki, a także do Bournemouth w Wielkiej Brytanii.
Teraz jednak przejdźmy do tego, co może odebrać radość z lektury współczesnym czytelnikom. Niestety, Durrell był typowym, uprzywilejowanym białym człowiekiem swoich czasów. A że żył w latach 1925–1995, można się spodziewać, że niektóre żarty i komentarze mają zabarwienie rasistowskie – szczególnie w opowiadaniu osadzonym w brytyjskiej kolonii w Afryce. Dla części osób będzie to do zaakceptowania jako kontekst historyczny, dla innych – nie do przełknięcia. To sytuacja podobna do tej z „W pustyni i w puszczy”, więc ostrzegam. W dodatku tutaj problematyczne treści są podane w humorystycznej formie, co może dodatkowo zniesmaczyć.
Podsumowując: zbiór zabawnych i barwnych opowieści z dawką przestarzałych poglądów.
Czytana w ramach współpracy barterowej z Wydawcą.
September 19, 2019
A fantastic collection of short stories (memoirs really, because they are true) following Gerald Durrell through his eventful life as the animal-mad youngest child in a very eccentric British family abroad. The humour is great - very dry and British, just my type of thing. There's a vast array of well-written 'characters', and any number of incredible events to enjoy.
The Birthday Party
Gerry's about 12 or so as the family and a rather varied bunch of friends take a very eventful trip in a boat round various Greek islands. All sorts of troubles befall them including two life-or-death situations. Ever-present is the dry, sarcastic, worldly older brother Larry, who makes even the most desperate situation hilarious.
A Transport of Terrapins
15-year-old Gerry takes up a job in a pet shop and has his work cut out with his boss Mr Romilly. Also in this story we meet the Colonel, and hear the strange tale of Potts Lane
A Question of Promotion
This time it's an adult Gerry we find in 'deepest Africa' helping out his friend the District Officer as he desperately prepares for a visit from the District Commissioner. As always, the tale includes a cabaret of hilarious characters to ensure that, on the fatal night, nothing goes as planned and the reader is really in for a treat.
A Question of Degrees
Now married, Gerry is sent to 'the loony bin' - or 'a highly respectable nursing home which specialises in nervous complaints'. Needless to say, Gerry is in for anything but a restful stay as, aided by nurses who look like 'the entrants in a Miss World Competion', he battles a series of violent nosebleeds which the Miss World entrants are complete unable to deal with. The tale ends with a really quite alarming visit to the hospital...
Ursula
Gerry's young again and living in Bournemouth, where he meets an enchanting girl called Ursula. Despite being warned by friends, Gerry takes Ursula out, with disastrous consequences.
Thoroughly enjoyed + THOROUGHLY recommend!
The Birthday Party
Gerry's about 12 or so as the family and a rather varied bunch of friends take a very eventful trip in a boat round various Greek islands. All sorts of troubles befall them including two life-or-death situations. Ever-present is the dry, sarcastic, worldly older brother Larry, who makes even the most desperate situation hilarious.
A Transport of Terrapins
15-year-old Gerry takes up a job in a pet shop and has his work cut out with his boss Mr Romilly. Also in this story we meet the Colonel, and hear the strange tale of Potts Lane
A Question of Promotion
This time it's an adult Gerry we find in 'deepest Africa' helping out his friend the District Officer as he desperately prepares for a visit from the District Commissioner. As always, the tale includes a cabaret of hilarious characters to ensure that, on the fatal night, nothing goes as planned and the reader is really in for a treat.
A Question of Degrees
Now married, Gerry is sent to 'the loony bin' - or 'a highly respectable nursing home which specialises in nervous complaints'. Needless to say, Gerry is in for anything but a restful stay as, aided by nurses who look like 'the entrants in a Miss World Competion', he battles a series of violent nosebleeds which the Miss World entrants are complete unable to deal with. The tale ends with a really quite alarming visit to the hospital...
Ursula
Gerry's young again and living in Bournemouth, where he meets an enchanting girl called Ursula. Despite being warned by friends, Gerry takes Ursula out, with disastrous consequences.
Thoroughly enjoyed + THOROUGHLY recommend!
February 18, 2019
3.5 stars- Sweet, funny, charming short stories from naturalist Gerald Durrell. I’ve seen the Durrells in Corfu on PBS, which was funny, but seemed mostly focused on the romantic lives of the various family members, and didn’t know what to expect from this book, which I read with the Retro Reads group.
The stories are varied, from different times in his life, not really told in any particular order or with a theme - except all reflect his warmth, sense of humor and love of animals! I really enjoyed his story set in Africa - he’s had some amazing adventures, and clearly met some wonderful people - and the last chapter about a girlfriend from his time in Bournemouth who was a stunning Miss Malaprop (Ursula). I couldn’t help wondering what havoc would ensue if Martin, the hapless friend in Africa who didn’t have a clue how to entertain the visiting powers that be, had married Ursula! That would have made a rip-roaring story...
But my favorite story was A Transport of Terrapins, about his time as an assistant in a pet shop in London; it was truly sweet and funny and charming. It also made me nostalgic for a time when a young boy could wander about a city, pursue his passion, and meet all sorts of interesting people! The Birthday Party story, first in the book, is set in Corfu and has several family members and characters familiar to me from the show - the descriptions of scenery were lovely and there was some humor, similar to the show, but older brother Larry ruined it for me - he really came across as a pig! Otherwise, a lovely collection of stories.
The stories are varied, from different times in his life, not really told in any particular order or with a theme - except all reflect his warmth, sense of humor and love of animals! I really enjoyed his story set in Africa - he’s had some amazing adventures, and clearly met some wonderful people - and the last chapter about a girlfriend from his time in Bournemouth who was a stunning Miss Malaprop (Ursula). I couldn’t help wondering what havoc would ensue if Martin, the hapless friend in Africa who didn’t have a clue how to entertain the visiting powers that be, had married Ursula! That would have made a rip-roaring story...
But my favorite story was A Transport of Terrapins, about his time as an assistant in a pet shop in London; it was truly sweet and funny and charming. It also made me nostalgic for a time when a young boy could wander about a city, pursue his passion, and meet all sorts of interesting people! The Birthday Party story, first in the book, is set in Corfu and has several family members and characters familiar to me from the show - the descriptions of scenery were lovely and there was some humor, similar to the show, but older brother Larry ruined it for me - he really came across as a pig! Otherwise, a lovely collection of stories.
November 28, 2022
It is my favorite book by Gerald Durrell. I absolutely love it!
I read it a million times, love all of the stories, always laugh out loud at Durrell’s brilliant humor.
I read it a million times, love all of the stories, always laugh out loud at Durrell’s brilliant humor.
February 28, 2022
Es difícil que un libro haga reír y este lo ha conseguido (lo que me hace disfrutar el doble del placer de leer :)
Relatos de distintas etapas del autor simpáticos y desenfadados.
Relatos de distintas etapas del autor simpáticos y desenfadados.
July 30, 2019
This is a pleasant miscellany of leftover essays that didn’t make it into any of Durrell’s other books. The best is “The Birthday Party,” about an incident from the Corfu years: Larry insisted on taking the fridge along on Mother’s birthday outing to an island, and their boat ran out of petrol. In “A Transport of Terrapins,” teenage Gerry works as a lowly pet shop assistant in London even though he knows twice as much as his boss; and meets other eccentric fellows, such as a bird collector and a retired colonel who has a house full of model figures for war gaming. “A Question of Promotion” is set on one of Durrell’s animal-collecting expeditions to Cameroon and turned me off a little with its colonial attitude: Durrell talks in condescending pidgin to the natives as he helps prepare a feast for the District Commissioner’s visit. In “A Question of Degrees” he visits two hospitals for a cataclysmic nosebleed, while “Ursula” is about a girlfriend who couldn’t open her mouth without uttering a malapropism. Entertaining scraps for diehard fans; if you’re new to Durrell, though, start with My Family and Other Animals and Menagerie Manor.
March 24, 2022
Este libro es una colección de seis relatos, seis vivencias divertidas que vivió el propio autor, en diferentes etapas de su vida, ubicadas en diferentes lugares como, por ejemplo, Corfú, Londres, Camerún, …
Con un humor exquisito, es un libro que se lee rápido y es muy ameno. Yo diría que es tan ameno como cualquiera de sus otros libros. Con él siempre tienes una sonrisa en los labios.
Me ha apenado acabarlo. En realidad, me hubiese quedado unos días más con Gerald Durrell y su libro “Filetes de lenguado”.
Con un humor exquisito, es un libro que se lee rápido y es muy ameno. Yo diría que es tan ameno como cualquiera de sus otros libros. Con él siempre tienes una sonrisa en los labios.
Me ha apenado acabarlo. En realidad, me hubiese quedado unos días más con Gerald Durrell y su libro “Filetes de lenguado”.
June 19, 2024
Urocza ramotka, zupełnie nieprzystająca do dzisiejszego dyskursu na wielu płaszczyznach. Ot taka powiastka, przyjemnie się czytająca
November 28, 2015
Gerry and his brother (can't remember which. Larry? Leslie?) sit outside one starry night years and years after My Family and Other Animals. Gerry happens to mention that he has a stash of experiences and funny stories which didn't make it to his previous books, but could possibly be compiled into one more. Big L. tells him to go ahead, and this is the result.
Hilarious as only Durrell can be, the collection of stories in here touches each part of his life — from childhood, to adolescence, to adulthood, and are all equally enthralling. It's interesting to see what the little Gerry grew into and what he did during his young adult years. More of his personality emerges in these stories, as opposed to how he presented himself in My Family, where he was more like an observer.
Also, dry, British humour. Win win.
Hilarious as only Durrell can be, the collection of stories in here touches each part of his life — from childhood, to adolescence, to adulthood, and are all equally enthralling. It's interesting to see what the little Gerry grew into and what he did during his young adult years. More of his personality emerges in these stories, as opposed to how he presented himself in My Family, where he was more like an observer.
Also, dry, British humour. Win win.
August 27, 2017
A halak jelleme novellái egymástól térben és időben különböznek, és bevallom, nem mindegyiket találtam egyformán szórakoztatónak, ennek dacára érdekesek egy elmúlt, letűnt világ képeként.
http://napifalat.blogspot.hu/2017/08/...
http://napifalat.blogspot.hu/2017/08/...
November 26, 2024
Delizioso mix di umorismo, fascino e buona narrazione.
Attraverso brevi racconti autobiografici, Durrell trasporta i lettori nel suo mondo di personaggi eccentrici, avventure stravaganti e profondo amore per la natura, mostrando la sua capacità nel trasformare le esperienze quotidiane in racconti accattivanti, pieni di arguzia e umanità. Ogni capitolo offre uno spaccato unico della sua vita, che spazia da risate a crepapelle a riflessioni toccanti. La prosa coinvolgente e le descrizioni vivide rendono le storie sia familiari che memorabili, facendo trasparire la passione di fondo dell'autore per il mondo naturale.
Insomma, lettura molto piacevole, perfetta per chiunque cerchi un viaggio spensierato ma significativo attraverso gli occhi di un bravo narratore, amante della natura.
PS: la stella mancante è dovuta ad un mio limite personale: non riesco ad apprezzare completamente i racconti 😱
Attraverso brevi racconti autobiografici, Durrell trasporta i lettori nel suo mondo di personaggi eccentrici, avventure stravaganti e profondo amore per la natura, mostrando la sua capacità nel trasformare le esperienze quotidiane in racconti accattivanti, pieni di arguzia e umanità. Ogni capitolo offre uno spaccato unico della sua vita, che spazia da risate a crepapelle a riflessioni toccanti. La prosa coinvolgente e le descrizioni vivide rendono le storie sia familiari che memorabili, facendo trasparire la passione di fondo dell'autore per il mondo naturale.
Insomma, lettura molto piacevole, perfetta per chiunque cerchi un viaggio spensierato ma significativo attraverso gli occhi di un bravo narratore, amante della natura.
PS: la stella mancante è dovuta ad un mio limite personale: non riesco ad apprezzare completamente i racconti 😱
November 10, 2022
Libro de relatos que te hace pasar un buen rato.
September 21, 2007
Fillets of Plaice ~ a collection of short stories written by that wonderful author; Gerald Durrell...
* The Birth of a Title...
Short story about HOW they came up with the title for the book: luscious visions of a laid back time during a stay on the Island of Corfu..
* The Birthday Party ... `Tis Mother's birthday; and a party MUST be given... Larry is told SPECIFICALLY ...NOT to take the "icebox" from the kitchen... which he totally ignores
The hilarious and rollicking adventure unfolds and proceeds to entertain in adundance!
A wonderful read; not to be missed!
*A Transport of Terrapins...
A very young Gerry back in England, and his adventures as he takes on a job in a Pet Shop in 1930's London! A wonderful story; filled to the brim with humour and interesting prose!
*A Question of Promotion
A hilarious view of Gerald while in Mamfe ....collecting wild animals (as was his life's work) and Martin;the D.O. [district officer] and his antics as he strives to handle a visit from a "Big Wig" his senior THE DISTRIC COMMISSIONER....
You are in for a slap-stick, hilarious romp as the folk involved with Martin and Gerald prepare for the invasion of this 'personage'!!
*Ursula...
A tale of early romance; Gerry meets a 'vision' on a bus in downtown London; all it's hilarious consequence ~ and romantic verve thrown in with the wild adventures of Ursula herself...
A wonderful, rollicking adventure!
* The Birth of a Title...
Short story about HOW they came up with the title for the book: luscious visions of a laid back time during a stay on the Island of Corfu..
* The Birthday Party ... `Tis Mother's birthday; and a party MUST be given... Larry is told SPECIFICALLY ...NOT to take the "icebox" from the kitchen... which he totally ignores
The hilarious and rollicking adventure unfolds and proceeds to entertain in adundance!
A wonderful read; not to be missed!
*A Transport of Terrapins...
A very young Gerry back in England, and his adventures as he takes on a job in a Pet Shop in 1930's London! A wonderful story; filled to the brim with humour and interesting prose!
*A Question of Promotion
A hilarious view of Gerald while in Mamfe ....collecting wild animals (as was his life's work) and Martin;the D.O. [district officer] and his antics as he strives to handle a visit from a "Big Wig" his senior THE DISTRIC COMMISSIONER....
You are in for a slap-stick, hilarious romp as the folk involved with Martin and Gerald prepare for the invasion of this 'personage'!!
*Ursula...
A tale of early romance; Gerry meets a 'vision' on a bus in downtown London; all it's hilarious consequence ~ and romantic verve thrown in with the wild adventures of Ursula herself...
A wonderful, rollicking adventure!
November 6, 2009
Otro magnífico libro de Durrell. en esta ocasión se trata de seis relatos deslabazados (de ahí el título), que Durrell nos quiere ofrecer con su ingenioso humor british total.
Los dos primeros nos remontan a su infancia en la isla de Corfú, y podían haber sido perfectamente añadidos a su "Mi familia y otros animales", ya comentado. Deliciosos relatos de la singular familia y sus peripecias en Corfú, vistas a través de los inocentes ojos del autor. El tercero nos traslada al Londres de su adolescencia, a su primer trabajo, y los extraños personajes propietarios de las tiendas de animales más extravagantes, sin olvidar la aparición del Coronel Anstruther. El cuarto relato nos traslada a Africa, y a los preparativos que el grupo de blancos realiza para la inspección de un oficial de distrito. Hilarante historia. El quinto narra la surrealista experiencia del agotado Durrell en una clínica para combatir el stress, y por último el sexto nos describe la primera relación del naturalista con el sexo opuesto, de su "enamoramiento" de la estrafalaria Ursula.
En definitiva, un libro muy ameno, de los que da gusto leer (y más si se ha superado con éxito la lectura de otras farragosas novelas :-). Sonrisa en boca promete, promete una agradable experiencia.
Los dos primeros nos remontan a su infancia en la isla de Corfú, y podían haber sido perfectamente añadidos a su "Mi familia y otros animales", ya comentado. Deliciosos relatos de la singular familia y sus peripecias en Corfú, vistas a través de los inocentes ojos del autor. El tercero nos traslada al Londres de su adolescencia, a su primer trabajo, y los extraños personajes propietarios de las tiendas de animales más extravagantes, sin olvidar la aparición del Coronel Anstruther. El cuarto relato nos traslada a Africa, y a los preparativos que el grupo de blancos realiza para la inspección de un oficial de distrito. Hilarante historia. El quinto narra la surrealista experiencia del agotado Durrell en una clínica para combatir el stress, y por último el sexto nos describe la primera relación del naturalista con el sexo opuesto, de su "enamoramiento" de la estrafalaria Ursula.
En definitiva, un libro muy ameno, de los que da gusto leer (y más si se ha superado con éxito la lectura de otras farragosas novelas :-). Sonrisa en boca promete, promete una agradable experiencia.
August 27, 2014
Апетитно блюдо хумор и приключения, забъркано по рецепта на британския писател, естествоизпитател и природозащитник Джералд Даръл!„Филе от камбала“ е безценна колекция разкази, които ще ви понесат първо към Корфу, където целокупното Дарълово семейство спретва на майка си незабравим рожден ден, после към Камерун, където канените за вечеря гости ще бъдат, меко казано, изненадани от доста неканени. А в кроткия морски курорт Борнмът на английското крайбрежие ще се срещнете с очарователната Урсула, царицата на светските гафове.
Джералд Даръл (1925-1995) е уважаван в цял свят писател и естествоизпитател, роден в Индия, известен като основател на Джърсейския тръст за защита на дивите животни (впоследствие наречен на негово име) и на Джърсейската зоологическа градина. След първата си експедиция в Африка през 1947 г. той посещава Парагвай, Аржентина, Сиера Леоне, Мексико, Мавриций и Мадагаскар, участва и в телевизионни предавания, в които споделя преживяванията си в Австралия и Нова Зеландия. Даръл създава двайсетина книги, постигнали грандиозен успех заради тънкото му чувство за хумор.
Джералд Даръл (1925-1995) е уважаван в цял свят писател и естествоизпитател, роден в Индия, известен като основател на Джърсейския тръст за защита на дивите животни (впоследствие наречен на негово име) и на Джърсейската зоологическа градина. След първата си експедиция в Африка през 1947 г. той посещава Парагвай, Аржентина, Сиера Леоне, Мексико, Мавриций и Мадагаскар, участва и в телевизионни предавания, в които споделя преживяванията си в Австралия и Нова Зеландия. Даръл създава двайсетина книги, постигнали грандиозен успех заради тънкото му чувство за хумор.
October 21, 2018
A Gerald Durrell that I'd not read! What a find, and what a pleasure. His wit and wordsmithing delights, from Corfu, and a his forays into the world after leaving the magic Greek Isle to Britain and the jungles of Cameroon. A special pleasure was hearing--and yes, reading Gerry, is like he is a friend telling his tale--of his first encounter and bewitchment by the exquisite Ursula, it a like given the choice pick in a box of chocolates. I had read of later chance encounters with this woman (esp. in Marrying Off Mother) who has a way with the English language that exceeds, and excels, definition, so to uncover the origin of his romance is real treat. Enjoy the new "based on" BBC series on tv (or even better the 1987 series--actually based on Gerald's adventures) as charming as they are, but for a true taste of the real thing, read, read, read the works of Gerald Durrell.
February 19, 2009
I first read this while on a 1974/75 holiday in a remote village on one of the many islands that make up the Solomon Islands. I left it behind because we were travelling light.
Then I spent many years trying to find another copy to relive again Durrell's wonderfully hilarious biographical tales of a childhood on Corfu, and in 1930's London and as an adult in Africa.
Found a copy FINALLY in Feb 2007!!!
Read it immediately.
Do the same, is all I can say.
His "My Family and Other Animals" is entirely set on Corfu during an idyllic and eccentric childhood, his family and the Greek inhabitants being not the least of the non-stop entertainment.
READ IT!!!!
Then I spent many years trying to find another copy to relive again Durrell's wonderfully hilarious biographical tales of a childhood on Corfu, and in 1930's London and as an adult in Africa.
Found a copy FINALLY in Feb 2007!!!
Read it immediately.
Do the same, is all I can say.
His "My Family and Other Animals" is entirely set on Corfu during an idyllic and eccentric childhood, his family and the Greek inhabitants being not the least of the non-stop entertainment.
READ IT!!!!
May 23, 2017
A collection of stories that never made it into his other books. Includes his mother's birthday party on Corfu, where they are marooned in an isolated cove for days; his first job at a pet shop in London; his stay (sort of) at a sanitorium; and his love affair with Ursula, a woman with a complete lack of self-consciousness and a tendency to malapropisms. Fun reading, but also gives some insight into the author's personality.
June 12, 2015
Джери Даръл - този остроумен магьосник на словото, готов винаги да те разсмее, да ти осигури приятна почивка сред страниците, ми е любимец още откакто бях дете. С него няма как да скучаеш, а още по-малко да се отегчиш. Лек, свеж и интересен, този писател-пътешественик никога няма да ми омръзне. Препоръчвам с две ръце.
July 27, 2016
Durrell's first short story collection and it is great, even the first encounter with Ursula Pendragon. Every story is a winner be it the pet store job or the dinner from hell. It's laugh out loud moments from start to finish.
November 19, 2015
Writing was still good and stories entertaining, but there was an extra heaping of misogyny from a few characters and the story set in Africa was so full of colonial justification it turned my stomach
August 3, 2016
These stories that didn't fit into Durrell's other books are just hilarious. I suggest that they are read with tissues at hand to wipe the tears of laughter. I f you don't find this funny, we definitely don't have the same sense of humour!
August 13, 2021
Fillets of Plaice is a new read for me, and one I couldn't help but enjoy since it has another very funny Corfu story and several eccentric new characters. "The Birthday Party" and "A Transport of Terrapins" are easily my favorite stories, perhaps because of the more nostalgic settings and tone. "A Question of Degrees" is the weakest, but maybe I just find graphic descriptions of nosebleeds more stressful than amusing. Even that story still had some darkly funny moments too though.
The biggest drawback of Fillets of Plaice is that some of the "jokes" are highly uncomfortable to read. Slightly off-color humor does unfortunately pop up even in some of Durrell's best books, but for whatever reason the ones in Fillets of Plaice seemed more egregious than usual.
Otherwise, Fillets of Plaice is a fun little anthology. Reading some of the stories felt like diving back into the original Corfu trilogy. If you love Durrell's Corfu books as much as I do, this book is worth reading at least for "The Birthday Party" and "A Transport of Terrapins"!
The biggest drawback of Fillets of Plaice is that some of the "jokes" are highly uncomfortable to read. Slightly off-color humor does unfortunately pop up even in some of Durrell's best books, but for whatever reason the ones in Fillets of Plaice seemed more egregious than usual.
Otherwise, Fillets of Plaice is a fun little anthology. Reading some of the stories felt like diving back into the original Corfu trilogy. If you love Durrell's Corfu books as much as I do, this book is worth reading at least for "The Birthday Party" and "A Transport of Terrapins"!
January 19, 2021
A collection of five essays that haven’t got into Gerald Durrell’s other books. My favorite piece is The Birthday Party, in which we are again transported back to 1930s’ Corfu to have a good laugh with the Durrells. Larry is a colorful character, wonderfully drawn. He is somewhat misogynistic by today’s standard, but oh well, he knows men. A Question of Promotion is hilarious, although the “benevolent colonist” cliche puts me off a little.
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