Birds, Beasts and Relatives

            “Birds, Beasts and Relatives” is the second book in the Corfu Trilogy that describes the life of Durrell’s family on the Greek island of Corfu. Author of this book is Gerald Durrell, British naturalist, zookeeper, conservationist, author and television presenter. He is also author of the following books: “Corfu trilogy: My family and other animals, Birds, Beasts and Relatives, The Garden of the Gods”; “The Mockery Birds”, “The Amateur Naturalist”, “The New Noah”, “The Zoo in my Luggage”, “The Whispering Land” and many others. 

            “Birds, Beasts and Relatives” as well as other two books of “Corfu Trilogy” is autobiographical book about period during which author’s family was living at Corfu. Family was living there between 1935 and 1939, and author as called by family “Gerry” was only 10 years old when they came to Corfu. Following the first book “My Family and other Animals” in this book author tries to tell readers about more interesting events that happened during his time at Corfu. These interesting and funny events have as main characters every member of Durrell’s family: two brothers, sister, mother and author itself. They are very interesting family and every member is unique in his/her own way leading them in various adventures. However, main conflicts in family are arising from Gerry’s obsession with natural world and his determination to use every moment to look for unique species and to protect them, which as a consequence has house full of different animals such as owl, toad, hedgehogs, spiders etc.

            Throughout the whole book I was impressed at young Gerry’s determination to study natural world. Although he is only boy he considers himself as a serious naturalist and he takes observing insects and animals quite seriously prioritising that and using every free moment and every opportunity to find some new animal. Although young boy he has his study room where he keeps animals, he takes comprehensive notes, and reads as much as he can in order to gain more knowledge. Such dedication is rare even in adults. 

            It’s hard to find words to describe how much I have enjoyed reading this book. It’s very humorous and funny, but in same time inspiring book that show how beautiful nature and life is. Also, since boy Gerry grew up into successful naturalist, this book shows how we can lead happy life if we follow our dreams. I recommend this book to everybody: it will remind all of us how life is better when we invest our energy into things that interest us, and it will teach parents to support children in their dreams, because it’s only when they feel supported that they can realize their potential like Gerald Durrell.