Description
This is a paperbound reprint of a 1971 work. Eccentric in a rather grand English manner, the Durrells spread joy and mayhem from various corners of the empire, took in the impecunious despite the fact they despised them, attempted to keep up appearances in a life run amok, and managed to care for each other very much while calling each other mad. Gerald, brother of Lawrence (Spirit of Place, hence the title for this memoir) combines his affection, or at least grim acceptance of his truly dysfunctional family with his sincere love of animals and his work for the survival of both. He offers five essays, starting in Corfu and winding up in London and Africa, concluding with a devotional to one of the best-drawn dimwitted beauties (Ah! Ursula!) in literature. Hilarious. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
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<p><b>The story of the Durrell family after they left the island of Corfu and returned to England. Young Gerald’s family hoped he’d outgrow his love of animals. It didn't quite work out that way.</b><br><br>After leaving the island of Corfu, the Durrell family and their Greek maid Maria Kondos moved back to Britain in 1939. It was difficult to find work, especially for a home-schooled boy, but Gerald managed to land a job as a helper at an aquarium and pet store. This is the story of those years, filled with humor—along with spiders, lizards and water fleas.<br><br>Gerald Durrell would go on to become a revered world conservation hero, and champion of all animals, especially those under threat and overlooked by others. The breeding sanctuary he established in the English Channel island of Jersey, the Wildlife Preservation Trust International, has done much to preserve critically endangered species. He also became a celebrated author, penning memoirs that captured the imagination of generations of animal lovers, charmed by his warmth and good humor.<br><br><b>Fillets of Plaice</b> is a wonderful addition to the story of Gerald Durrell’s life—a life very well lived with animals.</p>
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