Gerald Durrell's 'My Family and Other Animals' - Discussion Questions

Ten-year old Gerry, in Corfu, with faithful companion, Roger



My Family and Other Animals – Book Club Discussion

Plot:

·         What were the aspects of this book that appealed to you most?

·         Which appealed to you least?

Characterization:

·         The Durrells are quite a bunch of characters – did you have any favorites?

·         Among the non-Durrells, which of their friends, neighbors and acquaintances did you find most interesting?

·         Gerald Durrell infuses so much personality in his observations on animal character and behavior. Did any animal make an impression on you?

Setting:

·         Corfu, Greece is the setting. What images did you get of the place?

Language and Literary Elements:

·         Did you find any facet of Durrell’s style particularly striking?

·         What would you comment on this book as a work of…

1.      Humor

2.      Natural History

3.      Memoir

Key Theme

·         Why do you think Durrell wrote this book? What was he trying to say?

Discussion Questions:

·         Who is the real head of the Durrell household – Larry or Mother?

·         Reading this book, would you say that the family that laughs together stays together? If that is so, what does it say about families that cry together? What binds a family closer; is it the laughter or the tears?