The Garden of the Gods (1978)

I have only one criticism of this book and that is at only 188 pages it is far too short. How I longed for it to continue! This is the final instalment of Gerald Durrell's 'Corfu Trilogy' in which he tells of his 'truly happy and sunlit childhood' and like the previous 'Birds, Beasts and Relatives' is not so much a continuation of the original 'My family and Other Animals' as another addition, with scenes often slotting in amongst the previous two books. This is a truly delightful book full of the sunshine and wonder of the previous two books but with even richer descriptions of the wildlife and island scenery than before that I felt that I too was there, going on expeditions with the young Gerry and staying at the villa and attending the family's crazy parties. A very fitting finale to this excellent trilogy and great reading for all who love animals, or simply enjoy experiencing true joie de vivre. ( )

This is the finish to the trilogy of books Durrell wrote about growing up on Corfu. I love all three books for their combination of family memoir and natural history. Durrell writes well and these books are very funny so beware of reading them on public transportation!

These books delighted me as a middle-school aged kid when I read them before and they are just as delightful now as I aspire to adulthood. Some day I will at least visit Corfu, but my true fantasy is to find a strawberry pink villa there in which to retire in splendor. ( )

Brilliantly funny conclusion of the Corfu Trilogy:: Gerald Durrell does it again in this book succeeding in not only painting a true, vivid and beautiful picture of life on the Island of Corfu, but in regaling us with the humerous antics of his friends, family and his animals. A wonderful conclusion to the trilogy and a book that i would very much love to own again.