A Zoo in My Luggage

Four stars minus. I absolutely loved the Corfu Trilogy, but this book was not the same. I missed the family members, the familiar, sometimes quirky inhabitants of Corfu, and perhaps the Gerry himself. Not surprisingly, adult Gerry is not as much fun as young Gerry. They have a lot in common, but it is just not the same. This book tells the story of Gerry and his wife on a trip to Africa where they are collecting animals for a zoo that Gerry wants to operate in the UK. He does not yet have a location for the zoo, but he does not seem overly concerned about that. He tells the story with a light touch. It is filled with animals, humor, and adventure. The dialect that is used in recounting conversation and correspondence with Africans made me uncomfortable and dated the story.

What a delightful page turner! I loved this book so much I finished it within hours of the 200 pages book. Witty, skillful, and hilarious, are just 3 words out of many more that can describe this superbly written book. I Ordered this book after watching The Durrells in Corfu series and fell in love with the family stories. However, I was not expecting Gerrard Durrell’s commitments to animals to be such captivating tales told by him. I caught my self smiling, laughing, and Googling some of the unfamiliar animals he had in the stories. I was involved!His descriptions of landscapes, happenings, people, and emotions are so catchy that they put the reader in the instance and seeing the unfolding of the stories live from his eyes. The simplicity of life and less materialistic world, compared to the present, is such a breath of joy and envy, of how life way in the old days of 1950s. The relationship between people, the trust, the straight forwardness, were things of desire in today’s world. His relationship with the Fon of Baftu were filled with fun and endless drinking parties but the two men were connected in their hearts with warm friendship. It was exceptionally heartwarming and brought tears to my eyes when the night before Durrell was to leave Bafut, the interaction between them were so emotional and mutually respectful that they are examples of what friendship should be like.The setting of the real stories were in the early 50s so naturally the relationship and handling of the animals were not as today’s standard but Durrell’s love for animals and his strong will to raise awareness for conservation of them, especially endangered ones, are more advanced than what many people does today.All in all, exceptional tales of love of animals, distant land, people, and life. Looking forward to reading his other books.

Although the book and author are wonderful, my copy arrived nearly a week late and damaged. This is highly unusual for Amazon! Actually, I believe the delay and damaged was the fault of the carrier, USPS, and not Amazon. The paperback novel arrived bent, with large creases and the appearance and feel of water damage. Again, I reiterate, the novel is fantastic, written by one of my favorite authors, based on a true life family experiences of the famous Durrells!! The book is damaged, but my enthusiasm for reading this novel are not dampened!!

In a bizarre mix of sensitive conservation and egregious racism the author recounts his quest for beasts intended for a personal zoo. Durant also mimics the pigin and rampant sexism of his host, the Fon of Bafut (a local dignitary) who, truth be told, is a gentle giant of a man who takes no umbrage at Durant's casual descriptions of his fellow Africans as animals. And, after the shock wears off, this is a rollicking yarn, finding humor in both Europeans’, Orientals’, & Africans’ behavior, appearance s, and foibles.…

I love animals, and safe to say I love Gerry Durrell, now. Watched the PBS Durrells in Corfu. Got curious, and read these first two books. They are fantastic. Very descriptive of his first trip to Africa to fill his own zoo. He's been for other ppls zoos, and has relationships set up, which he writes about also. His animal stories very much remind me of my own. Will read more of his books!

I got hooked on this author watching the PBS series about his family and their time on the island of Corfu. Durrell's books are laugh out loud funny and educational at the same time. Must reads for anyone with a love of animals. This book deals with the trials and tribulations of collecting a zoo and then finding a place to put it. I fell in love with the Fons - the village leader where the Durrells stayed when collecting and hope there is more of his story in books I haven't yet read. A real winner!

I love his writing! He paints such a picture that you feel as though you are there. I'm working my way through all of the books by and about the Durrells. Also, love the PBS series, "The Durrells of Corfu." Fascinating family.

Made me want to travel the world to save animals or just go to the local zoo!I am rather conflicted about zoos...the animals frequently appear to be miserable or at least bored.However, the story was interesting.

Gerald Durrell was not only a terrific writer, he was also a fascinating and interesting person. This story of his adventures in Africa and his cooperation and friendship with the African chief makes the book a pleasure and delight to read. I have read his story of his boyhood in Corfu and now I will purchase his other books over the next year or so and know that I will enjoy thoroughly relaxed and enjoyable reading. I have also visited his excellent zoo in Jersey where all the animals are kept in roomy well equipped and clean accomodation.

This is by Gerald Durrell the naturalist who wrote My Family and Other Animals. It tells the story of how he wanted to open his own zoo. I bought this for my 9 year old son as he likes animals and he thought it was a fantastic book. Great characters, good story line and he has really enjoyed it. He has read all the usual Harry Potter, Ronald Dahl, Wimpy Kid etc and this was something different. Would definately recommend it for any boys who like to read.

I have visited the Durrell Zoo in Jersey and the book described the build up to finding this site on which to set up the zoo. I also read My Family and Other Animals, many years ago. Gerald Durrells description in both books were so descriptive that you could visualize the scene. A Zoo in My Luggage made for an interesting and very amusing read.

Once you start reading the books you can not put them down

After collecting animals for others, Gerald Durrell writes an enchanting description of how he collected animals for his own zoo. The descriptions of the animals and the difficulties of keeping them alive and healthy in captivity make great reading for anyone with an interest in natural history.His great affection for the local African people shines through also.