Poll

Outside the US and Canada The Professor and the Madman is often titled The Surgeon of Crowthorne!

Quite correct. That's how I know the book too, Charlie, but GR only allows me to enter one title in the field. When I first entered a member's nomination into the suggestions for the poll, I did put both titles.

Cheers, it looks good

It looks as if the chances are good :)

I love Gerald Durrell's enchanting stories about the animals and the people he loves. What an amazing talent he has for storytelling.!

He did indeed Joan, and so very different in style from his brother Lawrence Durrell. What a talented family they were for sure.

I read Lawrence Durrell's "Justine Quartet" many years ago (when I was very young!) Those stories, and his way of telling those stories, have stayed with me. He's a more complex writer than his brother Gerald--that's why I'm enjoying "The Durrells of Corfu" series on PBS so much!

I'm afraid I've never related to him as much as to Gerald - Lawrence Durrell is too esoteric for me! I didn't try the BBC TV programmes you mention either, just in case they disappointed me. I'm glad you're enjoying them a lot though :)

Bionic Jean wrote: "I'm afraid I've never related to him as much as to Gerald - Lawrence Durrell is too esoteric for me! I didn't try the BBC TV programmes you mention either, just in case they disappoin..."

I also enjoy Gerald’s stories. The BBC series is a lot of fun, think you might enjoy it Jean.

Next time it's on, maybe I'll give it a try - thanks all who've recommended it :)

I commented earlier about Lawrence Durrell and realize I misnamed what I should have called the Alexandria Quartet. The name Justine stuck in my mind over the years.

Do try the PBS series "The Durrells of Corfu." There are a few episodes left, and they will give you a flavor of the wonderful, crazed family. I loved when it was said about Gerald, the youngest child, "He's been the most mature member of the family for years."

Oh yes Joan - oddly I didn't notice either! Probably because that was the name of the first one.

I like the idea that Gerald Durrell was the sanest of them, and in a way it was perfect that his family were so eccentric, or they would surely never have allowed him to explore and collect his exotic animals when he was only or 5 or 6.

Having read The Corfu Trilogy (of which My Family and Other Animals is the first part) and several others, I know well what he was like ... I can also (just!) remember his personality from television. That's really why I feared these later TV programmes, based on his autobiographical works, might disappoint me.

I'm glad they seem to be well done, and hopefully authentic. I might take a risk and watch next time they're on again in the UK :)

I'm like Gerry--I would have loved to have goats in the house. Now, not so much!

I just wanted to share with you another line that made me laugh.

In the last episode, Louisa's lawyer/cousin said when he put on a suit, "I feel like a cross between a weasel and a shark." Larry answered, "Don't tell Gerry, he'll want one."

It was nice talking with you.

Oh I love that, Joan! Now you have made me look forward to the repeats, thank you :)

Neither vote was close this time around. I hope to read both books with the group.

It's almost impossible to predict!