Having watched the Durrell's TV Series I was desperate to get into this book and discover not only the family's history but also how modern-day Corfu was keeping their tales alive. I found Penny's story that lead her to Corfu an individual and emotional one, a theme that carried on throughout the book as she visited the sites that her father never got to see.
However, at times the story seemed to drag. I appreciate that the author kept the visiting of the Durrell's homes as realistic as possible, respecting the fact that most of them are now privately owned. But considering visiting the Durrell's sights was the main theme of the book, the short visits fell a little flat. I would have loved to have had Penny's visits stretched out a little more and often they lacked true feeling.
On the other hand, the descriptions of Corfu were brilliant and truly made me feel like I was with Penny on her holiday. The read was bittersweet as I would love to go anywhere in the world right now but currently can't due to the circumstances we are living in. A perfect, easy-going Summer read.
However, at times the story seemed to drag. I appreciate that the author kept the visiting of the Durrell's homes as realistic as possible, respecting the fact that most of them are now privately owned. But considering visiting the Durrell's sights was the main theme of the book, the short visits fell a little flat. I would have loved to have had Penny's visits stretched out a little more and often they lacked true feeling.
On the other hand, the descriptions of Corfu were brilliant and truly made me feel like I was with Penny on her holiday. The read was bittersweet as I would love to go anywhere in the world right now but currently can't due to the circumstances we are living in. A perfect, easy-going Summer read.