Books: “Rosy Is My Relative” by Gerald Durrell

Simple, funny and thoroughly charming- a delightful change after the succession of war stories. Yet, a poignqnt reminder of our warped relationship we humans have with animals; the godly narcissism that make us believe we can tame even the kind (most of the time drunk) and clever elephant, Rosy. Her drunken antics are hysterical, comedic timing impeccable. Trying to stuff hay in her mouth with her trunk, missing the mark in her inebriated state, would make any cynic ponder at the question: what exactly is ‘human-ness’ when we all act the same when drunk? Those who fall utterly in love with Rosy make such a unique group of outlandish yet wholly loveable characters that appeal to that not-quite yet lost innocence within.

“‘Just let me get this straight. YOU are playing the Sultan’s favourite wife, and SHE’S, he said pointing at Honoria, who was now displaying a vast expanse of pearly bosom, ‘SHE’S playing the principal boy?
‘But of course’ said Ethelbert. ‘Silly boy, it’s always like that in pantomimes.’
‘Oh,’ said Adrian. ‘Well, it sounds very queer to me.’
‘You’ll soon get used to it,’ said Ethelbert. ‘It’s merely a question of adjusting.’”