Leslie Durrell was the least known member of the illustrious Durrell family, best known through the writings of his younger brother Gerald Durrell and older brother Lawrence Durrell. Though more reserved in the literary world than most, Leslie’s personality and role in the family’s adventures on the Greek island of Corfu in the 1930s have drawn many to his life.
Early Life and Family
Leslie Durrell was born on August 7, 1918, in Jalandhar, British India, to Louisa and Lawrence Samuel Durrell. The Durrell family’s early years in India were marked by a blend of colonial privilege and challenges, including the loss of Leslie’s father in 1928. This tragedy led the family to relocate to England.
The cold damp climate of England was hard on the Durrells, especially Louisa, who desired something warmer and more carefree. In 1935, she moved her children – Lawrence, Leslie, Margo, and Gerald – to the Greek island of Corfu. This move would define Leslie’s formative years and the family’s legacy.
Life in Corfu
On Corfu, Leslie found a Mediterranean paradise that fit his adventurous spirit. While his siblings pursued intellectual and artistic interests, Leslie developed a distinct identity around hunting, fishing, and outdoor activities.
Nature and practical skills were part of daily life with Leslie. His trade was often repairing and crafting tools or organizing fishing trips. His role was crucial in keeping the family’s rustic Corfu household going, and he became a calming influence amid the eclectic mix of personalities.
Leslie is portrayed as the practical but quirky member of the family in Gerald Durrell’s autobiographical Corfu Trilogy – My family and Other Animals, Birds, Beasts, and Relatives, and the Garden of the Gods. Often the subject of comedic anecdotes, Leslie’s antics included shooting holes in the family’s furniture while cleaning his guns.
Post-Corfu Years
The outbreak of World War II in 1939 ended the Durrells’ life in Corfu. The family returned to England and Leslie’s life was less documented than his siblings’. He served in the war effort, though little is known of his specific role.
After the war, Leslie lived fairly privately, avoiding the literary and social spotlight his brothers enjoyed. He was more private and pursued things that suited his practical, nature-focused personality.
Personality and Legacy
Leslie Durrell’s life is often viewed through the lens of his family’s fame, but he was simple and self-reliant. His contributions to the Durrell family’s adventures in Corfu and beyond reflect a man who valued hands-on experiences more than intellectual pursuits. Leslie loved nature and influenced Gerald to become a conservationist and zoologist.
In conclusion, Leslie’s life serves as a reminder that even those who shy away from the spotlight can leave an enduring mark on the lives they touch.
