Margaret "Margo" Isabel Mabel Durrell entered the world on May 4, 1920, in the culturally rich and diverse landscape of British India, where her family's history of esteemed writers and naturalists was already well-established. As the younger sibling of renowned novelist Lawrence Durrell and the elder sister of the equally accomplished naturalist, author, and television presenter Gerald Durrell, Margo's life was deeply and inextricably linked with the literary and scientific pursuits of her brothers, forging a unique and fascinating narrative that would be shaped by their collective endeavors.
Margo's formative years were spent navigating the diverse cultural landscapes of India and England, cultivating a robust sense of autonomy and an insatiable appetite for exploration.
As a young adult, she embarked on a life-changing journey to Corfu in 1935, joining her mother, Gerald, and brother Leslie, who had already established a presence on the island with his eldest brother Lawrence and his first wife, Nancy Myers.
In the midst of the tumultuous events leading up to World War II, Margo's family returned to England in 1939, driven by the urgency of the conflict. However, Margo defied convention by opting to remain on the island, forging a strong bond with the local community by sharing a humble peasant cottage with her friends.
Margo's life took a significant turn during this pivotal period, marked by a chance encounter with Royal Air Force pilot Jack Breeze, who was temporarily stationed on the island. This chance meeting blossomed into a romantic connection, ultimately culminating in their union in 1940. The newlywed couple then embarked on a new adventure, relocating to South Africa, where they resided until the conclusion of World War II.
As the war drew to a close, Margo and Jack decided to relocate once more, this time settling in Bournemouth. It was during this time that Margo gave birth to her two sons, Gerry and Nicholas, who would go on to bring immense joy and fulfillment to her life.
Margo's marital union with Jack Breeze ultimately culminated in a divorce, marking a significant turning point in her life. Subsequently, she made the bold decision to acquire a substantial property situated directly across the street from her mother's residence in the charming seaside town of Bournemouth. This newly acquired property would serve as a haven for Margo's entrepreneurial endeavors, as she transformed it into a thriving boarding house. The boarding house would also become the temporary home to Gerald Durrell's prized collection of animals, which were carefully stored in the back garden and garage, ultimately paving the way for the establishment of his renowned zoo. Margo's personal life, however, would take a dramatic turn once more, as she embarked on a new romantic journey by marrying musician Malcolm "Mac" Duncan. Regrettably, this union would prove to be short-lived, leaving Margo to navigate the complexities of her personal life once again.
Margo's multifaceted life as a landlady and mother, filled with various responsibilities, did not deter her from nurturing a profound passion for Greece and its rich cultural heritage. In her pursuit of adventure and personal growth, she came across an intriguing job advertisement in a newspaper for a position on a Greek cruise ship embarking on a voyage to the Caribbean.
Margaret "Margo" Isabel Mabel Durrell, a remarkable individual, penned her manuscript during the 1960s, a period that would later prove to be a significant precursor to the extraordinary events that were to unfold.
The manuscript, a testament to Margo's creative genius, lay undisturbed for nearly four decades, hidden away in the attic of her family's home, awaiting the day when it would finally see the light of day.
That day arrived in 1995, when Margo's granddaughter, while rummaging through the attic, stumbled upon the long-forgotten manuscript, thereby setting in motion a chain of events that would ultimately lead to its publication.
Margo's life was marked by a rich tapestry of experiences, and it was not until her passing on January 16, 2007, at the ripe age of 86, that her remarkable story came full circle.
Margaret "Margo" Isabel Mabel Durrell, a woman of great talent and perseverance, left behind a legacy that would continue to inspire and captivate generations to come.
