Marrying Off Mother and Other Stories

In this collection of stories by naturalist and animal lover Gerald Durrell, we are introduced to an eccentric cast of characters, including a perfume-wearing truffle pig and his jealous owner; an ageing set of alcoholic southern belles; a young, handsome sea captain who meets a tragic fate; a whisky-drinking hangman in Paraguay who is haunted by his victims, and a foul-mouthed talking parrot. Told with Durrell's characteristic charm and wit, these stories -- some of which may or may not be autobiographical -- are humorous, touching, and always highly entertaining.