Part I: Prologue, The Migration Summary and Analysis

August has brought with it horrible weather. Gerald and his family have each succumbed to the ill weather in their own way. From Gerald's catarrh to Leslie's ear bleeds, they each suffer a strange ailment due to the wet conditions. Margo, who already suffers from acne scarring, has come down with new case acne. Larry, instead of suffering physically, suffers with his heart and soul, as an artist does.

Finally having enough of brooding, Larry scorns their living situation aloud and demands they move to a better climate. Larry tells of George's beautiful descriptions of the island of Corfu and says that should be their new home. Mrs. Durrell attempts to placate Larry by telling him to go on ahead and set things up. Larry reminds his mother of the last time she...