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  • The Darling Buds of May

  • The Larkin Novels, Volume 1
  • By: H. E. Bates
  • Narrated by: Philip Franks
  • Length: 4 hrs and 21 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (292 ratings)
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The Darling Buds of May cover art

The Darling Buds of May

By: H. E. Bates
Narrated by: Philip Franks
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Summary

When Cedric Charlton, an unsuspecting tax inspector, arrives at the door of the Pop Larkin farm, he soon forgets the purpose of his visit: The fun-loving Ma and Pop Larkin distract him at every turn with strawberries, cream, alcohol, and their attractive young daughter, Mariette. Well known by the popular TV series starring David Jason and Catherine Zeta-Jones, The Darling Buds of May is the quintessential feel-good country romp. It will have you falling wholeheartedly in love with the Larkin family and their carefree way of life. So grab a bowl of ice cream, pull out a deck chair, and share in the "perficktion" of country life.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

©1958 H. E. Bates (P)2015 Naxos AudioBooks

What listeners say about The Darling Buds of May

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  • Overall
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    5 out of 5 stars

Absolutely wonderful!

If you could sum up The Darling Buds of May in three words, what would they be?

A 'perfick' joy

What did you like best about this story?

It captured my interest from the very first page, and the story got better the more I read.

Which character – as performed by Philip Franks – was your favourite?

O loved all of the characters, but my favourites were Ma and Pa Larkin.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

There were several scenes in this book which made me laugh. Some of the funniest scenes for me are the ones between Pop and Cedric (Charlie).

Any additional comments?

I really enjoyed listening to this audio book. The story is well written, entertaining and very uplifting. Philip Franks' excellent narration also added to my enjoyment of H.E. Bates classic novel.

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7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

An easy listen in the hot may sunshine

This is a book that is pure nostalgia and country ease, a reminiscence of a British countryside and pace of life that has been lost by too many of us. It will not plumb the depths of human thought or emotions, but it it a reminder of different times and can be the gentle summer breeze in your busy and hectic day that brings a touch of relief, it moved me enough to move to and settle my roots in the world described in this book. Simply Perfic.

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5 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Feel good, gentle, relaxing story

Watched the TV drama before listening to the book, pleased to say the TV retelling kept to the original story. Lovable characters, brilliant narration with a wonderful depiction of an English country summer. Warning, the food description will make you ravenous, I'm off to eat an apple tart...with ketchup.

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4 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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A darling of a book!

H.E.Bates at his very best , beautifully read by Philip Franks. The only possible verdict on this book is that it's 'Absolutely perfick' to quote the indefatigable Pop Larkin!

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4 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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A warm feeling, when you listen to the Darling buds of may, you can see all the meadowlands even hear the birds singing,

Smell the blossom on the trees, just feel so good when listened to it PERFICK

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2 people found this helpful

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Very well performs the darling buds of May

Brilliant book recommend it to old and young I have the films and video when you’re out first and now have them on DVD brilliant well performed I read this book when I was at school I do recommend it to old and youngI read this book myself when I was at school a brilliant book also watch the film on TV and have the DVD of the film it’s a lovely book I recommend it to old and young

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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A relaxing listen...

If you're looking for a way to unwind and clear your mind of the full blown hurly burly of modern life, then this narration of Bates's opening volley in the Larkin series is a must.
Phillip Franks was a great choice of reader and certainly helps paint the perfect picture.
Have already downloaded the next in the series...

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"Perfick" Escapism

No matter what is happening in your life or in the world, a listen to this will make it all seem better.

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Fabulous

one of my favorite stories and I felt right there with the family, in the beautiful countryside. its worth a listen nice clean no swearing book.

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Perfick!!!!!!!

Darling Buds of May , takes me back to times of being uncomplicated and living in the moment Perfick!!!! I smiled and laughed to myself and the fact that my dear old Dad God bless him looks so much like the TV character David Jason who played pop Larkin it filled my mind and imagination
with so many fond memories.

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