Relive the ever-so-British charm with The Larkins, a quintessentially British series by H.E. Bates. Step back into the 1920s and embrace the delightful escapades of the lovable and quirky Larkin family. This heartwarming series takes you through the ups and downs of an endearing family, making it a perfect choice for those who enjoy immersive family sagas filled with love, laughter, and memorable moments.
Ideal for book clubs, family reading nights, or solo enjoyment, The Larkins series is infused with quintessential British charm that appeals to both teens and adults. Dive into these captivating stories and experience the timeless allure of British life.
Don't forget to check out our British Books collection for more great works set in and around the beauty of Great Britain! For a literary journey exploring love and life, visit our blog, Exploring Love and Life: A Literary Journey Through Sally Rooney’s Beautiful World, Where Are You and H.E. Bates The Larkins Series. Happy reading!
Titles in This Set:
- The Darling Buds of May
- A Breath of French Air
- When the Green Woods Laugh
- Oh! to be in England
- A Little of What You Fancy
Description:
The Darling Buds of May
And so the Larkins - Pop, Ma, Mariette, Zinnia, Petunia, Primrose, Victoria and Montgomery - return from an outing for fish and chips and ice cream one May evening. There, amid the rustic charms of home, they discover a visitor: one Cedric Charlton, Her Majesty's inspector of taxes.
A Breath of French Air
And so at the end of a rainy English August the Larkins - all ten of them, including little Oscar, the family's new addition - bundle into the old Rolls and cross the Channel to escape the hostile elements. But far from being the balmy, sunny and perfect spot Ma Larkin hoped for, France proves less than welcoming to an eccentric English family.
When the Green Woods Laugh
And so Pop Larkin - junk-dealer, family man and Dragon's Blood connoisseur - manages to sell the nearby crumbling, tumbling country home to city dwellers Mr and Mrs Jerebohm for a pretty bundle of notes. Now he can build his daughter Mariette the pool she's long been nagging him for.
Oh! to be in England
And so with the appearance of a letter announcing the imminent arrival of Madame Dupont, Pop and Ma Larkin learn that little Oscar and Blenheim - Charley and Mariette's new boy - are to be christened. In fact, once Mr Candy - who will be officiating (much to raven-haired Primrose's delight) - learns that Pop and Ma have neglected the entire Larkin brood, the whole family seems set for a dunking!
A Little of What You Fancy
And so after a mild heart-attack - caused by rather too much of what you fancy - Pop Larkin finds himself off the booze, off the good food and off the good life generally, much to his own and everyone's else's horror and upset. And while Ma tries to find ways around 'doctor's orders', young Primrose is finding her own way round a rather flustered - not to say flushed - Mr Candy ...
