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Preview
  • 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 (307 ratings)

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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
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What listeners say about The Darling Buds of May

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

One of my all time favourite books.

Having read and reread this book a dozen times I simply had to have the audio version . A real pleasure to listen to . Philip Franks is an excellent narrator .

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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The Essence of Late Spring

This luscious paean to the English countryside is right up there with everything vernal ever written by Chaucer, Shakespeare and their descendants. It is also read superbly by Philip Frank's - Charley in the excellent BBC television adaptations.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

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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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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A lovely listen.

A lovely, charming story of a lovely charming family. Soft, gentle humour that was somewhat ahead of its time in terms of attitudes. Well read. Perfick.

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the story is great

the story is great and the preson how tells the story is great too

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Darling Buds of May review

What did you like most about The Darling Buds of May?

It's a lovely, gentle show. I know it shows you a way of life that could never be - but you wish it could be.

What did you like best about this story?

The gentle pace of the show.

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

Mariette.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Want to forget the rat race for a while? A lovely escape to the comforting joy of endless summer awaits you with the Larkins. Enjoy!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Delightful

An absolute cherish to listen to
Almost felt I was in the story 👌🏼
I have also purchased the other audios along side this one

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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Variety too many voices

I found it a bit confusing, I’m not well and find it difficult to concentrate, this must be just me, overall I enjoyed it.

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