The Darling Buds of May
The Darling Buds of May
Book Brief
Beta160
Novel • Fiction
Kent, England • 1950s
1961
Adult
15+ years
Super Short Summary
The Darling Buds of May by H.E. Bates follows the Larkin family, living in rural England. The family experiences adventures while embracing an idyllic and carefree lifestyle. The narrative highlights their interactions with various visitors, showcasing themes of love, happiness, and the simple pleasures of life in the countryside.
Heartwarming
Humorous
Nostalgic
Playful
Reviews & Readership
3,421 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Darling Buds of May by H.E. Bates is praised for its charming portrayal of rural English life and vibrant characters, particularly the lovable Larkins family. Critics appreciate its humor and warmth. However, some find the plot slow and lacking depth. Overall, it's celebrated for its escapist charm and vivid depiction of pastoral bliss.
Who Should Read The Darling Buds of May?
A reader who enjoys The Darling Buds of May by H.E. Bates likely appreciates charming, rural settings, quirky, endearing characters, and lighthearted, feel-good narratives akin to All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot and Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons.
3,421 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Darling Buds of May was the first novel in a series by H.E. Bates featuring the Larkin family and was published in 1958.
The novel's title, The Darling Buds of May, is derived from a line in Shakespeare's Sonnet 18.
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The book was adapted into a popular British television series that aired in the early 1990s and helped launch the career of actress Catherine Zeta-Jones.
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160
Novel • Fiction
Kent, England • 1950s
1961
Adult
15+ years
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