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The Pop Larkin Chronicles #4
Oh! to be in England
4 hrs. 9 min.
In the third sequel to The Darling Buds of May, Charley and Mariette decide to get baby Blenheim christened, leading to a wholesale christening of all seven of the Larkin children. Chaos abounds as the vicar, Mr Candy, is run ragged by the naughty twins, Zinnia and Petunia, and finds himself the object of desire for Pop's second eldest, Primrose. To top it all off, Pop buys a fairground on a whim, and Mlle Dupont arrives to discover that Pop is not a Lord, nor does he live in a mansion. The result is a celebratory ending and a wonderful tribute to Pop's beloved countryside, with its 'nightingales and blackbirds, bluebells and primroses, haytime and high summer'. Perfick!
In the third sequel to The Darling Buds of May, Charley and Mariette decide to get baby Blenheim christened, leading to a wholesale christening of all seven of the Larkin children. Chaos abounds as the vicar, Mr Candy, is run ragged by the naughty twins, Zinnia and Petunia, and finds himself the object of desire for Pop's second eldest, Primrose. To top it all off, Pop buys a fairground on a whim, and Mlle Dupont arrives to discover that Pop is not a Lord, nor does he live in a mansion. The result is a celebratory ending and a wonderful tribute to Pop's beloved countryside, with its 'nightingales and blackbirds, bluebells and primroses, haytime and high summer'. Perfick!
128 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1963
35 people are currently reading
475 people want to read
About the author
H.E. Bates
278 books194 followersHerbert Ernest Bates, CBE is widely recognised as one of the finest short story writers of his generation, with more than 20 story collections published in his lifetime. It should not be overlooked, however, that he also wrote some outstanding novels, starting with The Two Sisters through to A Moment in Time, with such works as Love For Lydia, Fair Stood the Wind for France and The Scarlet Sword earning high praise from the critics. His study of the Modern Short Story is considered one of the best ever written on the subject.
He was born in Rushden, Northamptonshire and was educated at Kettering Grammar School. After leaving school, he was briefly a newspaper reporter and a warehouse clerk, but his heart was always in writing and his dream to be able to make a living by his pen.
Many of his stories depict life in the rural Midlands of England, particularly his native Northamptonshire. Bates was partial to taking long midnight walks around the Northamptonshire countryside - and this often provided the inspiration for his stories. Bates was a great lover of the countryside and its people and this is exemplified in two volumes of essays entitled Through the Woods and Down the River.
In 1931, he married Madge Cox, his sweetheart from the next road in his native Rushden. They moved to the village of Little Chart in Kent and bought an old granary and this together with an acre of garden they converted into a home. It was in this phase of his life that he found the inspiration for the Larkins series of novels -The Darling Buds of May, A Breath of French Air, When the Green Woods Laugh, etc. - and the Uncle Silas tales. Not surprisingly, these highly successful novels inspired television series that were immensely popular.
His collection of stories written while serving in the RAF during World War II, best known by the title The Stories of Flying Officer X, but previously published as Something in the Air (a compilation of his two wartime collections under the pseudonym 'Flying Officer X' and titled The Greatest People in the World and How Sleep the Brave), deserve particular attention. By the end of the war he had achieved the rank of Squadron Leader.
Bates was influenced by Chekhov in particular, and his knowledge of the history of the short story is obvious from the famous study he produced on the subject. He also wrote his autobiography in three volumes (each delightfully illustrated) which were subsequently published in a one-volume Autobiography.
Bates was a keen and knowledgeable gardener and wrote numerous books on flowers. The Granary remained their home for the whole of their married life. After the death of H. E Bates, Madge moved to a bungalow, which had originally been a cow byre, next to the Granary. She died in 2004 at age 95. They raised two sons and two daughters.
primarily from Wikipedia, with additions by Keith Farnsworth
He was born in Rushden, Northamptonshire and was educated at Kettering Grammar School. After leaving school, he was briefly a newspaper reporter and a warehouse clerk, but his heart was always in writing and his dream to be able to make a living by his pen.
Many of his stories depict life in the rural Midlands of England, particularly his native Northamptonshire. Bates was partial to taking long midnight walks around the Northamptonshire countryside - and this often provided the inspiration for his stories. Bates was a great lover of the countryside and its people and this is exemplified in two volumes of essays entitled Through the Woods and Down the River.
In 1931, he married Madge Cox, his sweetheart from the next road in his native Rushden. They moved to the village of Little Chart in Kent and bought an old granary and this together with an acre of garden they converted into a home. It was in this phase of his life that he found the inspiration for the Larkins series of novels -The Darling Buds of May, A Breath of French Air, When the Green Woods Laugh, etc. - and the Uncle Silas tales. Not surprisingly, these highly successful novels inspired television series that were immensely popular.
His collection of stories written while serving in the RAF during World War II, best known by the title The Stories of Flying Officer X, but previously published as Something in the Air (a compilation of his two wartime collections under the pseudonym 'Flying Officer X' and titled The Greatest People in the World and How Sleep the Brave), deserve particular attention. By the end of the war he had achieved the rank of Squadron Leader.
Bates was influenced by Chekhov in particular, and his knowledge of the history of the short story is obvious from the famous study he produced on the subject. He also wrote his autobiography in three volumes (each delightfully illustrated) which were subsequently published in a one-volume Autobiography.
Bates was a keen and knowledgeable gardener and wrote numerous books on flowers. The Granary remained their home for the whole of their married life. After the death of H. E Bates, Madge moved to a bungalow, which had originally been a cow byre, next to the Granary. She died in 2004 at age 95. They raised two sons and two daughters.
primarily from Wikipedia, with additions by Keith Farnsworth
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
August 19, 2023
A rather disappointing 4th book in the series, based principally around the Larkins' 7 children - including the married Mariette and the budding Primrose, who has a passion for the new young parson - being christened, with an unsavoury major sub-plot of trouble from two Teddy boys whose rowdiness and threats at Pop's friend Fruity Pears' small fairground in the back garden of a pub causes Pop, Miss Pilchester and the Brigadier to be called as witnesses at court - neither of which themes is interesting or attractive (as neither was the court case in When The Green Woods Laugh [1960], either).
The alleviation, in some very small part, is Primrose's instant fondness for the parson, but since she's fourteen and he's twenty-four, there's a certain edge to the proceedings beyond Reverend Candy's embarrassed consternation at her mature advances. The minor addition to the story of Mademoiselle Dupont's visit as godmother for the christening doesn't add any cheer or comedy, it's main effect being of further distaste as she finds out that Milord Larkin isn't a real English gentleman, who presumably lives in a mansion, at all, the impression she had mistakenly gathered during the Larkins' visit to her hotel in Brittany in A Breath Of French Air [1959] due to their arrival in the Rolls.
Frankly, this is all a bit adolescent, and doesn't have the charm of the balance of the Kent countryside so beautifully evoked in The Darling Buds Of May [1958]; none of the subsequent novels do, with the possible exception of A Little Of What You Fancy (1970), a much later finale. This is a cascading and compounding disappointment, and I only wish Bates had developed the delightful original novel more into the pastoral remoteness (re. Lee's Cider With Rosie [1959]) and its natural charm, steering away from the child-like humour and immersing us more in country ways than weak comedy. Indeed, after the awful shock of the 'rape' comment in When The Green Woods Laugh, which really let the whole weak book down, and its progenitor unsavoury court case, which failed as a main plot to inject any humour or elicit any further affection for the Larkins and friends, I can only feel that after The Darling Buds, Bates made the mistake of taking a wrong turn and pursuing the comedy instead of the pastoral bliss. For there is a good balance in The Darling Buds; hence its success.
This is poor literature, poor story-telling, and not comedy. However, the attraction of the Larkins isn't entirely dissipated, since nothing can really erase that initial portraiture.
The alleviation, in some very small part, is Primrose's instant fondness for the parson, but since she's fourteen and he's twenty-four, there's a certain edge to the proceedings beyond Reverend Candy's embarrassed consternation at her mature advances. The minor addition to the story of Mademoiselle Dupont's visit as godmother for the christening doesn't add any cheer or comedy, it's main effect being of further distaste as she finds out that Milord Larkin isn't a real English gentleman, who presumably lives in a mansion, at all, the impression she had mistakenly gathered during the Larkins' visit to her hotel in Brittany in A Breath Of French Air [1959] due to their arrival in the Rolls.
Frankly, this is all a bit adolescent, and doesn't have the charm of the balance of the Kent countryside so beautifully evoked in The Darling Buds Of May [1958]; none of the subsequent novels do, with the possible exception of A Little Of What You Fancy (1970), a much later finale. This is a cascading and compounding disappointment, and I only wish Bates had developed the delightful original novel more into the pastoral remoteness (re. Lee's Cider With Rosie [1959]) and its natural charm, steering away from the child-like humour and immersing us more in country ways than weak comedy. Indeed, after the awful shock of the 'rape' comment in When The Green Woods Laugh, which really let the whole weak book down, and its progenitor unsavoury court case, which failed as a main plot to inject any humour or elicit any further affection for the Larkins and friends, I can only feel that after The Darling Buds, Bates made the mistake of taking a wrong turn and pursuing the comedy instead of the pastoral bliss. For there is a good balance in The Darling Buds; hence its success.
This is poor literature, poor story-telling, and not comedy. However, the attraction of the Larkins isn't entirely dissipated, since nothing can really erase that initial portraiture.
March 25, 2020
Easy, pleasant reads for these times.
July 21, 2016
Much better than the previous two installments. Mariette and Ma each have a baby to christen, but when the local padre discovers none of the little Larkins has been properly "churched", it turns into a family affair. Mlle Dupont is called over from France to stand godmother to little Oscar, and Primrose falls for the vicar, convinced he is a man of mystery--and he is, rather.
A light read, good for the heat wave we've been having. What someone called "potato chip" fiction--you munch it down quickly in spite of the lack of nutrition, enjoying it at the time, but a few too many can leave you feeling slightly sick. My only shudder was that Pop Larkin again runs his admiring eye over his developing daughter in a way that smacks of the incestuous. At the time the book was published (1963), the readers probably chortled at how randy he is--these days, it's a little icky, and certainly unneccessary. Therefore only three stars.
A light read, good for the heat wave we've been having. What someone called "potato chip" fiction--you munch it down quickly in spite of the lack of nutrition, enjoying it at the time, but a few too many can leave you feeling slightly sick. My only shudder was that Pop Larkin again runs his admiring eye over his developing daughter in a way that smacks of the incestuous. At the time the book was published (1963), the readers probably chortled at how randy he is--these days, it's a little icky, and certainly unneccessary. Therefore only three stars.
July 6, 2020
– Really dated set of 5 books written in the 50’s, 60’s & 70’s. The first one was for my book club, but I just kept going and read them all. It was a famous TV series in the 90’s. It’s kind of like when I watched the Sopranos, at first you quite like the loveable rogue’s but as you get to know them you like them less and less. The book is full of lecherous old men with young girls, underage sex, excessive drinking, tax evasion, gluttony, sexism and racism. I would not recommend unless you want to visit the seedy side of the 70’s. I didn’t even think they were funny.
January 21, 2021
These books get progressively morally challenged the farther you get in them ; much like in the Dune series. I did enjoy the descriptions of being in the English countryside.
March 10, 2012
"Oh! to be in England" by H.E. Bates refers to the eternal blissful "perfick" "beloved countryside, its nightingales and blackbirds, bluebells and primroses, haytime and high summer" p126 of Pa Syd Larkin, wealthy benevolent junkyard dealer, inventor and bestower of powerful cocktails, and equally-affectionate, generously-proportioned Ma. Their brood of early maturing belles are: Mariette married to Mr Charlton, poetic Primrose Violet Anemone Iris Magonia Narcissa 14 set on East End visiting parson carrot-top Candy 24, quiet Victoria Adelaide Anne Cleopatra, identical twins Zinnia and June both Florence Nightingale, sons teen Montgomery and toddler Oscar Septimus Dumont. Christening the youngest, two-month grandson John Marlborough Churchill "Blenheim" Charlton, leads to anointing all the children, as yet unblessed.
Pa teases a cigar onto seller of armor, Regency chamberpots, buggy, and assortments, diminished frail Lady Violet 74 of "a small brownish moth ... gold-rimmed spectacles ... soft wisps of sepia whiskers ... curious downy charm". When overlong-visiting niece and nephew, brow-beaten "deflated chamois leather bag" yellow-face p33 Mrs Broadbent and husband coarse florid "stinker ... self-styled lady-killer" p45 Captain, claim the spinster is ill, I thought she would need rescuing.
(Spoilers:
When luscious bikini-clad brunette Jasmine Brown dunks the cad, I recognized the story. When a teddy-boy organ-smasher's razor cuts old pal Fruity Pears an inch from death, into the hospital, Pa buys the rundown roundabout, swings and coconut shy fair, for their backyard celebration. Flat-chested, black leather jacket, tight dark red jeans, straw-dyed beehive, 19ish night burglar wields a similar tyre-slashing knife. The July Sunday christening guests swell the series cast: as Oscar's godmother France guest-house owner Mlle Dupont, as Blenheim's godmother elegant alluring blonde Angela Snow, spindly old Brigadier who calls thin-lipped berserker-hearted Miss Edith Pilchester "Pilch", ... and the razor-knife wielding teddy-boys who hurt Fruity.)
Typos:
p162 Queen Ann for Anne p210 correct, 18 pregnancies, died childless
Pa teases a cigar onto seller of armor, Regency chamberpots, buggy, and assortments, diminished frail Lady Violet 74 of "a small brownish moth ... gold-rimmed spectacles ... soft wisps of sepia whiskers ... curious downy charm". When overlong-visiting niece and nephew, brow-beaten "deflated chamois leather bag" yellow-face p33 Mrs Broadbent and husband coarse florid "stinker ... self-styled lady-killer" p45 Captain, claim the spinster is ill, I thought she would need rescuing.
(Spoilers:
When luscious bikini-clad brunette Jasmine Brown dunks the cad, I recognized the story. When a teddy-boy organ-smasher's razor cuts old pal Fruity Pears an inch from death, into the hospital, Pa buys the rundown roundabout, swings and coconut shy fair, for their backyard celebration. Flat-chested, black leather jacket, tight dark red jeans, straw-dyed beehive, 19ish night burglar wields a similar tyre-slashing knife. The July Sunday christening guests swell the series cast: as Oscar's godmother France guest-house owner Mlle Dupont, as Blenheim's godmother elegant alluring blonde Angela Snow, spindly old Brigadier who calls thin-lipped berserker-hearted Miss Edith Pilchester "Pilch", ... and the razor-knife wielding teddy-boys who hurt Fruity.)
Typos:
p162 Queen Ann for Anne p210 correct, 18 pregnancies, died childless
February 22, 2016
Bates uses his fantastic language in this fourth novel about Pop Larkin and his eccentric family in the Kentish countryside. It has it's funny moments thanks to his extraordinary word choices and descriptions of things. But unfortunately the storyline in this fourth book is much weaker than the previous ones.
It's a sentimental ode to an England that is disappearing. In a way the book resembles his short story collections more than a novel since he this time does not have a real thread throughout the book and seems to have had lots of different ideas for it. It starts with a story on how Pop decides on humiliating an arrogant Captain. But that story has nothing to do with the rest of the book. Then there is violence in form of modern youths deciding to pick on old-fashioned villagers and customs. One does not want things to really go THAT dark in a Pop Larkin novel where everything is always so wild, funny and cozy. What the book mostly is about though is the christening of Pop's youngest son, Oscar who has turned 3 years old and that of his two month old grandson, Blenheim. All the Larkin children decide to get christened at the same time as "the babies" and a character from book two, Mademoiselle Dupont, shows up in this novel as a godmother. But Bates does not really follow up here character that well. He concentrates more on the fact that Ma has started to paint nudes, especially of daughter Mariette who has just become a mother, and he also deals a lot with the fact that the now 14-year old Primrose Larkin, tries to seduce the interim priest in the parish.
Can I recommend the book? Yes, because I think that the fifth and final novel will much build on this one and that is how I felt when I read this book: It's a book one must get through to understand and enjoy the next one.
It's a sentimental ode to an England that is disappearing. In a way the book resembles his short story collections more than a novel since he this time does not have a real thread throughout the book and seems to have had lots of different ideas for it. It starts with a story on how Pop decides on humiliating an arrogant Captain. But that story has nothing to do with the rest of the book. Then there is violence in form of modern youths deciding to pick on old-fashioned villagers and customs. One does not want things to really go THAT dark in a Pop Larkin novel where everything is always so wild, funny and cozy. What the book mostly is about though is the christening of Pop's youngest son, Oscar who has turned 3 years old and that of his two month old grandson, Blenheim. All the Larkin children decide to get christened at the same time as "the babies" and a character from book two, Mademoiselle Dupont, shows up in this novel as a godmother. But Bates does not really follow up here character that well. He concentrates more on the fact that Ma has started to paint nudes, especially of daughter Mariette who has just become a mother, and he also deals a lot with the fact that the now 14-year old Primrose Larkin, tries to seduce the interim priest in the parish.
Can I recommend the book? Yes, because I think that the fifth and final novel will much build on this one and that is how I felt when I read this book: It's a book one must get through to understand and enjoy the next one.
March 12, 2018
“Perfick”
January 4, 2024
This is the fourth book in Pop Larkin series. It was similar to the others in many ways, but took a surprising and dark turn as mild violence and crime are introduced as a new and growing experience of country living. I had a visceral reaction of wishing the crime was not happening to the happy go lucky cast of characters. While reading, I thought I’d like a break from the series before finishing the final book, but I now have Covid and the final book seems like the perfect light reading for being home sick.
April 14, 2020
Much of this book is missing?!
Prey tell? How am I to delight in this next instalment of the Larkins when the first blasted page of each chapter is missing?!
Prey tell? How am I to delight in this next instalment of the Larkins when the first blasted page of each chapter is missing?!
January 9, 2022
Another nice easy read in the series
May 26, 2023
Erg leuk, blijkbaar was het deel 5 in een reeks, dus dat wordt meer aanschaffen. Echte Engelse comedy 😂
March 15, 2012
This is one book in a series featuring the madcap antics of the Larkin family. In this tale, Mariette and Charley are getting their baby son, Blenheim, christened; and Ma and Pop Larkin think it would be a good time to get their youngest child, Oscar, christened at the same time. In fact, why just Oscar? None of the Larkin children have been christened, so Pop asks the locum vicar (Mr Candy) to do a "wholesale christening" on all 7 of the Larkin children.
There are several storylines within the tale which all join up to make one celebratory ending; from teaching the womanising Captain Broadbent a lesson he won't forget; to the visit to the fairground and Edith Pilchester's energetic coconut-shy-throwing skills, and a brush with crime. Add to the mix Pop's second eldest daughter, Primrose, who has "fallen in love" with Mr Candy; Mariette - who is posing nude for Ma's portrait painting; the naughty twins Zinnia and Petunia who between them confuse poor Mr Candy at the christening; and Madame DuPont, a French guest, who, thinking that the Larkins live in a large English manor, gets a bit disillusioned!
This is a fun book to read, harking back to long hazy summer days. I think I could do with some more of that..... So it's time to download some more books from this series onto my Kindle!
There are several storylines within the tale which all join up to make one celebratory ending; from teaching the womanising Captain Broadbent a lesson he won't forget; to the visit to the fairground and Edith Pilchester's energetic coconut-shy-throwing skills, and a brush with crime. Add to the mix Pop's second eldest daughter, Primrose, who has "fallen in love" with Mr Candy; Mariette - who is posing nude for Ma's portrait painting; the naughty twins Zinnia and Petunia who between them confuse poor Mr Candy at the christening; and Madame DuPont, a French guest, who, thinking that the Larkins live in a large English manor, gets a bit disillusioned!
This is a fun book to read, harking back to long hazy summer days. I think I could do with some more of that..... So it's time to download some more books from this series onto my Kindle!
May 7, 2015
In the fourth book of The Darling Buds of May series, the erstwhile Pop and Ma throw parties for an eight child christening and the opening in of the new swimming pool, while getting upto the usual shenanigans and japes.
The Pop Larkin Chronicles are the quintessential feel good detached, countryside romp. Well known by the popular tv series starring David Jason and introducing a young Catherine Zeta Jones to the world, this series of novellas set in rural Kent depict a time of post-war relief, lassez faire attitudes and an eagerness to get on with life, enjoy nature and all it brings, not to mention the ability to eat, drink and be merry. As a whole, the series delights but can be rather disjointed and sporadic between volumes. They are a joy though and have you yearning for a spot at their table being force fed and watered.
The Pop Larkin Chronicles are the quintessential feel good detached, countryside romp. Well known by the popular tv series starring David Jason and introducing a young Catherine Zeta Jones to the world, this series of novellas set in rural Kent depict a time of post-war relief, lassez faire attitudes and an eagerness to get on with life, enjoy nature and all it brings, not to mention the ability to eat, drink and be merry. As a whole, the series delights but can be rather disjointed and sporadic between volumes. They are a joy though and have you yearning for a spot at their table being force fed and watered.
June 28, 2016
Another good read in the Larkin chronicles - the main event taking place in this book is the visit of Mme Dupont from France (as encountered in the second book when they went and stayed at her guest house) where she discovers that the residence of her "English milord" is not quite as palatial as she pictured in her dreams. This also coincides with the christening of the two youngest (Pop and Ma's child and Charley and Mariette's child) which then turns into a major event when they decide to christen the whole family (including Mariette) as they "simply never found time when they were younger".
As always, the language is very evocative and it makes you wish to join the family in their simple pleasures.
As always, the language is very evocative and it makes you wish to join the family in their simple pleasures.
July 30, 2009
I had forgotten I had this book, but found it on my shelves when I was looking for something to read on my daily commute to the salt mines. I probably bought it just because of the wonderful title, and I am glad I did as this was a delightful read about a very unconventional family.
To make things even better, it turns out that it is part of a series, so there are more books about the Larkins to look out for. And even an old TV series if I'm not mistaken...
To make things even better, it turns out that it is part of a series, so there are more books about the Larkins to look out for. And even an old TV series if I'm not mistaken...
January 7, 2016
Just loved it! Slim little paperback and incredibly fun! Now I have to get the author's other books because this is the middle of a series. I cannot wait to see how things pan out with Primrose and that poor Vicar Mr. Candy. A cast of true characters without ever being a caricature. Because we have allmet most of these personality types. Taken alone they can be annoying or fun. Taken all together is a screwball classic laugh out loud book!
November 25, 2012
The first book that I have ever read about the larkin family. Brilliant!!!! The next is on order and I've bought the DVD set to watch!!! I think the fact that it had Catherine Zita Jones cast as one of the Larkin daughters put me off the entire series. Got that one wrong! A thoroughly readable romp! can't wait to read the next.
October 1, 2018
If you know of the Larkin family, you’ll love this book! If you don’t know the Larkin family, read it and discover what you have been missing! There are so many great characters, it’s set in a delightful pre-technology time when family values were the thing and the Larkins did it, had it and shared it with one and all. Perfick!
May 23, 2020
This instalment didn’t seem to have the same charm as the first two although avoided being as offensive as the third in the series.
I certainly enjoyed reading the long elaborate names of the Larkin children for their christening.
I’ll still go on to read the fifth (and last) book, because even when they are wildly inappropriate they still manage to have an irresistible coziness.
I certainly enjoyed reading the long elaborate names of the Larkin children for their christening.
I’ll still go on to read the fifth (and last) book, because even when they are wildly inappropriate they still manage to have an irresistible coziness.
April 9, 2009
Re-read all 5 Larkin books in as many days - what a joy to sit in the spring sunshine and revisit these old friends. They have such a feel good factor - bliss or maybe perfick!
I know corny - but I couldn't resist.
I know corny - but I couldn't resist.
March 3, 2012
Very enjoyable novella. Makes me look forward to the summer months and drinking outside on a warm night. Word of warning, I wouldn't attempt to make any of the drinks Pa Larkin concocts since you'd likely be on your back in a very short time!
Read
January 13, 2019This was my favourite of the books that was televised. The scene in the buggy always makes me smile, when Pop is teaching Mademoiselle to sing “I’ve got a Loverly Bunch of Coconuts” ... Try to imagine that sung with a French accent. https://youtu.be/jSio9yaU1Rc
July 1, 2010
Another lovely easy read. Interesting that this book was divided into a couple of different story lines/episodes in the TV version.
May 13, 2016
Reread - read it back in the '80s or 90s.
January 27, 2017
Another fun and easy read while at the same time there is that clever capturing of the social structure of the day and the 'rules are not for us' attitude embedded into the characters and story.
June 6, 2018
good little novella in the darling buds of may series but nothing amazing. however really liked the rev candy and primrose storyline.
July 25, 2018
Great
Each of these books has had me gripped from start to finish. Couldn't be more prick if it tried .
Each of these books has had me gripped from start to finish. Couldn't be more prick if it tried .
December 6, 2018
Not sure what being in England has to do with anything. This is a humorous story about a family of rednecks. It could be a mix between P.G. Wodehouse and Huckleberry Finn and possibly Tobacco Road.
November 17, 2025
A gently humorous look at life in the 1950s British countryside. I loved the first book in the series, with its light-hearted tone and sense of nostalgia, and the following volumes were also enjoyable. The characters were engaging and the (admittedly idealised) pastoral setting was a pleasure to read about.
This instalment, however, feels a bit weaker than the earlier ones. It’s quite short and tries to juggle too many characters at once, which makes it come across a bit like a “holiday special” for the series. It’s still a quick and pleasant read if you’re already fond of the characters, but it doesn’t have the same charm or focus as the previous books. I did enjoy reading it, although its not exactly Plato. I give it 3,5 out of 5.
This instalment, however, feels a bit weaker than the earlier ones. It’s quite short and tries to juggle too many characters at once, which makes it come across a bit like a “holiday special” for the series. It’s still a quick and pleasant read if you’re already fond of the characters, but it doesn’t have the same charm or focus as the previous books. I did enjoy reading it, although its not exactly Plato. I give it 3,5 out of 5.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews