The Darling Buds of May cover art

The Darling Buds of May

The Larkin Novels, Volume 1

Preview
Prime Member Exclusive

3 Months Free

£5.99/mo after 3 months. Cancel monthly.
Get this deal
Offer ends on 15 July 2026 at 11:59 BST.
More purchase options

The Darling Buds of May

By: H. E. Bates
Narrated by: Philip Franks
Get this deal

£5.99/mo after 3 months. Cancel monthly.

Buy Now for £10.38

Buy Now for £10.38

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
Classics Literature & Fiction Feel-Good Funny Witty Comedy
adbl_web_anon_alc_button_suppression_c
All stars
Most relevant
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.

Feel good, gentle, relaxing story

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

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 .

One of my all time favourite books.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

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...

A relaxing listen...

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

really great book well read I loved it and look forward to next chapter

brilliant

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

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

Delightful

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

See more reviews