Penguin Readers - 3: The Darling Buds of May

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Published in 1958, this novel marks the beginning of the Larkin series, showcasing Mr. Charlton's transformation from a timid tax clerk to ‘Charlie’, a devoted member of the Larkin lifestyle, which celebrates nature, food, drink, and family. Readers meet memorable characters such as the Brigadier, Miss Pilchester, and Angela Snow. The story culminates in a grand celebration and the announcement of Charlie and Mariette’s wedding. The novel inspired the film ‘The Mating Game’ and a successful television series aired from 1991 to 1993. Initially released in the United States, it quickly gained popularity in Britain, selling 40,000 copies within two months. Critics believed Bates deserved recognition beyond the Larkin novels, yet their profitability was undeniable. The series includes ‘A Breath of French Air’, ‘When the Green Woods Laugh’, ‘Oh! To Be in England’, and ‘A Little of What You Fancy’. Bates drew inspiration from a real family he observed near his Kent home, leading him to create a rich tapestry of characters rather than a short story. Pop Larkin, a central figure, embodies a love for family while rejecting pomp and pretension, living in a way many aspire to but lack the courage to pursue. The Pop Larkin Chronicles encompass all five novels.