He has a genius for capturing a rural scene with a few swift brushstrokes and describing the epicurean delights of food and love quite like him. He has a marvelous ability to capture the art of living a full and plentiful life. On hindsight, I consider the choice a stroke of genius. It seems an unusual book to assign as school curriculum to young impressionable minds. I was first introduced to the book The Darling Buds of May by HE Bates by an English teacher at the tender age of twelve. This is the story of a dreamy summer in the life of the Larkin’s and a glimpse into their beguiling and unconventional way of life This is aided by the fact that he falls under the spell of the Larkin’s eldest daughter- beautiful Mariette. He doesn’t get very far because the Larkins ply him with good food, drink and heartfelt hospitality and quite soon he forgets the real purpose of his visit. Short synopsis of the Story: Cedric Charlton, an official from the tax payer’s office comes to the Larkin residence to question Pop Larkin on the matter of his unpaid taxes. Main Characters: Pop Larkin (farmer, junk dealer), Ma Larkin, their children- Mariette, Montgomery, Primrose, Zinnia, Petunia and Victoria Cedric Charlton or ‘Charlie’ – an officer from the Inspector of Taxes. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability.Location of the Story: Rural Essex, England. In fact, soon Charley can't see any reason to return to the office at all. Mariette takes a shine to 'Charley' - as Pop calls him - and before long the family have introduced him to the delights of country living. A visitor: one Cedric Charlton, Her Majesty's inspector of taxes is visiting to find out why junk-dealer Pop hasn't paid his tax.

Mariette takes a shine to 'Charley' - as Pop calls him - and before long the family have introduced the uncomplaining inspector to the delights of country living- the lusty scents of wild flowers, the pleasures of a bottle of Dragon's Blood, cold cream dribbled over a bowl of strawberries and hot, hot summer nights. Mr Charlton is visiting to find out why junk-dealer Pop hasn't paid his tax - but nothing's that simple at the Larkins. There, amid the rustic charms of home, they discover a visitor- one Cedric Charlton, Her Majesty's inspector of taxes. Allus does though, don't it? Perfick' And so the Larkins - Pop, Ma, Mariette, Zinnia, Petunia, Primrose, Victoria and Montgomery - return from an outing for fish and chips and ice cream one May evening.

The darling buds of may author