The Darling Buds of May by H.E. Bates

 'Home looks nice. 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. There, amid the rustic charms of home, they discover a visitor: one Cedric Charlton, Her Majesty's inspector of taxes. 

Mr Charlton is visiting to find out why junk-dealer Pop hasn't paid his tax - but nothing's that simple at the Larkins'. 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. 

In fact, soon Charley can't see any reason to return to the office at all...

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Growing up I was a regular viewer of The Darling Buds of May on television. When I look back to cold winter evenings snuggled in front of the television this is one of the shows I remember watching. My dad was a big fan and watching it together is one of my strongest memories. I had often wondered how the book would compare to the television show. Usually books are far superior than their adaptations to the screen and so I was interested in how this one would fare. All I can say is that it is the most exact adaptation I have ever had the pleasure of watching and reading. I could easily have been reading the script itself and the actors who portrayed the characters on screen were cast perfectly. 

The book was written in dialect which I found easy to understand, whether that is due to the fact I grew up with the show and was used to its sound and meaning I am unsure. I don't believe it is something that would block a reader from enjoying the book as it is very simple to extract the meaning of the words. Bates does a fantastic job of making the language, dialect and slang accessible to all. I found that by writing in dialect it also enhanced the characters, especially Pop, reading him was a pleasure and his speech portrayed a warm, loving and welcoming man who would be a true joy to know. 

The story follows the family as they get to know Charley who is a young office worker with little experience of the peaceful, laid back ways in the countryside. Pop and the rest of the family welcome him with open arms and despite his initial reservations Charley quickly warms to them. Insisting Charley stays at first for a night and then an extended visit, the family introduce him to the fun of strawberry picking, gentle walks in the evening and the gymkhana. It has a lovely pace and upon finishing it you can only smile and feel refreshed. 

I rate this book 4 out of 5 books.  

Overall a wonderfully cheerful read. It's a great book for lifting your spirits as Pop never saw a negative side to any situation and this view was infectious to everyone around him. A simple story which I highly recommend. A 'perfick' read!