Oh! To Be in England

H. E. Bates

Summary

The arrival of a French guest heralds christenings and chaos for the Larkin clan in this comic classic by the author of The Darling Buds of May. When Mademoiselle Dupont, the hotel manager from the Larkins’ frightful French holiday, announces she is coming over to be Oscar’s godmother at his christening, Pop and Ma reveal none of their children are baptized. Mariette and Charley are already planning to christen their little Blenheim, but now all seven Larkin children will be joining him. Not that Pop and Ma would turn down a reason to partake of some champagne or Dragon’s Blood . . . But their plan is far from blessed. The second eldest Larkin, Primrose, is infatuated with the handsome young vicar, who already has his hands full dealing with the hell-raising Larkin twins. Of course, that is only the beginning of the Larkins’ troubles, and it will take more than holy water to get them out of this mess.Praise for the Pop Larkin Chronicles “Pop Larkin, Ma and their progeny . . . are essentially English of the rich and ribald England of Chaucer and Shakespeare. A superb and timeless comedy.” —The Scotsman “Like Wodehouse’s Jeeves, Bates’ Larkins must continue in their own delightful milieu—in this case the Kentish countryside.” —The New York Times

Available since: 01/11/2022.

Print length: 146 pages.

Other books that might interest you

Eveline (Unabridged)

James Joyce

James Augustine Aloysius Joyce (2 February 1882 - 13 January 1941) was an Irish novelist, short story writer, poet and literary critic. He contributed to the modernist avant-garde movement and is regarded as one of the most influential and important writers of the 20th century.
EVELINE: She sat at the window watching the evening invade the avenue. Her head was leaned against the window curtains and in her nostrils was the odour of dusty cretonne. She was tired.

Show book

Doctor Thorne

Anthony Trollope

Dive into the captivating world of Doctor Thorne, a timeless masterpiece by the author of the Chronicles of Barsetshire. This gripping tale blends romance, social commentary, and intrigue, offering listeners a profound exploration of morality, class, and love in 19th-century England. 
At the heart of the story is Doctor Thorne, a principled and compassionate country physician whose niece, Mary Thorne, finds herself caught in a whirlwind of societal pressures and forbidden love. As secrets unravel and alliances shift, the novel delves into the struggles between wealth and virtue, tradition and progress, and the heart's desires versus society's expectations. 
Richly woven with wit, drama, and tender emotion, Doctor Thorne is a compelling journey through the complexities of human relationships and the courage it takes to remain true to oneself. Perfect for fans of classic literature and those who love a narrative steeped in charm, wisdom, and enduring themes, this audiobook will transport you to a world where every choice shapes destinies. 
Immerse yourself in this evocative tale of love, resilience, and integrity, brought vividly to life for modern listeners.

Show book

Sherlock Holmes: A Scandal in...

Arthur Conan Doyle

Immerse yourself in the world of Sherlock Holmes with this captivating audiobook of A Scandal in Bohemia, narrated by Jake Urry. This first part of a timeless collection of Sherlock Holmes Short Stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle introduces the iconic detective as he faces one of his most formidable opponents, Irene Adler. Tasked with recovering a compromising photograph for the King of Bohemia, Holmes's legendary skills are put to the test in a tale of love, deception, and intellectual rivalry. 
Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the world of Sherlock Holmes, this audiobook promises to transport you to the atmospheric streets of Victorian London and keep you enthralled from start to finish. Rediscover the genius of Sherlock Holmes in this new recording of A Scandal in Bohemia.

Show book

The Flax

H. C. Andersen

Classic short story by H. Ch. Andersen, written from the perspective of the flax.

Show book

The League of the Scarlet Pimpernel

Baroness Orczy

The sequel to The Scarlet Pimpernel; The League of the Scarlet Pimpernel is a collection of short stories that all see Sir Percy Blakeney, AKA The Scarlet Pimpernel, thumb his nose at the bloodthirsty members of the Revolutionary Government of Paris, snatching innocent aristocrats from their clutches and the guillotine. 
Written by the Baroness Orczy, and narrated by Michael Ward.

Show book

A Christmas Tree

Charles Dickens

"I have been looking at a real Christmas tree, which stood in the middle of a great round table."

Before the world knew the full breadth of his holiday legacy, Charles Dickens penned this enchanting "meditation" on the centerpiece of the Victorian home. A Christmas Tree is not a traditional narrative, but a brilliant stream-of-consciousness exploration of memory. Looking upon the glittering branches of a tree, Dickens takes the reader on a nostalgic tour of the toys, the stories, and the spectral shadows that define our earliest holiday experiences.

A Toybox of the Imagination: Dickens vividly recreates the wonder of a child's world. He describes the "tumbling" dolls, the magic lanterns, and the leaden soldiers that once sparked his own imagination. Through his prose, we see the tree not just as a decoration, but as a living record of our growth—from the tangible excitement of childhood play to the more reflective, often haunting, memories of adulthood.

Ghosts of Christmas Past: In typical Dickensian fashion, the light of the tree is balanced by the shadows of the fire. The story delves into the "ghost stories" that were once an essential part of the midwinter tradition. Dickens reminds us that the holiday season is a time for remembering those who are no longer at the table, blending warmth with a poignant, Gothic sensibility that is uniquely his own.

Experience the heart of the holidays through the eyes of a master. Purchase "A Christmas Tree" today and rediscover the timeless magic of the season.

Show book