A Bates

Advantages: Beautiful descriptions of everyday rural life
Disadvantages: Some may find it too old-fashioned and a little sexist

...I was brought up on rather an eclectic literary mix of Longfellow, Charles Dickens, Agatha Christie, Conan Doyle, A E Housman and H E Bates and still love the opportunity to dip back in to my childhood occasionally. H E Bates is probably best known as the author of The Darling Buds of May and the creator of the Larkins. For me, though, it is as a serious author that he is most appreciated. He has written a long list of books, mainly about the war and/or relationships with women, as well as a series of short stories. This particular book consists of a selection of 35 (hence the title) short stories spanning the 1920s through to the 1960s. As a fan of crime fiction, I do appreciate a nice, juicy murder mystery to get my teeth into. However, it is rare that an author of crime fiction is also a superb writer. As far as I am concerned... Read review

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Advantages: Charming, easy read, gentle humour
Disadvantages: None (unless the above is not to your taste)

...In Bates’ own preface to this collection of short stories he confirms that Uncle Silas truly existed in the shape of one Joseph Betts “born at the very beginning of the Hungry ’Forties, brought up to a church in which the serpent was still part of the Sunday morning orchestra, able to recall the news of the Crimea brought by a messenger from London on a white horse”. This was H E Bates’ great uncle. The tales he tells are real. The facts may be blurred, but the characters, the circumstances, the events: these are all real enough. If you are born and bred English, and come from a family with any leaning towards the tale, the yarn, the fireside ramble, you will recognise the style, maybe even some of the characters. There are certainly one or two far too close to home for me to admit to. Bates clearly... Read review

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Advantages: Beautifully written, vivid description
Disadvantages: None

...Lydia Aspen comes to live in the town on Evensford after the death of her father. Living with two elderly aunts, she leads a solitary existence until a local lad, Richardson, introduces her into Evensford society in the 1920s. Richardson soon falls in love with Lydia, but the path to true love doesn't run smoothly - Lydia flirts with two of Richardson's closest friends, Alex and Tom, and others beside. When it appears that Alex is going to ask Lydia to marry him, Richardson is devastated and life for the friends will never be the same again. The very mention of H E Bates's name evokes memories of my childhood. From an early age, I was introduced to his work and I still enjoy it today. Probably best known for his books featuring Pop Larkin and his family, televised in The Darling Buds of May, he has also written several volumes of short... Read review

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