Darling Buds of May: The Pop Larkin Chronicles (The Pop Larkin Chronicles #1-3) by H. E. Bates

This was a collection of the first three novellas from a lighthearted English series. The first book Darling Buds of May was a buddy read. In general, this was a fun easy read since it’s basically a country sitcom. There was some very nice bucolic writing about the English countryside and British food especially in the first novella. The Larkins are common law and their marriage is quite open which seemed progressive and ahead of its time. They seem to be good people overall. I did think it was a bit repetitive after the first novella and there we were some aspects of the books which did not age well. In the third novella When the Green Woods Laugh, Pop Larkin is accused of assaulting a woman and gets away with it in the court case by making the two female witnesses out to be liars. Overall, I would recommend the first novella if you’re interested in English midcentury comedy.

We watched all three series of the TV show and it was well cast. It was cozy, wholesome, and funny. It was filmed on location and captured the pastoral feeling of the books. Catherine Zeta Jones was ridiculously beautiful. I did find the episodes which were not based on the books contrived. It honestly made me appreciate the lighthearted adventures from the novellas more. I may even go back to finish reading the series.

May 1-11, 2026 started on Kobo Clara BW.

Cannon by Lee Lai

A well written graphic novel about two queer Anglophone Chinese Canadian women in Montreal. Lai was able to build characterization very quickly. I did relate to it as well including the anxiety and the family expectations. A good read for a weekday.

May 12, 2026.

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie with Richard Armitage (Narrator)

Reread. I read the novel in 2015 and even before then, I had listened to an adapted BBC radio play. It was my husband’s first time with it. I have liked Richard Armitage since North & South and he did a good job here especially since he was able to do English, Irish, Scottish, and Welsh accents through the book to differentiate the characters. I appreciated the clues and the many chilling aspects of the murderer while going through it again.

May 5-15, 2026.