Wednesday 4 April 2012

'A Breath Of French Air' by H. E. Bates

The second novel to feature the Larkin clan is very much in the same vein as the first though, this time, the Larkins relocate to France for a month long vacation.


The plot is primarily made up of the family encountering foreign foods and customs which, naturally, irk them. Of course, the Larkin charm is ever present and ultimately wins over the doubting hotel staff who, initially, are taken aback by the English customs as displayed by the Larkin family.

The story isn't as well paced as 'The Darling Buds Of May' but the jolly cheer, jovial attitudes and indulgence of food is all still there making this still a pleasant read. The 'fish out of water' aspect is also refreshing so it is not simply a mere retread of things we've read before.
The characters still come alive off the page and, with the previous book, one feels satisfied when reading.

I'm looking forward to reading the next volume in the Larkin saga.

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