When the Green Woods Laugh — H.E. Bates

A rural British family gets new neighbors -- and new troubles -- in this comic classic by the author of The Darling Buds of May.

Gore Court is a run-down country house that junk dealer Pop Larkin intends to convert into a bungalow for his daughter and son-in-law. But Mr. and Mrs. Jerebohm, a wealthy couple from London, arrive desperate to buy the place. Spotting the naivete of the social-climbing pair, Pop manages to get them to agree to pay a ridiculous amount. Now he can install a swimming pool at home . . .

But he may not have time to enjoy it. After a party at the Jerebohms, Pop finds himself fending off unwanted advances. Soon, a rocking rowboat, a pair of misplaced hands, and a misunderstanding have Pop before the local magistrate, and it may take more than wit and country charm for him to clear his name . . .

“Pop is as sexy, genial, generous, and boozy as ever. Ma is a worthy match for him in all these qualities.” -- The Times (London)

Praise for the Pop Larkin Chronicles

“The Larkins live -- these novels please us by escaping definition.” -- The Guardian

“Like Wodehouse's Jeeves, Bates' Larkins must continue in their own delightful milieu -- in this case the Kentish countryside.” -- The New York Times