Saturday 2 April 2011

A-Z & B for one of the best writers, ever.

If you’ve never read an H. E. Bates novel,
you’ve missed some of the best novel writing ever.


Born 16th May 1905, Bates loved writing but life got in the way, until a young girl in a red lined cloak getting out of a carriage at a station inspired the writing of Love for Lydia: a truly sweet story. After many rejections from publishers, he finally cracked it with The Two Sisters, The Seekers, and many more novels alongside his wartime writing: Flying Officer X Stories.
The latter reflected his time in the RAF 


He’s probably best known to all of us for The Darling Buds of May (TV series), and Fair Stood the Wind for France. But, I urge you to read books such as The Purple Plain and The Jacaranda Tree: both made into movies, and a reflection of his time as a pilot in war torn Burma. His prose, sense of time, place, and emotions of characters are second to none. He was a master wordsmith! His writing career initially proved the path to rank of published author just as rocky back then as we have all found to our cost now, but good luck befell him. His post-war writing received a setback too, and ever the brave he took control of his own destiny. His biography page is here.  

Never, never give up on your writing if you believe in your work as worthy of publication!

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for introducing me to him. I haven't read any of his books.

Anonymous said...

I recall haering that Love for Lydia was adapted for TV but have never read any. I think I shall now. Great advice too, will fit with my R themed post. :O)

Paula Martin said...

Have only read the Darling Buds. Must try some of the others.
And at least you didn't choose Blyton as your B author LOL
http://paulamartinpotpourri.blogspot.com/

Huntress said...

Great post. I love the classics, books that have passed out of fashion.

I suggest Jack London's Burning Daylight in return.

Its romantic nature appeals to me more than some books of today.

Jemi Fraser said...

I've never read any of his books - but I'll have to fix that - thanks for the tip :)

Ju Dimello said...

Hey Francine, a thought provoking topic as ever :) I haven't read his books..but will be on the lookout!

Francine Howarth said...

Hi girls,

You're welcome Medeia, and thanks for dropping by.

Madeleine: I think you're right about Lydia, and BBC Rad4 did a superberb production of "Fair stood the Wind for France" as a play.

Paula: As if, Blyton was nursery school reading!

Huntress: thanks for the heads up on Jack London novel.

Jemi: it's great this A-Z, so much info coming out!

Ju: guessing you're settled in C now! Gopd to see you back on blogoland.

best
F

Debra St. John said...

Good luck with your challenge, Francine. What a great theme!

Francine Howarth said...

Hi Debra,

We must have cross-posted! Thanks for stopping by.

It's one hell of a challenge, I'm flagging already. ;)

best
F

Lisa said...

Thanks for the recommendation. I had never heard of his work.

Look forward to following you through this challenge. Thanks for stopping by my blog.

Lisa
InspiredbyLisa

Unknown said...

Cool. Must say I've never heard of him (though IJ do know The Darling Buds of May) - he has now made my list, though!

Talei said...

Oh, I do know 'Darling Buds of May'. Lovely B post F!

Best,
T x

Denise Covey said...

Once again just shows you need persistence. Who hasn't heard of the gorgeous 'Darling Buds...' Great post F.

Denise<3

L'Aussie Travel A - Z Challenge Posts

Francine Howarth said...

Thanks ladies: supporting each other seems vital in this challenge! Where is everyone?

best
F

Ellie Garratt said...

I'd never heard of him but if he wrote The Darling Buds of May he must be good!

Ellie Garratt

Erin Kane Spock said...

Truly inspiring. Thank you for sharing. I will look into his work.