Reviews - Verzauberter April

2.22k reviews for:

Verzauberter April

Elizabeth von Arnim

3.82 AVERAGE

georgiasophie_'s review against another edition

4.0

hopeful lighthearted relaxing slow-paced

jenny_king's review against another edition

3.0

***EUROVISIONATHON 2021 - ITALY***
***1900-1950 READATHON***

I have had this book on my shelves for a while as it is part of the Virago Hardback collection, and although I had heard of the author, this was my first time reading any of their books. The story follows 2 women who come across a newspaper article advertising a medieval castle to rent in Italy for the month of April. The find another 2 women to take the castle with them, and they all pack off for the month. This was a fairly introspective novel, in which the 4 women use the time to think about their lives, and make conclusions on what they want out of life.

The book has a lot of lyrical language on the magical power of the castle, of the grounds and the spell that is casts over the ladies. There were times where I felt that it was taken a bit far, but I did enjoy the stories of each of the women (although primarily the first two women were the most interesting). I do have to admit though that pretty much all of the men in this book were absolute arses! Even if some of them were partially redeemed, they were all a product of their time.

But overall this was an enjoyable read, and I would give it a 3.5 star rounded down.

kris_shelf_love's review against another edition

3.75

emotional lighthearted medium-paced

kaysea's review against another edition

4.0

lighthearted slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

wish i read this in summer while i was in italy instead of in english rain :(

lenapgl's review against another edition

4.0

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective relaxing slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: N/A

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

mina_schunandez's review against another edition

5.0

funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

What a charming book! Finishing it left me with a sweet, lingering taste in my mouth. I love a happy ending even with the character's ongoing complexities and imperfections. The authors voice is so comical and tongue in cheek. I just wish I knew more about the flowers that were described so I could visualize it better. Excited to read more by this author!