Reviews

The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim

Only show reviews with written explanations

shropgirl's review against another edition

reflective relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

This book has been reviewed by many of the book bloggers whom I follow. The Enchanted April is a Virago Modern Classic, although the book I read was Vintage Classic which has an introduction by Brenda Bowen, a US literary agent who wrote Enchanted August, a contemporary retelling of von Arnim’s novel.

This was a lovely read, the writing was so good at describing the sun, the flowers, the garden, the castle and Italy that it did not take much imagination to conjure the scene. The plot explores four different women, each seeking change and how they found it at San Salvatore. First published in 1922, we are not told when the story takes place but I am assuming that it was pre World War 1. Travelling from Calais to Turin by train takes two days and a horse driven ‘fly’ takes the ladies to the castle.

The book begins with an advertisement in the Times, an offer for a month at San Salvatore ‘for those who appreciate wisteria and sunshine’. Lottie and Rose are married but not content with their lives or their husbands, Lady Caroline, extremely beautiful is bored with being constantly sought and afraid of being ‘grabbed’ and Mrs Fisher, an elderly widow, living in the past and recalling famous people, like Ruskin, from her youth. These are all ladies of a certain social standing, accustomed to servants, and as such this really is a novel of its time. Elizabeth von Arnim, despite having several husbands herself still depicts her ladies as benefiting from having a man in their life. The characters are well drawn, even the Italian servants and there is much humour in the book. The ending is satisfactory as each lady finds happiness and contentment. Gentle and uplifting this was a really good read which I thoroughly enjoyed.