You can't best a good old holiday in warmer climates, but for the four ladies at the heart of Elizabeth von Arnim's 1922 novel there is more to it than that. The story is both a triumph to the transformative power of travel, and charmed with a decorative feel like that of a sun-kissed fairytale. von Arnim certainly cast a spell over me, and although we may only be talking of the Italian coast, it really felt like being whisked further away, enraptured in another world.

Four very different women in terms of age and attitudes respond to an advertisement in the Times appealing to "those who appreciate wisteria and sunshine" to come and rent a small medieval Italian castle for a month. That month being April of course. The two original two respondents, Mrs Wilkins and Mrs Arbuthnot, are joined in their escapism by the youthful Lady Caroline, whose beauty and general melodiousness have become something of a burden to her, and the formidable Mrs Fisher, who first appears a bit of a grouch, but she slowly succumbs to the pleasant environment after initially insisting the other guests think of her as just as "an old lady with a stick". She sets about imposing her will on the rest, which makes up just one part of the story. Each lady is vaguely unsatisfied with their lot and Mrs Wilkins and Mrs Arbuthnot both have marriages of quiet English unhappiness, but that is about to change as both husbands are invited to come and stay, and it's this holiday reunion that sparks a deeper love, not just for the wives and husbands, but something is opened up in all of them.

Elizabeth Von Arnim has a keen eye for small human failings, the little acts of pettiness and selfishness in which most people indulge. She is perceptive about the way people misread one another's good and not so good intentions, and the early chapters read like a comedy of miscommunication. I felt it wasn't until the second half that the novel really shines, the characters seem fuller, growing on you like a petite garden flower. She also, perhaps not surprisingly, given her famed German garden revels in the descriptions of the castle grounds and their beauty and colour, like reading a vivid painting as literature. Everything is centred on the castle and guests, there are no outside influences, creating it's own little world of delight. The surroundings really do rub off on the women, they eventually start to wake up, shifting in the perceptions of love and life.

When I think back to how the novel opened with misery and cold rain, by the time I reached it's happy finale all was forgotten. The story was both humorous and wise, with a wisp of a premise, but von Arnim's brilliant writing transforms it into something much more, a possible satire on post-WWI British society, a sardonic rumination on human foibles, and a tale of women coming into their own. And most impressive of all, she makes it look effortless. The four main characters are precisely drawn, and their transformation during this break works it's way into the reader, you can't help feel but a rapturous joy in their presence.

It is written in a way that evokes geniality, without dipping her toes into the waters of sentimentality, which is a testament to her talent as a writer. And it's sweet pleasant temperament and light-hearted nature made for a nice comfortable read. This would be an ideal candidate for that 'holiday book' whilst relaxing by the sea with a slightly chilled chianti. On holiday reading of a holiday: perfect fit! Sadly I had to settle for the Parisian suburbs. But not to worry, von Arnim brings the holiday to you in the comfort of your own home.

The Enchanted April is one of those books that you accidentally stumble across but once you read it, it will remain indelibly in your memory. A beautiful book written by Elizabeth Van Arnim over 100 years ago, but one which captures the love and beauty that we many times fail to notice in our own present day lives. This is a book about four women who get to spend the month of April in a castle in Italy. They are all different in terms of backgrounds and personalities. Two come from seemingly loveless marriages, another is a 65-year-old widow hopelessly lost in her past, and the fourth is a beautiful socialite, Lady Caroline. Until an ad appeared in London paper none of these ladies knew each other but eventually they arrive at the castle in Italy, and beginning on the first day one of the ladies begin to experience beauty and love that is so obvious at the castle. Mrs. Wilkins sends a letter to her husband to please come and join her. As time goes on more men enter the story and by the end everyone who's there leaves a changed person. This is not a book filled with a lot of action and adventure, but rather is one you want to savor for the truths that lying just beneath the surface, and that we so many times overlook. What kept this from being a five star read for me is that I would've liked this book to been about 40 or 50 pages longer because after the beginning of the third week of that long ago April, the book quickly moves to the end when everybody leaves, but still smells the aroma of the flowers of Italy. Having been to Italy many times myself, I can tell you that it is a wonderful land filled with beautiful sites, and it's something that certainly can rekindle one's love and passion for life as it did for fictitious ladies many a year ago. And even if you have never visited that country, Van Arnim does a superb job of bringing that country to you in this book!

There are books that I might read and like but that I know are really only for me. Then there will be a book that I read and like and immediately want everyone I know to start reading it too. This is that latter kind of book. And surprisingly so because, in the abstract, it doesn't sound like anything I would really like.

In the abstract, four women in early 20th Century Britain find an ad to rent for one April a medieval castle in Italy. The women don't know each other, but for various reasons, women reasons, they sign up. Sounds very Under the Tuscan Sun-ish, which I say with scant snobbish disdain.

But it wasn't that. It was taut and surprising and kind. Yes, it was kind.

There was great writing: Loose talks about husbands had never in Mrs. Fisher's circle been encouraged. In the 'eighties, when she chiefly flourished, husbands were taken seriously, as the only real obstacles to sin. The kind of sentence, that is, that you can spend an evening pondering.

Mrs. Fisher is the oldest, by much, of the four women, and the only one that didn't captivate me. The other three all did, each in their own way. And I can't wait for you to meet them. I kind of need you to meet them.

There are men, and they suffer by comparison as characters. But not in a Margaret Atwood kind of way, not hyperbolic monsters. Instead they are men. And I had to nod at the non-hyperbolic accuracy.

I'd been struggling a bit, for a variety of reasons, finding no traction in my reading. From the first paragraph here I was hooked. I've now had a very enchanted November.

Written in the 1920s, it was a slow but beautiful read for me. It's starts with 2 women renting a place in Italy and finding 2 others to share with them. The setting starts its magic and is healing for the women. Grief ridden for some their relationships intertwined. The men in the book were weak and unlikeable.

An absolute joy and pleasure to read! A very, very English novel despite the author not being (she was born in Australia). Essentially this is a story of loneliness and the need for everyone to open their hearts to others. Every character is lonely in some way. Rose has alienated her husband through her immersion in ‘God’s work’, Lotty and her husband have drifted apart (he’s awful so no wonder), Mrs Fisher has become a lonely old woman through her meanness of spirit and attachment to the past, and Lady Caroline has become embittered because she is beautiful and is indulged by everyone constantly. All feel a fundamental emptiness in their lives but all will find happiness during their month long stay in San Salvatore, an idyllically located Italian castle with a glorious garden.

Set in the 1920s, the characters are initially socially distanced from one another by English reserve and class differences. Even young women call each other Mrs Wilkins and Mrs Arbuthnot rather than introducing themselves by their first names. Despite the profound loneliness the characters are experiencing, there are many laugh out loud moments and it’s easy to imagine it set as a stage play. There is a film of it which I plan to watch ASAP as the cast is mouthwatering and includes Miranda Richardson, Alfred Molina, and Dame Joan Plowright who won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.

An easy 5 stars from me. I found myself reading more slowly to make it last longer!

The Enchanted April is one of the most unenchanted books that I've ever read. That said, maybe reading it in April would have been a better choice, because this book was lacking magic and it was lacking substance. It very nearly sent me into a slump.

I had been looking forward to reading this and I had done a bit of research prior to me picking it up. It honestly sounded like something I would usually enjoy, plus, I do like the title. (But that's no reason to simply go out and buy a book.)

I have came away with the impression that Elizabeth Von Arnim believes that a woman is not entirely complete without the presence of a man in her life. This is of course despite the fact the man might just be a pompous, self-righteous fool, but never fear girls...we need those kind of men backing us up. I could also sense that the belief that a trip on holiday, in particular abroad is the key to happiness and will potentially solve all of ones problems. I agree it's pleasant to have a break from the daily grind, but a trip away doesn't solve one's issues; they are always waiting for you once you return.

The novel started promisingly, I admired how Von Arnim used this story to remind women that they are independent beings with a voice and their own minds; a husband does not own you. This was a revolutionary subject matter, especially in 1922! However, the tone changed in the latter half of the book when Mr Wilkins entered the story, and I felt like the author contradicted herself with the general feeling that a man is necessary in order for a woman to be happy. The characters changed their tones and ways more times than the weather, and it felt false, and totally unbelievable from where I was sitting.

I enjoyed the vibrancy of descriptions of the scenery and nature, but the story itself, was disappointingly predictable and yet another one for the charity bag.

April in Italy would be enjoyable, delightful or"enchanting" for anyone. But is this book enchanting if enchanting means these adjectives? Not in my opinion. However, enchantment can also mean magical or causing a spell. Spells and magic seem the appropriate definitions for this Von Arnim book. Like a fairytale, all the characters in The Enchanted April are transformed. Poof! No more sadness. Poof! No more selfishness. Poof! All haughty behavior - gone! And, like a fairytale, all the characters live happily ever after. (We are not told this, but how could it be any different?)

I thoroughly enjoyed Von Arnim's, Elizabeth and Her German Garden. While she is a good writer and her tongue in cheek style is amusing, I was disappointed in the book. I could picture myself in those sunny castle gardens as long as I didn't have to hear the drivel of the characters. Although it certainly won't be remembered as a favorite, I'm glad I read it. Those Italian gardens in the April sunshine - Poof! I was transported.

It's my second read of this book, and this time I did a read/listen. Four women, in all their imperfections, are off to stay for a month in a castle in Italy. The castle, Italy, the companionship---all of these work their magic on the four, and they leave the castle as better people.

The Enchanted April may be my new favorite book.

NO MAGIC IN THE AIR

Not enchanted, alas. Despite April. Despite Italy. Despite Mrs Fisher.

I have been looking forward to reading this novel for a few years. I promised myself to do it necessarily in April, hoping spring will make Elizabeth von Arnim’s book even lovelier. Unfortunately, I kept forgetting about my plan. This year I remembered. As it seems, it wouldn’t have been a big loss if I had let it slip from memory.

My main problem with this novel: it apotheoses two 'truths' which I find harmful and have seen in action, complicating people’s lives. I mean Elizabeth von Arnim’s belief that:
☛ A woman is not complete without a man. The man is cold and dishonest? A slithery self-promoter? Never mind! A man is a key to happiness anyway.
☛ A change of place solves your problems. If you have troubles, go on a trip abroad. Everything will be fixed miraculously. Not accidentally, the castle where the characters are staying is called San Salvatore - a saviour.

I am aware that we should not see the novel only from a contemporary point of view but Elizabeth von Arnim sends mixed signals. In the first part of the novel, I admired her boldness. In 1922, when Enchanted April was published, it took courage to remind women that they are independent human beings and shouldn’t see themselves as their husband's body part or propriety, that they deserve happiness, quality me-time and their own space, symbolized in the novel by own room and own bed. Even nowadays lots of women need to be reminded about these things – in 1922 it must have sounded revolutionary! I was truly impressed.


Claude Monet

Then suddenly everything changes and the arrival of Mr Wilkins in San Salvatore is the turning point: Elizabeth von Arnim starts to contradict herself. Out of a sudden, it turns out that a man is an absolutely necessary condition for a woman’s happiness. And then comes the shocking finale of the novel, with farce esthetics. Plus all the swift and spectacular changes in the characters' attitudes and personalities, as if they were touched with a magic wand. The world would be a paradise if people turned into angels in a flash but most of them do not. These immediate personality alterations felt artificial. I desperately sought any signals, any indications that the weird ending of this book is ironic. None found, unfortunately. Apparently, we are supposed to believe in the express idyll.

Another thing I was not happy about: I had the impression that the author portrayed four TYPES of women, not the four individuals. A lot of time is devoted to their characterization but at times we seem to run in circles: the same features of personality are emphasized. I guess one of the reasons we don’t get close enough to the four ladies is the fact that the narrator very often uses their surnames. It felt awkward and made the story more difficult to relate to.

It irritated me that according to Elizabeth von Arnim men fall solely into three categories:
➔ Obtrusive womanizers who change the objects of their affection with the speed of light, vide Mr Briggs.
➔ Money-obsessed social climbers, vide Mr Wilkins.
➔ Mixtures of the types mentioned above, vide Mr Arbuthnot.
I read in the preface that Elizabeth von Arnim's love life was unhappy, which might explain her opinion, but the three male caricatures with no competition from someone decent felt like an annoying generalization.


Józef Mehoffer

As for the setting, it is as bewitching as I expected but let’s face it, it was a sure-fire hit: a picturesque Italian castle at the sea in spring... Nonetheless, it takes talent to describe such a scenery vividly and Elizabeth von Arnim did that. I adore her vibrant descriptions of nature, especially flowers. The book is truly atmospheric, the rhythm of lazy sunny days in breathtaking surroundings combined with delicious food urge you to pack your suitcase and leave for Italy NOW. But even sitting comfortably in your armchair you can see, hear, smell and touch the San Salvatore garden. I liked the way von Arnim shows the influence of nature on people.

I also enjoyed the author’s sense of humour and wish there were more of it in the novel. My favourite character was Mrs Fisher with her gruffness and Victorian literary memories. The tension between her and Mrs Wilkins was utterly hilarious!

I am very sorry if my review hurts anybody's feelings - I know that this book is loved by many people. Apparently, the dose of enchantment was not right for me or maybe the ingredients did not work as well as I wished. Maybe I should not have read von Arnim's novel in spring? Maybe depressing autumn days or bleak and bland winter scenery would make me appreciate The Enchanted April more?


Józef Mehoffer

Well, I was promised a garden of delights and I was not disappointed. Plenty of gardens in a riot of colour and a choice of succulent delights as well.
Like some other reviewers here I was slightly discouraged to see men arrive, naively hoping, I suppose, that these women in their retreat would find their inner proto-feminists and throw off the carapace of propriety and convention in more areas than their conversation. But this is not D.H. Lawrence, and further it is essential to show their goodwill and transformation into loving and genial creatures in practice, and what better way to show how generous they are than for them to practise on these sorry specimens of manhood? Lotty's husband, for example. When transported by affection for Lotty, he pinches her ear. The magical influence of this wondrous Italian hideaway makes him positively expansive:

There was at no time much pet in Mellersh, because he was by nature a cool man; yet such was the influence on him of, as Lotty supposed, San Salvatore, that in his second week he sometimes pinched both her ears, one after the other, instead of only one; and Lotty, marvelling at such rapidly developing affectionateness, wondered what he would do, should he continue at this rate, in the third week, when her supply of ears would have come to an end.

I imagine there would maybe follow a short introduction to something that I believe is known as an erogenous zone.

The greatest of all the many delights is that ironic tone, which keeps this in the realm of magical whimsy (see how strenuously I am avoiding the word enchanted), never allowing it to stumble flat-footed into sentimentality. And the greatest of all the ironies is the compliment paid to Aphrodite amongst women, who goes by the charming name of Scrap. She is that kind of celestial beauty that first transfixes the male of the species and then turns him into a clumsy idiot, so, young as she is, she has nevertheless had plenty of practice at putting bumbling nervousness at ease, coping with awkwardness and negotiating potential minefields. Her finest hour comes at a dinner. Her reluctance to face the latest bumbling, blushing idiot has made her a little late. A 'situation' is brewing, but Scrap, with breathtaking quickness and composure, says just the right thing to save one man's face. For that she is paid the greatest possible compliment a woman could ever get: she is as decent as a man.

What more could we ask.

I find Enchanted April to be an extremely difficult book to review. The book is too close to my heart. Not in the same way that Possession or The Lord of the Rings are, but in some secret hidden corner.

Enchanted April is about four women who rediscover life. It is about four women who rediscover the meaning of friendship. It's about four women who learn to leave the prejudices behind. It is about the discovery and rediscovery of love. Above all, it is about Italy.

The book is one those perfect books, nothing seems to happen but everything happens. The book is part fairy tale, part reality, and part oh so British magical Italy. It is old-fashioned, but current. It is a perfection of contradictions. It is a love sonnect in prose that smells of flowers and feels of sun and warm grass. Good food and wine are on offer.

And everyone, regardless of age, size, or sex, is beautiful.

A quaint, feel-good classic you may not have heard about. Mrs Wilkins and Mrs Arbuthnot meet at their London women’s club and daydream about renting the Italian villa they’ve read about in an advertisement. But what if they could make it a reality? They’re only in their early thirties, but by the standards of the time (1922) they’re already fading into midlife obscurity.

“Nobody took any notice of Mrs Wilkins. She was the kind of person who is not noticed at parties. Her clothes, infested by thrift, made her practically invisible; her face was non-arresting; her conversation was reluctant; she was shy.”

Here’s their chance to get away from their oppressive or neglectful husbands and have an adventure. They rope in two other women, old and crotchety Mrs Fisher, who’s always going on about the famous authors she used to mix with, and Lady Caroline (“Scrap”), who just wants to be left alone but can’t seem to convince anyone of her misanthropy because she’s so darn pretty.

I loved the novel’s setup and the early chapters when it’s just Lotty (Wilkins) and Rose (Arbuthnot) delighting in the Italian landscape and pace of life. But before long it all grows sluggish and repetitive, and – how annoying – it takes the arrival of three men, including the husbands, to shake things up. I did really like Lotty and her coming out of her shell, though.

Another favorite passage:

“Colour, fragrance, light, sea; instead of Shaftesbury Avenue, and the wet omnibuses, and the fish department at Shoolbred’s, and the Tube to Hampstead, and dinner, and tomorrow the same and the day after the same and always the same…”