Elizabeth von Arnim

The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim

A lovely tale of enticing figures that turn themselves into an enchanting location during their holiday. With idyllic depictions of spring in Italy, this is delightfully amusing and observant. With its well-drawn female characters, magical atmosphere, and happy ending for everyone.



Led to action by the monotony of their lives in London, two not-quite friends resolve to rent a medieval Italian castle for a month in the hopes of seeking revival. They are accompanied by two other ladies, a socialite and a dowager, searching for a solution to their problems.



As the quartet finally settles in together (though not always gracefully), they share the charm and pleasure of their springtime castle, and each of them rediscovers the selves they had lost. The concern is whether the magic will be carried over into their lives and loves in the "real" world. This is a timeless classic that inspired the film of the same name.



The book is full of reflective and informative introspection and significant character interaction that turns the characters from traditional archetypes to more thoroughly fleshed-out women. The book's structure and vocabulary are poetic and romantic, which acts as a fun backdrop for the development we witness in character.

The book contains a biography of one of the most famous British writers - Elizabeth von Arnim.