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The Enchanted April (VMC) [Paperback]

Elizabeth von Arnim (Author), Sarah Dunant (Introduction)
4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
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Book Description

Publication Date: 27 Nov 1991 | ISBN-10: 0860685179 | ISBN-13: 978-0860685173 | Edition: New Ed

A discreet advertisement in 'The Times', addressed to 'Those who Apppreciate Wisteria and Sunshine...' is the impetus for a revelatory month for four very different women. High above the bay on the Italian Riviera stands San Salvatore, a mediaeval castle. Beckoned to this haven are Mrs. Wilkins, Mrs Arbuthnot, Mrs Fisher and Lady Caroline Dester, each quietly craving a respite. Lulled by the Mediterranean spirit, they gradually shed their skins and discover a harmony each of them has longed for but never known.

First published in 1922 and reminscient of 'Elizabeth and her German Garden', this delightful novel is imbued with the descriptive power and light-hearted irreverence for which Elizabeth von Arnin is renowned.

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The Enchanted April (VMC) + Enchanted April [DVD]
Price For Both: £12.79

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  • Enchanted April [DVD] ~ Alfred Molina DVD £6.80

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Product details

  • Paperback: 263 pages
  • Publisher: Virago; New Ed edition (27 Nov 1991)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0860685179
  • ISBN-13: 978-0860685173
  • Product Dimensions: 12.6 x 1.7 x 19.6 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 12,299 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Review

'A funny, sumptuous and invigorating vacation for the mind and soul ... refreshing, charming and romantic' Erica Bauermeister, 500 Great Books by Women

Book Description

At one level an escapist fantasy, at another a parable about the liberation of the spirit, this delicious confection will work its magic on all.' 'The Daily Telegraph
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Inside This Book (Learn More)
First Sentence
It began in a woman's club in London on a February afternoon, - an uncomfortable club, and a miserable afternoon - when Mrs. Wilkins, who had come down from Hampstead to shop and had lunched at her club, took up The Times from the table in the smoking-room, and running her listless eye down the Agony Column saw this: To Those who Appreciate Wistaria and Sunshine. Read the first page
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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
46 of 46 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars The Restorative Power of Beauty 4 July 2003
By "starlighthotel"
Format:Paperback
Much like the film this book by Elizabeth Von Arnim inspired, there is something peaceful here on these pages. This is a gentle novel about the gradual internal changes brought about by the beauty of our surroundings. It is a book that reads itself as much as it is read, the author writing with the flow of the characters thoughts and feelings as their hearts are changed by the suprise of beauty.

An ad to rent a castle in San Salvatore on the Italian Riviera will prompt two British women, Rose and Lottie, with only a passing acquaintance, to inexplically leave their husbands behind for a summer that will change their lives and their marriages forever.

Joining Rose and Lottie for this holiday is Mrs. Fisher, an older woman living in the past, and Lady Caroline Dester, a grey-eyed society beauty tired of being gawked at like a majestic statue, not allowed to be human. Diverse in nature and temperment, not to mention background, they interact uneasily together until the flowers and the sea bring about a change in their souls.

Surrounded by fig and olive trees, plum blossoms and Tamarisk daphnes, and the scents of fortune's yellow rose and blooming acacia, the women slowly find their roles at this castle by the sea, and in doing so find themselves as well. New insights will prompt Rose and Lottie to send for their husbands. Lady Caroline, or 'Scrap' as she is known, will find love in spite of her wish to be alone and her great beauty. Mrs. Fisher will form a friendship with Lottie and her husband, and discover a renewed zest for creativity in this heaven by the sea.

This is a novel about life and love, told gently through the emotions of these women, as the the suprise of beauty and the warmth of being suddenly admired and seen as beautiful, when they had not been before, changes their simple lives, which were not so simple at all. You will definitely enjoy this novel if you enjoyed the film. It is about love restored, and love discovered, along the wistaria covered steps leading down to the sea.

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20 of 20 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Light, beautiful and full of magic 17 May 2003
By positivity
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I love this book. I've read it several times and it's as lovely each time. Last time I read the whole book on a long train journey and I didn't mind the long delays because I was enjoying myself! I think it's a happy, dreamy, magical book, full of flowers, sunshine and emotion. The characters become more and more truly themselves as the book progresses.
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19 of 20 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars A delightful book 30 Oct 2000
By Mrs. K. A. Wheatley TOP 500 REVIEWER VINE™ VOICE
Format:Paperback
This is romance of the best kind, laced with magic and full of fun. For a book written in the 1920's it is a surprisingly modern read. The characters are all wonderfully drawn and the atmosphere is created so wonderfully it is a wrench to come back to dreary old England from the delights of a springtime Italy.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars Short easy read
Nice story but very dated in both the narrative and plot. Characters rather shallow and predictable, that said nice story in a beautiful setting, short easy read.
Published 3 hours ago by Karin
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful
A whiff of a bygone era. The DVD with Michael Kitchen, Josie Lawrence, Polly Walker, Alfred Molina and Jan Plowright is magnificent. Read more
Published 27 days ago by Mrs. Paula Greenwood
3.0 out of 5 stars Holiday read about holidays
If anyone has forgotten how important holidays are then this delightful book will remind them. Brilliant descriptions of how people holidayed in the past but the relationships... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Millerbear
5.0 out of 5 stars super enjoyed by all
thank you the bk was in brilliant condition, and the story very suitable and enjoyable for our bk club. yey
Published 1 month ago by Pam Flack xxx
5.0 out of 5 stars Super
I have loved the film for years (the remake - not the original) and had never got around to reading the book, well having just read it I can hearlity recommend it. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Disc63
5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely, gentle read
I remember seeing a tv film of this book many years ago and enjoyed the fairy tale feel it had. Reading the story did not disappoint, that all holidays should be so perfect!
Published 2 months ago by Mrs. Susan Winter
3.0 out of 5 stars Holiday read
A decent holiday read, especially for anyone going to Italy. It draws you into the smells and atmosphere of an Italian hideaway where lovers reunite.
Published 2 months ago by frances lumbers
4.0 out of 5 stars The Enchanted April
Delightful escapist novel. Guaranteed to lift the winter gloom. I was recommended this book and it did not disappoint. Read more
Published 2 months ago by J. G. Spry
5.0 out of 5 stars Loved this story.....
Was recommended this book after I'd read a book that left me feeling depressed!! It's so well written, can't believe its a classic, could have been written for today. Read more
Published 3 months ago by StellaKate
5.0 out of 5 stars Quite simply my favourite book
I have read this book several times over the years. It is a work of gentle genius. The characterisation is superb. I would love to have met the woman who wrote this book.
Published 5 months ago by Melly B
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