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The Enchanted April

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The Enchanted April

By: Elizabeth von Arnim
Narrated by: Wanda McCaddon
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A recipe for happiness: four women, one medieval Italian castle, plenty of sunshine, wisteria, and solitude as needed

Four very diverse women, all seeking revitalization from the dreary February rains of 1920s London, rent the small medieval castle of San Salvatore, nestled high above the bay of Portofino, Italy. Arriving at San Salvatore, they find it awash with the scent of flowers, its olive groves terracing down to the sun-warmed sea.

Each has her reasons for desiring escape. Mrs. Wilkins and Mrs. Arbuthnot are glad to leave behind their insipid duties and unresponsive husbands. The elderly Mrs. Fisher wishes only to sit in the sun and replay her youthful memories, and the bewitchingly beautiful Lady Caroline Dester desires to have seclusion from all her adoring suitors.

Amid the canopies of fragrant wisteria, in the sweet sunshine and melodious silence, fate has some surprises in store for all of them.

(P)2007 Blackstone Audio, Inc. 20th Century Fiction Friendship Genre Fiction Historical Historical Fiction Romance Women's Fiction Classics Heartfelt Feel-Good
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Critic reviews

“Wanda McCaddon’s narration is excellent, especially in differentiating the women’s voices and in reading their inner dialogues, which go on throughout. McCaddon’s rendition of the mostly middle and upper-class English voices is exceedingly well done. This performance is easy to listen to, and this recording is well worth having.”

(AudioFile)

“At one level an escapist fantasy, at another a parable about the liberation of the spirit, this delicious confection will work magic on all.”

(Daily Telegraph (London))

“[A] book for anyone who feels stiff, unloved, or used up—a restful, funny, sumptuous, and invigorating vacation for the mind and soul…The effect is refreshing, charming, and romantic.”

(Erica Bauermeister, 500 Great Books by Women)
All stars
Most relevant
Yes, it feels a bit dated in many ways yet the question of how to live one's life, what's important, and the healing power of nature and beauty are as relevant as ever. I loved the description of the villa and garden. Utterly charming and well read by Nadia May.

This little book brought me so much joy

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I love this audiobook and highly recommend it! Full of humour and brilliant descriptions of a wonderful holiday in Italy.

The Enchanted April - very funny and entertaining

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Absolutely lovely, the story unfolded gently with wonderful characterisations & descriptions that transported me to Italy. I enjoyed the narration greatly. Unlike other reviewers I’d not seen or heard this before so had no preconceptions. Thoroughly recommend it.

Heaven!

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Beautifully observed, well read. I could almost smell those flowers. Quietly amusing must see if I can find the film version.

Evocative

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Nadia May excels herself here as the narrator, she sounds as if she's enjoying reading the story. All in all, it's a lively, refreshing, simple book making it easy to listen to. One character in The Enchanted April describes their holiday in Italy, as taking place in heaven. Elizabeth Von Arnim also lavishly describes a garden and the flowers of Italy, interwoven in a lovely story. There's gentle comedy in here too, what more can you ask for?

A trip to heaven!

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