The Enchanted April

By: Elizabeth von Arnim

Narrated by: Nadia May

Length: 8 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's summary

Four very diverse women, all seeking revitalization and escape 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.

Mrs. Wilkins and Mrs. Arbuthnot are glad to leave their insipid duties and unresponsive husbands behind; 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 adoring suitors. A month of blissful privacy at San Salvatore promises to be the remedy each of them is looking for. Amid the canopies of fragrant wisteria, in the sweet sunshine and melodious silence, four lives are transformed and resuscitated by the magic of San Salvatore.

©1922 Elizabeth von Arnim (P)1994 Blackstone AudioBooks

Critic reviews

"Nadia May's narration is excellent, especially in differentiating the women's voices and in reading their inner dialogues." (AudioFile)

Glorious!

Elizabeth von Arnim is one of my favorite authors because she perfectly captures the thoughts and emotions of women spanning across time. This book is centered around the themes of love, self-discovery, and finding beauty within yourself and others; things that truly bring meaning, contentment, and happiness to life. I have read this book multiple times and it never fails to capture my heart.

Excellent book, excellent narrator

I have to admit that I started listening to this book simply because it was read by my favorite narrator, Nadia May. I'd enjoyed the movie made from this book but didn't feel the need to read it, much less listen to it. But I started listening, and really enjoyed it! No it's not a book that'll change how you view the world, but it's funny, interesting, and highly entertaining. Better than mind candy but far from heavy-duty literature. A perfect holiday listen. And Nadia May is once again terrific. She does different voices for the characters that really seem to capture their personalities -- and unlike some narrators, her voices never get irritating. Far from it. An excellent choice.

Forever Favorite

If you could sum up The Enchanted April in three words, what would they be?

delightful, surprisingly apt

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Enchanted April?

First morning they woke up at San Salvatore.

Have you listened to any of Nadia May’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes I have. I think she's an excellent reader, and this one is as well.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

This book always makes me feel good!!! I love the book even more than the movie. It's an old favorite of mine. Never

very enjoyable

Is there anything you would change about this book?

easy enjoyable listening. narrator does a great job. Story well written, you feel as if you are present

Would you recommend The Enchanted April to your friends? Why or why not?

yes

What three words best describe Nadia May’s performance?

clear pleasant voice

Was The Enchanted April worth the listening time?

yes definitely

A delightfully subtle humor

It was a pleasure to read such a well crafted book. I had never heard of von Arnim but looked her up after repeatedly laughing uproarously at her exploration of the social mores of her times. The constrictures of womanhood made me squirm. She was obviously well ahead of her generation.

Five

A perfect five. Not only a delight to read, but great for relaxing to listen.to.

Magical story of awakenings

This is an extraordinary tale of four interesting and very different women. All it took was one woman’s great desire to escape the monotony of her life to put them in each other’s path of discovery.

A light-filled mental vacation

Need a Little break from doom and gloom? This novel will magically transport you to another world. It’s rare blend of sharp psychological insight, beautiful sensory description, intriguing plot, positivity and wry humor!

If you loved the movie, the book is even better

I have seen the movie and the play. The book is the best of the three. It is hard to believe that it was written in 1922. Nadia May, the narrator, as always is lovely to listent to.

Charming!

The Enchanted April is something of an early 20th century version of a what is now known as chick-lit. It's about the friendship which emerges when four women, desperate to change their circumstances, pool their resources to rent a small Italian castle for a month. The castle and its beautiful surroundings works magic on the women, making them at ease and pulling out the best in each individual. The characters are endearing, the writing is smartly comical, and the narrator's voice is perfect. This book isn't for everyone, but if you enjoyed reading things like Anne of Green Gables or The Secret Garden as a child, this may be the book for you.

The only, very minor, drawback is that the ending seemed sudden. Then again, maybe I just didn't want it to end :)