The Enchanted April

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.

I read (listened to) this book only because Nadia May was the narrator. The title alone proclaims it to be a "girly" book. I had never heard of Elizabeth von Arnim. Well, I am a convert. This is a great book. Elizabeth von Arnim is a terrific writer whose works can be enjoyed by "girls" as well as by grizzled old men. Essentially this is story of four women who had empty places in their hearts. They came to this magic place (a real place by the way), this magic garden of San Salvatore and found themselves and refilled those empty places. Two rediscovered their husbands, one who despised all men found an exception and the last found that there are different kinds of loves which can fill one heart. There is one scene in particular which makes this book memorable. Let us call it "Mr. Wilkins takes a bath". The darn thing blows up and out runs Mr. Wilkins right into Lady Caroline Dester. She naturally introduces him on the spot to the rich and proper lady, Mrs. Fisher so they stand in the hall chatting while Mr. Wilkins dripped with only a towel wrapped about his middle. This is a delicious scene.

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.

This was a pleasure to listen to. Beautifully written, and narrated, with wry humor and insight. I highly recommend it, especially if you are tired of listening to books filled with angst.

delightful, surprisingly apt

First morning they woke up at San Salvatore.

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

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

Lovely and witty, with more detail than the movie (good) but without the visual beauty of the movie.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading (listening) about the differnent personalties of four women who became friends forever. A fun read....no stress, no tears.

Makes you want to meet these 4 ladies "in person". Excellent narrator, she painted a very vivid picture.

This was a great listen. It's not a book to change your life, but such a welcome relief from life! A feel good story that I will listen to over and over.

I saw the movie and loved it, so I decided to try the book. It is wonderful! If you are at all a fan of Masterpiece Theatre, I think you will agree.
This is a book about women - lonely women, unfulfilled women - who need a holiday. From their sojourn in Italy, they gain peace and quiet, friendship, and a renewed appreciation of what's really important in life. The characters are delightful; there's a lot of humor; we all get a new perspective on English life between the World Wars.
Still love the movie, but I also really enjoyed this audio experience.