The Enchanted April

De: Elizabeth von Arnim

Narrado por: Eleanor Bron

It began in a women's club in London on a February afternoon. A discreet advertisement in The Times, addressed to "Those who Appreciate Wistaria and Sunshine..." lures four very different women away from the dismal British weather to San Salvatore, a castle high above a bay on the sunny Italian Riviera. There, the Mediterranean spirit stirs the souls of Mrs Arbuthnot, Mrs Wilkins, Lady Caroline Dester, and Mrs Fisher, and remarkable changes occur.

©1922 Elizabeth von Arnim (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Oh, Gosh! What a Delightful Surprise!

Would you listen to The Enchanted April again? Why?

I purchased this audiobook because it came cheap. I had low expectations. So imagine my surprise when I found fleshed-out characters, a not so easy journey for them, and twists in the plot. Even though I absolutely knew how it'd turn out in the end, it was so good (and so well narrated) I zipped through, chapter after chapter. And I look forward to doing that again someday because really: what a delight!

Who was your favorite character and why?

All the characters have complicated natures, complicated desires, and unexpected challenges to growth. Mrs. Wilkins, Lottie, however, is a natural favorite as she's the catalyst for change, the one who leaves her subservient self behind, and looks to the future with hope while enjoying every second of the present.

Which scene was your favorite?

This book really makes you look at the beauty around you, and it inspires you to fling off your shackles with joy. I particularly was impressed by how many little obstacles were thrown in the way of the characters. What should have been a predictable journey to growth was instead written with challenges for them. This had me biting my nails now and again.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I found nothing wrong with Eleanor Bron's performance but was instead really quite taken with it. There are different versions of this book, but I suggest this version as Bron has a knack for delivering the different tones of the characters' natures, their emotions. She doesn't make the annoying mistake of trying to warp her voice into different characters but uses subtle variations to distinguish them. She really captures their longings, their fears, their hopes.

Any additional comments?

Make no mistake, this is light reading/listening. If you're looking for deep plot dynamics, save this for later. But by all means, come back later if you'd like some refreshment. It's a little gem that I had no idea was out there.

The location was a catalyst for love

Good narration and sweet story of disgruntled women reviving love and finding love. The beautiful Italian villa was the setting conducive to love.

Still wonderful after third time

This is my favorite story of all time. It now surpasses To Kill a Mockingbird in my soul.
So uplifting and inspiring.

The mood created by the author

Descriptive language; insight into each character.
Saw the movie. It was pretty much word for word as the book.

as wonderful as the movie

I read the book because I loved the movie. the narration was as beautiful as the flowers she described. I'm sad the book ended.

Lives up to its name

Actress Eleanor Bron reads this classic novel so beautifully, I'm going to look for more of her work and keep this one as an annual favorite.

Less atmosphere more character development

Beautiful book. There is less atmosphere described than I expected but it was JUST the right amount for the story. It was well written, whimsical, short and interesting.

Charming story

Great reader, she had good pacing and I enjoyed her accent. Perfect summer listen. I would highly recommend.

Outstanding characters.

This book had wonderful characters, and I truly loved it, although I had a hard time keeping track of who was who since there were four ladies vacationing together, and each went by numerous names: first, last, nicknames, titles, etc. I got quite confused, but I still thoroughly enjoyed listening to this fabulous book written by Elizabeth von Arnim.

A Treasure

A beautiful book that should be on everyone's list. The reader is excellent. she absolutely brings the story to life.