A recipe for happiness: four women, one medieval Italian castle, plenty of 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.
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"The Enchanged April is a very engaging, uplifting story set in England and Italy in the early 20th century. Two married Englishwomen in their early 30s, bored with the rainy, dreary weather of London, and each separately spurred on by her feckless marriage, respond to an ad in the newspaper to rent an Italian villa for the month of April. When they discover the price is steep, they place an ad themselves to solicit two other women to share the cost. Lady Caroline and dowager Fisher respond and the arrangements are made. Each woman arrives with her own internal baggage. The villa and time of year, however, turn out to be indeed enchanting. The novel is both humorous and insightful. The author skillfully plays with the interpersonal relationships of the women as their personalities and perceptions of life conflict. I found myself often smiling and sometimes laughing. However, the profusion of flowers and sunlight create a magical state which can only result in a bit of heaven on earth. Each woman finds herself and happiness of bygone years is restored. Elizabeth von Arnim has created a true masterpiece with this novel. Although appealing to all readers, women will especially enjoy The Enchanted April. For women, it is a must read. I highlight recommend the book."
—
Craig (5 out of 5 stars)