Play Audiobook Sample
The Enchanted April Audiobook
Play Audiobook Sample
(4.04) - 56 listener ratings
Quick Stats About this Audiobook
Total Audiobook Chapters:
Longest Chapter Length:
Shortest Chapter Length:
Average Chapter Length:
Audiobooks by this Author:
Publisher Description
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.
Download and start listening now!
"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)
Quotes
-
“A pleasant…little story, with some neat phrasing and a genuine feeling for color and for beauty.”
— New York Times -
“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) -
“Nadia May’s narration is excellent, especially in differentiating the women’s voices and in reading their inner dialogues…This performance is easy to listen to, and this recording is well worth having.”
— AudioFile -
“[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
The Enchanted April Listener Reviews
-
" I want to go to San Salvatore!! I feel like each I know each character in this story, and I also am changed after my month with them. I admit I saw the movie first, and it's my favorite movie. But the book is wonderful, and a treat to read. "
— Lori, 2/9/2014 -
" There honestly isn't a huge story line in this book but it's written so beautifully and so descriptive that I couldn't help but like it. I want to go stay in a castle and have my own enchanted April. "
— Tandy, 1/31/2014 -
" A light fun narrative of three romances that all end a little too tidily. If the wishful thinking is a bit transparent, that's okay - this is a happy little daydream for women dreaming of "sunshine and wisteria" - and of enchantment. "
— Jessica, 1/26/2014 -
" A great book if you're feeling the need to get away and go on vacation. "
— Sue, 1/5/2014 -
" This was just a delightful read! "
— Susan, 1/4/2014 -
" Easy summer book to read, with a pleasant "under-theme" of "don't judge a book by its cover". "
— Lisa, 1/2/2014 -
" This should probably be called a "fantasy/romance" but it is so well-written, so charming, so funny and so sweet, that I can't help but give it five stars. It makes me want to read all her work, if her other books are half as good as this one. "
— Sherry, 12/29/2013 -
" Delightful, funny, sweet. A fun little jaunt! "
— Beth, 12/13/2013 -
" Simply beautiful to read in a time when so many books offer misery "
— Amanda, 12/7/2013 -
" BORING, BORING, BOOOOOORRRRING!!!!! Four self-centered English women rent a house in Italy for a month...then gripe at, or about, each other. Terrible book. "
— Sandy, 12/3/2013 -
" Why am I reading this again? Sigh. I just love it, it's so comforting. "
— Leslie, 9/21/2013 -
" Four strangers split costs to vacation in an Italian castle. Initially the characters are annoying, but keep reading, a beautifully described Italy works its magic on the women. "
— Anne, 9/16/2013 -
" it was a light quick read. i really have no idea when it was written. early 1900s? i believe in everybody needing a vacation! it was sweet. "
— Natalie, 8/26/2013 -
" Great book that was written years ago, but I enjoyed reading it this summer. "
— Janice, 8/19/2013 -
" Just because you're in an italian castle doesn't mean it's ALL sunshine and flowers...... "
— Lori, 7/29/2013 -
" Definitely read it if you're a fan of the film. The characters spend the vast majority of the time in their own heads, which makes it a very slow read. Good overall. "
— Joy, 7/14/2013 -
" Wonderful reading for a bleak weather month, this comedy celebrates spring in Italy for four visiting English women. There is a tartness to the observations of human behavior that keeps the book from being too, too sweet. "
— Susan, 5/10/2013 -
" I saw the movie years ago and the book is even more delightful. Love the dry British humor. Now, I want to rent a castle in Italy for a month. "
— Diane, 4/25/2013 -
" My first selection after joining Book Club. "
— Joan, 4/16/2013 -
" cute story... not too boring. Reminded me of EM Forrester but it turns out this author used to be babysat by EM Forrester so it wasn't surprising! "
— travelmel, 4/8/2013 -
" Love it, have read several times. "
— Jessica, 5/14/2011 -
" Quotes: <br/> <br/>"I can't see the least point in being in authority at the price of one's liberty." <br/> <br/>"Oh, but nobody helps anybody in heaven. That's finished with. <br/>You don't try to be, or do. You simply are." <br/> "
— Antonette, 5/6/2011 -
" I gave this book three stars only because I was so disappointed with the ending. "
— Kathryn, 5/3/2011 -
" Very sweet book, but also well written characters. I'm looking forward to seeing the movie. "
— Lisa, 5/1/2011 -
" A simple, sweet tale. Not a great deal of depth, but an easy Sunday afternoon read. "
— Colleen, 4/26/2011 -
" Enchanting, charming, very very funny. A delight to read. "
— Karen, 4/25/2011 -
" If you're looking for a book that makes you feel that you're taking a vacation, this is the book for you. A great comfort read with a happy ending. "
— Holly, 4/22/2011
About Elizabeth von Arnim
Elizabeth von Arnim (1866–1941) was an English novelist born Mary Annette Beauchamp. With many works to her name, she is best known for the novel The Enchanted April and her semi-autobiographical novel Elizabeth and Her German Garden.
About Wanda McCaddon
Wanda McCaddon (d. 2023) narrated well over six hundred titles for major audiobook publishers, sometimes with the pseudonym Nadia May or Donada Peters. She earned the prestigious Audio Award for best narration and numerous Earphones Awards. She was named a Golden Voice by AudioFile magazine.