"At one level an escapist fantasy, at another a parable about the liberation of the spirit, this delicious confection will work its magic on all."
That's what The Daily Telegraph had to say about our April book - appropriately enough, Elizabeth von Arnim's The Enchanted April.
"A discreet advertisement in 'The Times' [which you can read here] is the impetus for a revelatory month for four very different women. High above the bay on the Italian Riviera stands San Salvatore, a mediaeval castle. Beckoned to this haven are Mrs. Wilkins, Mrs Arbuthnot, Mrs Fisher and Lady Caroline Dester, each quietly craving a respite. Lulled by the Mediterranean spirit, they gradually shed their skins and discover a harmony each of them has longed for but never known."
First published in 1922, this is a book many of us will have read and enjoyed - I did so ages ago. I'd love to re-read it, and now is as good a time as any, and I'm hoping also to watch again the delightful film of the book
I shouldn't have thought there would be any difficulty in getting hold of a copy as libraries have it, and there are several editions available to buy including an e-book
Our March book - which we'll be discussing from Saturday, 30th. - is Nature Cure by Richard Mabey, and then let's move on to talk about The Enchanted April a month later, starting on Saturday, 27th. April. If you haven't joined in before, be not afraid! It's informal and fun, everyone is very courteous and respectful of others' views, and your comment(s) on the book can be as brief or as lengthy as you wish. Please join us!
*Edited to add: see Virginia's comment below.
Be very afraid! I might read this book and come and comment upon it!
Let me completely agree with Cornflower's statement "everyone is very courteous and respectful of others' views".
Posted by: Dark Puss | 15 March 2013 at 10:57 AM
I'm sure you'll keep your claws in, DP!
Posted by: Cornflower | 15 March 2013 at 11:01 AM
Yes, but I might hiss ...
Posted by: Dark Puss | 15 March 2013 at 11:02 AM
I have a lovely hardback VMC of this that I haven't read yet, will start it as soon as I have finished 'Frenchman's Creek'. I decided I need to read these lovely books instead of just collecting them :) I hope to join in the discussion in April.
Posted by: Elaine | 15 March 2013 at 11:22 AM
I enjoyed the movie; expect the book will be even better. I was able to download an e-reader copy for less than $1(US)--65p(UK).
Posted by: Mary (Over the Pond) | 15 March 2013 at 11:39 AM
I do hope the book will make you purr (though I can't guarantee it!).
Posted by: Cornflower | 15 March 2013 at 11:46 AM
That hardback has a lovely cover. Glad to have you with us, Elaine.
Posted by: Cornflower | 15 March 2013 at 11:47 AM
A bargain!
Posted by: Cornflower | 15 March 2013 at 11:47 AM
I found it on Amazon Kindle (US) for free....
Posted by: Virginia | 15 March 2013 at 12:36 PM
Even better. Thanks, Virginia.
Posted by: Cornflower | 15 March 2013 at 12:39 PM
What a wonderful choice given our unenchanting spring weather. Even Dark Puss must be longing to be hissing/basking on a wall in the sunshine. (I think he'll enjoy the sun and then stalk off with his tail in the air.)
Posted by: Mary | 15 March 2013 at 01:28 PM
Hi Mary, as you know I have a certain penchant for the Dark Side but a bit of sun on my fur would be most welcome. If you go over to my weblog you can see me looking for it (or something or someone)
Posted by: Dark Puss | 15 March 2013 at 01:46 PM
A 50 shades of grey cat!
Posted by: Mary | 15 March 2013 at 02:31 PM
The most gorgeous book and the film is pure escapism- I adore it.
Posted by: Jo | 15 March 2013 at 07:24 PM
I read this book a few years ago. It is slight, but fun to read. I should be able to re-read for the book group. As I recall, it is a short-ish book. Happily for me, my library has a DVD of the 1992 film which I will definitely check out and watch.
Posted by: Ruthiella | 15 March 2013 at 08:40 PM
After an absence of some months I'm back on and the book is on order!
Posted by: Rose | 15 March 2013 at 09:02 PM
Escapist is the word!
Posted by: Cornflower | 15 March 2013 at 10:23 PM
Yes, it's a shortish book, and I'll be interested to see how people feel it and the film compare.
Posted by: Cornflower | 15 March 2013 at 10:24 PM
Great!
Posted by: Cornflower | 15 March 2013 at 10:25 PM
We can all dream of being in Portofino ....
Posted by: Cornflower | 15 March 2013 at 10:27 PM
Yes! Time to re-read this book. I am lucky enough to have inherited all my mothrr's dusty green , hard-backed copies of Elizabeth.
Posted by: Erika | 16 March 2013 at 12:44 PM
Glad this is one that people may already have to hand.
Posted by: Cornflower | 16 March 2013 at 03:11 PM
This book has long been a favourite, just the idea of it and the possibility of change. I loved the film too. What a life Elizabeth led herself as well as having Katherine Mansfield for a cousin!
Posted by: Ann | 17 March 2013 at 05:14 AM
Treated myself to a copy (lovely Virago hardback) in Waterstones yesterday. Hope I'm brave enough to join in the discussion!
Posted by: Liz | 17 March 2013 at 10:40 AM
I hope you join in too! I can't believe the CBG requires much bravery to comment does it?
Posted by: Dark Puss | 17 March 2013 at 11:40 AM
I am a bit hazy on Elizabeth's life - must refresh my memory.
Posted by: Cornflower | 17 March 2013 at 05:56 PM
Please do join in, Liz - we are nice!
Posted by: Cornflower | 17 March 2013 at 05:57 PM
It's free on girlebooks.com too!
Posted by: Audrey | 17 March 2013 at 06:57 PM
Excellent. Thankyou, Audrey.
Posted by: Cornflower | 17 March 2013 at 09:02 PM