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The Enchanted April

By: Elizabeth von Arnim
Narrated by: Nadia May
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Summary

Four very diverse women, all seeking revitalization and escape 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.

Mrs. Wilkins and Mrs. Arbuthnot are glad to leave their insipid duties and unresponsive husbands behind; 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 adoring suitors. A month of blissful privacy at San Salvatore promises to be the remedy each of them is looking for. Amid the canopies of fragrant wisteria, in the sweet sunshine and melodious silence, four lives are transformed and resuscitated by the magic of San Salvatore.

©1922 Elizabeth von Arnim (P)1994 Blackstone AudioBooks
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Critic reviews

"Nadia May's narration is excellent, especially in differentiating the women's voices and in reading their inner dialogues." ( AudioFile)

What listeners say about The Enchanted April

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Where was this story going?

I found this book boring, I didn’t enjoy the narrator either. I was so bored with this book, if I couldn’t sleep, I would listen to the book and every time I would fall asleep. I found it old fashioned and without purpose.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Truly wonderful

Delicious story, one of my favourite films and this Audible reading did NOT disappoint. Loved it and was transported to Italy. Bliss.

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1 person found this helpful

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Total immersion and feel good

What a delightful story with beautifully described characters and scenery. Would recommend for an uplifting story.

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A staggering breath of air.

I loved the characterisation, the descriptive details, the psychological insight. Just what was needed following a global pandemic. I quietly wished myself into each of this beautifully crafted novels pages.

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Different!

This novel is definitely different.
It is a bit of escapism and a little behind belief but refreshing in its concept and I sort of enjoyed it.
The writing used was exceptionally good and full of description for the castle and it's surroundings and that is the part I most enjoyed.
Would definitely read this author again and the whole book was brought to life by the narrator who performed it brilliantly.

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    4 out of 5 stars

delightful

written 1922. lovely English and quite naive. ending very abrupt and unexpected. but worth the listen and quite funny

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Delightful!

Loved every bit of it. It sounds so modern I thought it might have been written these days. Would recommend to anyone!

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Wonderful

Loved every minute of this beautifully written and beautifully read story . Thank you so much

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Evocative

Beautifully observed, well read. I could almost smell those flowers. Quietly amusing must see if I can find the film version.

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The enchanted April is a delight

I enjoyed this book from beginning to end, although it was perhaps a bit too wordy, but then it is a book of its time. I loved how the characters developed and grew, and I love the descriptions of the castle and the surroundings.

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