The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim ****

The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim: Four British women share the cost of San Salvatore, a medieval castle in Italy, for a holiday getaway in the decade following World War I. All are unhappy and searching for peace and solitude. Even though the castle has accommodations for eight and they are only four, right from the beginning they are thrown together, and subsequent visitors make isolation impossible. The result is a delightful story of manners, serendipity, and a little feminism.

The organizer is the ever-optimistic Mrs. Lotty Wilkins. Even though her marriage has turned cold, she still has a positive view of the future for herself and everyone else. She is an example of the idea that two people in love, can separate in anger, and regardless of the time apart, are always just a small step from complete reconciliation.

The second lady is Mrs. Rose Arbuthnot, an acquaintance of Mrs. Wilkins, and an active church goer who is dedicated to serving the poor. Because of her solemn piety, she is estranged from her husband who writes romance novels, which a not fit to be read by God.

Lotty convinces her to join this vacation venture. The other two women are located through an advertisement in the Times. This ad might have been on the front page, as prior to 30th July 1966 Times front pages were compiled of classifieds and announcements.

Lady Caroline Dester is young, beautiful, and very attractive. She is going away to avoid her many admirers and suitors.

Mrs. Fisher is the only older woman and she is also seeking solitude and quiet. She represents an earlier, more formal society. She is resentful and judgmental of all the younger women.

Mrs. Wilkins summarizes the melancholy within her and Rose’s marriages.

“We’ve been too god—much too good, and that’s why we feel as though we’re doing wrong. We’re brow-beaten—we’re not any longer real human beings. Real human beings aren’t ever as good as we’ve been.”

In the beginning all the women are catty and competitive. They vie for the best rooms and places to sit in the gardens. They judge each other’s manners and dress. As time passes, everyone changes. Lotty is the personification of the idea that one person’s positive attitude can change everyone for the better.

If you enjoy a story of nice things happening to nice people, I highly recommend this pleasant story of love and flowers in the Italian springtime.

Check out https://amazon.com/shop/influencer-20171115075 for book recommendations.