The Enchanted April

About the book

An advertisement for a castle in Italy offers escape from an unpromising English spring. Four women with different resources, expectations, and private unhappiness agree to share the rental, bringing their established ways of dealing with others into unfamiliar surroundings. Von Arnim gives the garden, weather, rooms, and changing light a strong presence, making altered attention part of the holiday's effect. Initial misunderstandings and social distinctions do not disappear simply because the setting is beautiful, but they become harder to maintain without question. The comedy follows the gap between what each visitor thinks she needs and what companionship may unexpectedly provide. The novel is interested in the possibility of renewal within ordinary relationships, asking how much a life can change when its daily defensive habits are interrupted.

• Renewal
• Friendship
• Habit and perception

Why read it

For a gently comic account of how unfamiliar beauty and company can make settled relationships newly imaginable.

English text