HarperCollins is proud to present a range of best-loved, essential classics. Seeking escape from their unfulfilling marriages and monotonous lives in 1920s England, two women become transfixed by an advertisement to rent a medieval Italian castle for the month of April. Lotty Wilkins, who feels stifled by her solicitor husband, and pious Rose Arbuthnot, discontented in her relationship, are joined by two strangers - the glamorous socialite Lady Caroline Dester and the elderly Mrs Fisher - and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected friendship that will change their lives forever. First published in 1922 and later adapted into a film, Elizabeth von Arnim's most celebrated novel is a love letter to the power of travel, transporting readers to the sun-drenched paradise of the Mediterranean.
Elizabeth von Arnim
Elizabeth von Arnim was a British author born in Australia in 1866. Known for her satirical and comedic novels, von Arnim's most notable works include "Elizabeth and Her German Garden" (1898), "The Enchanted April" (1922), and "Mr. Skeffington" (1940). Her writing style often featured strong female characters and themes of love, marriage, and societal expectations. Von Arnim's works were influential in the development of feminist literature and continue to be celebrated for their wit and charm. "The Enchanted April" remains her most famous work, depicting the transformative power of friendship and nature in a beautiful Italian villa. Elizabeth von Arnim passed away in 1941, leaving behind a legacy of timeless and engaging novels.