The Comfort Book Club / The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim

Welcome to this month's Comfort Book Club discussion! My Mum, Donna, and I are chatting about April's book choice, 'The Enchanted April' by Elizabeth von Arnim. There are spoilers in this chat, as we're assuming you have read the book if you watch! Special thanks to the readers who left voicemail messages for this video, which were included in our discussion:
Faith in America
Diktynna in Great Britain
Jason in New Zealand
Heather in America
Cristina in Spain
Antoniette in Canada
Madeleine in France
Jenneth in South Africa
—

—
LINKS:
(affiliate links used for Blackwells)

[nancyfritz]

I still remember sitting in the theater watching this film and feeling like a "spell" had been cast over me and when I walked out the world was so much more beautiful and I so much more joyful. Now the novel has also cast it's spell. Elizabeth von Armin's language is stunning and I found myself reading passages and whole chapters over and over just to enjoy her prose. Chapter 6 (Lottie's transformation) is my favorite and I think often of Lottie's insight into Heaven, "You don't try to be, or do. You simply are."
Travel has always been transformative for me (especially trips I have taken solo) and at this time of little travel, this wonderful book has provided me the same gift. I loved this discussion and everyone's insights and comments. Both of you look so Springlike in your flowered tops. Thank you for a lovely bookclub!

[jasonlow]

Hello Miranda (and Donna), thank you for including me in the discussion about 'The Enchanted April'. I loved hearing about all the new themes like the relevance to Woolf's Room of One's Own, and the generational meeting of minds. Being part of the CBC is one of the best things that has happened to me and my reading life! 📚 Thank you for all of your recommendations. Best wishes, Jason

[emily_robinson]

I read "The Enchanted April" for the first time this month and so enjoyed it! I was on pins and needles when Frederick arrived and realized it was not in response to Rose's letter, and then such a great sigh of relief when Lotty and Caroline saved the day. Also, I felt like Rose in the beginning, annoyed by Mrs. Fisher and Lady Caroline coming early, claiming the best rooms and sitting room, and Mrs. Fisher acting as hostess. But then Lotty says something of not allowing such things to bother oneself in heaven. I watched the movie afterward and liked that also. And the way Mellersh didn't approve of Lotty buying flowers because it was an unnecessary extravagance, but also, how nice to buy flowers and bring a bit of enchantment into your home. Thank you for the discussion. I couldn't wait after finishing the book for Friday to arrive.

[helenrichards]

Miranda and Donna you will never know how medicinal you both are in my life right now. Your suggestions of reading matter and soothing voices are a panacea and diversion therapy from cancer. Never doubt that what you are doing is essential for many people. Thank you 💕

[WaterBearReads]

I loved the video! This is actually the first time I have ever joined a book club like this...I read a lot of children's books because I love the "cozy" aspect to them, (and because I read aloud to my son a lot), but I find your book choices just wonderful! Thank You Miranda and Donna🌹

[ingertsvard]

Thank u so muck Donna and Miranda. This book was a really treat and I laughed out load many times when reading. 1920s is my favorite decade to read about so thank u so much for bringing this book to my attention.

[jennethgraser]

How very special to share in this time with you all, thank you so much Miranda and Donna for this beautiful discussion and hearing all the ways this beloved book has impacted our lives and for including my voicenote. I look forward to reading your blog post! The Comfort Book Club brings so much joy. All the very best to you both 💗

[NadineTouzet]

This was my first reading of The Enchanted April and it won’t be the last. I particularly liked the transformation of the women who at home were stuck in their worries and routines but after being in this marvellous place are transformed into different people. My favourite character has to be Mrs Wilkins. She’s a real trooper and always finds something positive about everything. And the garden! As I listened to the audiobook I could picture myself in such a garden, if only the Normandy climate allowed such luxuriant vegetation. Thank you for this pick!

[karenoloughlin]

Miranda I live in Australia. There’s a podcast called Conversations with Richard Fidler that can be found on Apple/pocket casts others I’m sure. On the 19th January this year he interviewed an author Joyce Morgan on her book The Countess from Kirribilli, it’s a biography of Elizabeth von Arnim, the title of the episode is Searching for the Countess of Kirribilli. Lots of interesting information on Elizabeth and her life and writing. I’m sure you’ll love it and knowing there’s a recent book published about her, it only came out last July. Thanks for continually sharing wonderful reading material. Karen 💐

[Bonnieuxful]

Hello Miranda and Donna❣️I may have watched The Enchanted April movie at least 30 times❣️🥰💕I recently had the joy of attending the play in California which was so fun and had lots of funny moments as well❣️This story gives us a taste of what Heaven is like. God bless you both❣️🥰💕🙏🏻💕

[moweaquas]

I just read The Enchanted April in 2023 as you recently recommended it. I was not as enchanted as I expected. So I was glad to discover that you have a book club discussion on it. It helped me enjoy more of what I found excessive or silly. For me, none of the characters rung true and the men were particularly reprehensible, even at San Salvatore. But you’ve given me another way to look at it - especially with the connection to Mrs Dalloway and Eat, Pray, Love. Thanks for opening my eyes to the simple pleasures of von Armin’s writing. Her personal story filled in what I needed to understand.

[zeeybooknook]

I dont often join book clubs but it is always a pleasure watching you and Donna discuss books over treats. My tbr is always having new and unexpected additions after your seasonal rec videos too.

[vanessap]

I have only recently read The Enchanted April and I loved it! It made me dream and it made me laugh. As a native Italian speaker, I found funny any mention of the language, from Mrs Fisher communicating in Dante's fashion to Mr Wilkins' bath accident and its link to the word "pericoloso" 😅
The CBC discussion was spot on, as always: there is something magical in the different, but at times similar, ways books speak to us reader. Thank you Miranda & Donna ❤

[kerrylynn]

Hello Miranda and Donna, I was so pleased with reading along with you the “The Enchanted April” book. It was a delightful and warm book that I enjoyed it immensely. I’m so glad to add this to my bookcase 📕❤️

[mariacristinabuenoasensio]

Thank you Miranda and Donna for this wonderful recommendation and for this lovely discussion. I feel honoured and grateful for being part of this cosy, elegant, warm and unique Book Club. I'm already absolutely hooked on Emma but in Summer I will reread The Enchanted April again because it's been so touching to me. Thank you for everything you do 🥰

[julierogers]

Enchanted April has been my FAVORITE MOVIE since 1993 (?) when I saw it in a movie theater in Seattle Washington on a VERY rainy, dark, dreary day. Can you imagine?! It remains my favorite movie all these decades later. Thank you for picking out the book for your Comfort Book Club. I am struggling to complete BOTH my in-person longtime book club read and getting the Comfort Book Club book read too in the same month.

[shanne]

Comforting read. Wonderful discussion. I personally loved the comment about “searching for ghosts…” très poignant. Merci 🥀

[melaniek.]

I am really looking forward to watch your video .The Enchanted April was such a wonderful read. I was thrilled to find out, that this month there was a special Enchanted April - inspired tea time in Victoria magazine! Thank you so much for this uplifting book recommendation, I will surely re-read it next year.

[glendaslanina]

Hello Miranda and Donna. The Enchanted April was a delightful read and a perfect choice for spring. I enjoy hearing the different interpretations especially the ones that make me think. One thing that I took away has to do with attitude. Having worked with different ladies in the same office, it was always apparent that one’s daily attitude could influence everyone. Lotty was the influencer here. Her bright outlook and pure enjoyment brought out the best of the ladies by the end of the book. A lovely ending to a wonderful story.💕

[joysedgwick]

Thank you for introducing me to this lovely, witty book. I enjoyed hearing your thoughts and also the recordings from around the world. Greetings fellow CBC readers.