Book Description
Four women rent a chateau on a remote Italian island to try to come to grips with their lives and relationships. They explore the differences in their personalities, reassess their goals, and reexamine their relationships in a sisterly fashion. Newly designed and typeset in a modern 6-by-9-inch format by Waking Lion Press.
Customer Reviews:
The Enchanted April.......2007-01-05
I loved this story, however I was not happy with the book itself. It was paperback and the pages fell out on a regular basis...approximately 15 or 20 of them.
Product Description
Four very diverse women, all seeking revitalization 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 her adoring suitors. 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.
Book Description
A recipe for happiness: four women, one medieval Italian castle, plenty of wisteria, and solitude as needed.
The women at the center of The Enchanted April are alike only in their dissatisfaction with their everyday lives. They find each other—and the castle of their dreams—through a classified ad in a London newspaper one rainy February afternoon. The ladies expect a pleasant holiday, but they don’t anticipate that the month they spend in Portofino will reintroduce them to their true natures and reacquaint them with joy. Now, if the same transformation can be worked on their husbands and lovers, the enchantment will be complete.
The Enchanted April was a best-seller in both England and the United States, where it was a Book-of-the-Month Club selection, and set off a craze for tourism to Portofino. More recently, the novel has been the inspiration for a major film and a Broadway play.
Product Description
Unabridged audiobook in MP3 format.
Download Description
And indeed Mr. Briggs seemed very much interested. He wanted to hear all about everything she had been doing from the moment she got there. He asked her if she had seen this, that, and the other in the house, what she liked best, which room she had, if she were comfortable, if Francesca was behaving, if Domenico took care of her, and whether she didn't enjoy using the yellow sitting-roomthe one that got all the sun and looked out towards Genoa.
Customer Reviews:
Appealing.......2005-12-19
In the spirit of the Bronte sisters, this novel delights and entrances. An enjoyable read.
no title.......2005-11-17
Just got through watching the wonderful movie; not as wonderful as the book, but very good. Have now read this book at least three or four times, and still adore it every time. Has to rank as one of my all-time favorite books. Must rent an Italian castle on the western Mediterranean coast some day. The writing is so witty, and warm, the story so imaginative, the moral so wise. Love is all; just to love, not expecting anything in return. It opens people up. Lotty, Rose, Lady Caroline, and Mrs. Fisher all live in these pages. And the gardens, the flowers, the utter beauty of San Salvatore. The author quite obviously loves flowers. Even the servants are clearly drawn, Francesca and Domenico. Lotty becomes a truly original character. Love, love, love this book!
A Serene Painting of Love.......2005-11-13
Much like the film this book by Elizabeth Von Arnim inspired, there is something peaceful here on these pages. This is a gentle novel about the gradual internal changes brought about by the beauty of our surroundings. It is a book that reads itself as much as it is read, the author writing with the flow of the character's thoughts and feelings as their hearts are changed by the surprise of beauty.
An ad to rent a castle in San Salvatore on the Italian Riviera will prompt two only slightly acquainted British women named Rose and Lottie to inexplically leave their husbands behind for a summer that will change their lives and their marriages forever.
Joining Rose and Lottie for this holiday is Mrs. Fisher, an older woman living in the past, and Lady Caroline Dester, a grey-eyed society beauty tired of being gawked at like a majestic statue, not allowed to be human. Diverse in nature and temperment, not to mention background, they interact uneasily together until the flowers and the sea bring about a change in their souls.
Surrounded by fig and olive trees, plum blossoms and Tamarisk daphnes, and the scents of fortune's yellow rose and blooming acacia, the women slowly find their roles at this castle by the sea and in doing so find themselves as well. New insights will prompt Rose and Lottie to send for their husbands. Lady Caroline, or 'Scrap' as she is known, will find love in spite of her wish to be alone and her great beauty. Mrs. Fisher will form a friendship with Lottie and her husband and discover a renewed zest for creativity in this heaven by the sea.
This is a novel about life and love, told gently through the emotions of these women, as the surprise of beauty and the warmth of being suddenly admired and seen as beautiful, when they had not been before, changes their simple lives, which were not so simple at all. You will definitely enjoy this novel if you enjoyed the lovely film it inspired.
A peaceful yet breathtaking portrait of love is painted by the author in a pleasing and gentle manner readers will fall in love with. A beautiful read on paper, or listened to unabridged with Nadia May reading. This is a book that refreshes the soul and calms the spirit. It is about love restored and love discovered, along the wistaria covered steps leading down to the sea.
Grace abounding.......2005-09-05
Always celebrated for its beautiful evocative setting in Portofino, THE ENCHANTED APRIL has also to some extent been dismissed as a sentimental trifle. It is not: for all its surface charm, it is also one of the most searching fictional works ever written on the nature of goodness, and its effects upon selfishness and acquisitiveness. Two Hampstead housewives, Rose Arbuthnot and Lottie Hawkins, advertise for two other women to share in the costs so that they may rent an Italian castle for the month of April and escape their loveless lives; when they and the other two women (the dazzling Lady Caroline Dester and the rigid bluestocking Mrs. Fisher) arrive at the spectacularly lovely castle, they begin to discover that not only have their spirits been refreshed but also that their value systems have changed through what amounts to the dispensation of the castle of a kind of secularized grace. Elizabeth von Arnim accomplishes this very probing study of modern British mores through the very subtle and unobtrusive psychological realist use of extended interior monologues. The result is a novel that is not only completely beguiling but actually quite thoughtful. A greatly underappreciated little gem.
A delightful read.......2004-04-27
Well, you've already heard about the story. Just wanted to add that the characters were so real, it was as if I were really there with them. A wonderful turn of events at the end. Caught me off guard. Very enjoyable. Beautiful writing. Now I've got to rent the movie.
Book Description
The English in Italy
Customer Reviews:
Good book, lots of typos.......2007-09-06
Bought this book for my wife - she loves the movie. It contained numerous spelling errors, like it was a rough copy that wasn't edited. Still, my wife said it was readable, and she enjoyed it . I don't know if I would buy from this publisher again without checking the book first.
Customer Reviews:
Tony Award nominee.......2004-12-30
As the previous review states, this is the Tony-nominated stage adaptation of the Elizabeth von Arnim novel that played on Broadway in 2003. Romantic, funny, and utterly delightful (even more so than the original novel, in my opinion). Enjoy!
false packaging.......2004-08-09
This book is advertised by Amazon in a misleading way. This book is a dramatic adaptation of the novel by Elizabeth von Arnim and it is not the original work. Amazon's Web presentation of this book does NOT make that clear. So buyers beware.
Book Description
It began in a woman's club in London on a February afternoon-an uncomfortable club, and a miserable afternoon-when Mrs. Wilkins, who had come down from Hampstead to shop and had lunched at her club, took up The Times from the table in the smoking-room, and running her Ustless eye down the Agony Column saw this :
Average customer rating:
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The Enchanted April
Elizabeth Von Arnim
Manufacturer: Cosimo Classics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 1602061742 |
Book Description
Driven to action by the dreariness of their lives in London, two not-quite friends, in the hopes of finding renewal, plan to rent a medieval Italian castle for a month. They are joined by two other women, a socialite and a dowager, each also seeking a remedy for their dissatisfactions. As the quartet eventually (though not necessarily gracefully) settles in together, they share the beauty and joy of their springtime palace, and each becomes reacquainted with the self they had forgotten. Whether or not the enchantment can carry into their lives and loves in the "real" world is the question. The basis for the film, of the same name, this is a classic to cherish. British novelist ELIZABETH VON ARNIM (1866-1941) wrote numerous books, including Elizabeth and Her German Garden and The Solitary Summer.
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The Enchanted April
Elizabeth von Arnim
Manufacturer: Classic Books Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 160096754X |
Book Description
Four women rent a chateau on a remote Italian island to try to come to grips with their lives and relationships. They explore the differences in their personalities, reassess their goals, and reexamine their relationships in a sisterly fashion. Newly designed and typeset in a modern 6-by-9-inch format by Waking Lion Press.
Customer Reviews:
Even Better Than The First Part.......2003-11-13
I find this sequel to Emerald Dawn to be even better than its predecessor. This story is ultimately about responsibility. Hal Jordan takes responsibility for his failings (recounted in Emerald Dawn) and goes to prison. There he meets a fellow convict Willie and a pre-machismo Guy Gardner!
The highlight of this story however, is SINESTRO. This story shows Sinestro training Hal to be a Green Lantern who believes in order. It also recounts Sinestro's tragic fall from grace - for taking his responsibilities a little too fanatically. This foreshadows Hal's later fall for the same reasons. The original Silver Age Sinestro was a little two-dimensional as a villain. Here, with the added teacher-disciple ties with Hal and the story of his fall, we have a Sinestro that we can understand (and perhaps even symphatize with).
I do not understand the many complains about Giffen and Jones in Emerald Dawn I and II. These two stories served to "humanize" the otherwise 2D-characterizations of Hal Jordan and Sinestro. In view of Marvel's recent "Ultimate" versions of their characters, these two TPBs stands as the "Ultimate" version of DC's Green Lantern.
Sinestro Done Right.......2003-07-19
First, Emerald Dawn was a terrific book, and its sequel, while falling a little short of its predecessor, is a worthwhile book in its own right.
This trade starts off with Hal Jordan serving the first day of his prison term (see Emerald Dawn for that tale), as well as a new mentor being dispatched to train Hal. It is none other than Sinestro, future antagonist of the GL Corps, whom still a very respected member as of now. While crusading his message of "Order over Chaos", it soon becomes clear that Sinestro seems a bit...off. This leads further into this tail of his tailspin away from the Corps, and helps define exactly what the relationship between he and Hal was.
A great book for Hal Jordan and Sinestro fans, Emerald Dawn II is a true delight.
Average customer rating:
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DC Sneak Previews #1 : Justice Society of America & Green Lantern Emerald Dawn II (DC Comics)
Len Strazewski , and
Keith Giffen
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: B000QTAUOQ |
Product Description
Rare Green Lantern collectible. A must have for any fan!
Book Description
The soldiers of the alliance come from different worlds and cultures, but share one mission: to reclaim occupied space from the savage Khalian invaders. These are their stories.
Customer Reviews:
The Fleet: Sworn Allies (Book 4).......2000-04-02
Once again, Drake and Fawcett have compiled a masterful list of authors. As with the other titles in this series, this book's strength lies in the diversity of its authors. Each other writes a separate tale of futuristic military combat set in the main theme of human vs. khalian war. The list of names in this series is impressive, ranging for Larry Niven to Anne McCaffrey. All this makes for a truly interesting, and entertaining read. I would highly recommend any of The Fleet novels for any fan of science fiction. This book in particular maintains the style of the previous novels where Drake and Fawcett weave together the various stories (involving various levels of combat and violence) into a unified, directional plot. A great continuance of the series, with plenty of good surprises packed into the 10 or so short stories.
Product Description
Paperbacks
Amazon.com
Let's face it. Finding the best of the fabled cuisine in Paris can be difficult for us Americans. We're thrown off by the language, the numerous terms for eateries, and the French themselves, who love to pretend they don't speak English.
That's why Patricia Wells's updated guide, now in its fourth edition, is a hit. With detailed information on 450 restaurants, Wells takes readers by the hand and demystifies the culture so well known for its luscious food and demanding gourmands. Sidebars abound: she dissects breads, foie gras, and oysters--and even gives the cultural background on why the French may drink wine in the morning (to kill worms, of course), as well as discussing the pros and cons of eating the rinds of cheeses. Also listed are the best bakeries, cafés, and specialty shops, as well as 50 recipes to try at home.
If there is a criticism to be made of this sturdy and informative book, it's of the writing of this International Herald Tribune critic, which is sometimes riddled with stock descriptions and clichés. Yet readers are likely to forgive her this occasional foible, as Wells's interesting details and enthusiasm are enough to send devout Italophiles, even, to Paris--where they can sink their teeth into those crusty baguettes. --Melissa Rossi
Book Description
An internationally acclaimed authority on French cuisine, an award-winning cookbook writer, and restaurant critic for France's weekly International Herald Tribune, Patricia wells knows a thing or two about food in Paris. And what she knows she shares with one and all in her Food Lover's Guide To Paris, the book Bon Appetit calls "a must for every food lover."
It's been six years since Ms. Wells last revised the guide, and for the Fourth Edition she's returned to the more than 450 restaurants, bistros, cafes, patisseries, and specialty food shops listed. She samples, she reviews, she updates all vital statistics -- and she drops those that have disappointed. She tells us what is new and wonderful (over 50 restaurants and 100 bakers, cheesemongers, wine shops, and other food establishments have been added), what is old and still trustworthy, what will make us shake our heads with amazement, and what will comfort us with the knowledge that what we loved 20 years ago we can return to today. Included with the Fourth Edition are 50 recipes, 10 of which are new, and an expanded glossary so that readers will never be at a loss when they are facing a French menu.
Customer Reviews:
Not just a restaurant guide.......2005-11-05
Yes, some of the restaurant reviews are out of date, but this is so much more than just a restaurant guide. It also gives details about markets, boulangeries, pattiseries and other treats and traiteurs. Gold dust.
One of the best ways to eat in Paris is to buy a baguette de tradition and a fresh piece of really STINKY and TOTALLY unpasteurised fromage and eat it in a jardin or parc. (I reccomend the rue Cler for this you can get your fromage from Christine and your pain from Poujairan and your patisserie from Lenotre - all spellings approximate!- and eat them around the Invalides).
This book tells you how to do all that, and how to find precious treats like Berthillon ice cream and Christian Constant chocolates and Le Stubli's cakes.... I could go on but it's making me too hungry.
But a new edition is certainly sorely needed. For example, Andre Lerch is retired, and has been replaced in rue Cardinal Lemoine by a store selling Tour D'Argent memorabilia. Conversely, the book omits the magnificent Pierre Herme (probably the best and most astonishingly innovative patissier in Paris, and it's in rue Bonaparte - just spot the queue). In the meantime, boulangerie fans could acquire the Guide des Boulangeres (which is regularly updated with a pamphlet supplement) or the Michelin single-city food guides; both can be got from the fabulous cookbook store in the Rue Dante, which has very helpful English-speaking staff. And for restaurants nothing beats Gault-Millau (provided your French is good - it's idiomatic).
But Wells is still worth having, especially for non-French speakers. She points in most of the right directions. You CAN update her book a bit by visiting her website.
And her devotion to Paris and Parisian food makes you want to sing aloud. It was this book that helped me become a raving Paris foodie, and I'm still very grateful.
A Truly Marvelous Guide.......2005-02-14
Just came back from 8 days in Paris and I had studied and marked on a map Wells' recommended cafes, boulangeries, patisseries, fromageries and specialty food stores. Note that I wasn't so much interested in restaurants but I've NEVER known Patricia Wells to be wrong so I can't imagine her recomendations wouldn't be excellent. Although it would be great if her book were updated again since it hasn't been in 5 years I found most of the places still there and loaded with thoroughly delicious treats. Her website patriciawells.com has updates for restaurants for those interested. The French really do food right and the baguettes, cheese, wine and pastries were exquisite. Each place has certain items that are especially delightful. Gosselin really does have a superb baguette, Calixte has croissants and pain au chocolat that are really magnificent, Malineau has fruit tarts which are exquiisite, Martin has wonderful baguette sandwiches to take with you and munch on and Kayser has many wonderful delights. Go to Paris and you will come to know what Bon Appetit can really mean.
Desperately needs an update.......2004-11-27
I brought this book to Paris on a recent week-long trip, and had very mixed feelings about the reviews. About half of the recommended establishments were closed, moved, or under new names/management. If you use this book, calling ahead to verify that the restaurant exists is a must! The copyright date on this book is 1999, and many of the reviews must have been written or checked earlier than that. The reviews quote all prices in francs, which constantly reminds you of the age of the reviews, and the age of the quoted prices.
Still, every one of the restaurants, bistros and cafes which Wells recommended, and still exist, were winners. Often times, the reviews suggest perhaps a too cozy relationship between reviewer and owner/chef, but I'm willing to overlook that somewhat, as that doesn't seem to spoil the quality of the recommendations. Despite what people may think, there are bad (well, not-so-good) restaurants in Paris, and price is not always proportional to quality. Having a guide like this one is key to painful trial-and-error experiences. I just long for an up-to-date edition!
A Pre-Paris Reference Guide.......2004-08-18
Ms Wells allows you to prepare for a gastronomic trip to Paris.
Her essential information regarding types of eateries, locations, speciality foods, terminolgy and ofcourse understanding tipping is highly descriptive and beneficial.
Choosing restaurants and food styles are of personal taste and may not reflect that of Ms Wells', but the guidelines established in this book provide many options. One can dine at a numerous amount of bistros listed in this guide and understand their specialities and price ranges effectively.
As a person who has travelled to Paris, many restaurant guides are available and recommendations are abundant. I regret not having this book on my last two trips but will definitely visit some of the eateries listed in this book on my next trip.
Not what I'd hoped.......2004-06-03
I brought this book to Paris along with 4 others, and although had high hopes, I found it frustrating. It didn't provide enough choice within a geographic area, and with respect to our one "big night" out, led us to a disastrous, expensive disappointment. Alcazar(p. 51) had miserable service (she had billed it "exquisite") and a meal that had to go back. We did much better following Rick Steves' recommendations, and our own noses. If it's the third or fourth book on your list for Paris, as it was for us, save your money and the aggravation of carting the hefty thing around. It's not worth it.
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