The Enchanted April – Songbird Classics Illustrated Edition Extensively illustrated - 45 unique impressionist art illustrations, including 23 page plates (scroll down this page for examples) - Extensively annotated - 37 informative annotations to the text - Prefaced with a new, authoritative introduction outlining the cultural and historical context of Elizabeth Von Arnim's writing Four disillusioned women seek respite together; polite strangers, sharing an idyllic retreat in Italy. Each carries a burden that must be lifted; each must find a way... At San Salvatore, ghosts are exorcised and bounds broken: each woman finds her own way back to happiness, on her own terms – aided by the simple magic of an Italian Spring garden. Any story of a struggle to break free is compelling to the human heart. One way or another, we must each break free of our own prison. This then is the story of Rose, Lotty, Scrap Dester & Mrs Fisher – and their quiet story is epic, like the poems of antiquity. Elizabeth von Arnim's modern classic of women's fiction was a worldwide bestseller upon its publication in 1922. Her story struck an emotional chord with women everywhere, inspiring numerous theatre and radio adaptations, plus an Oscar nominated movie in 1991. Her supreme talent for both dreamy exposition and sharp, witty dialogue made her whole body of work hugely popular in Europe and the United States of America. A 20th century classic of literary fiction, women's friendship and gentle romantic fiction. If you are a fan of Downton Abbey, or Jane Austen's novels, or any of the authors listed below, then this gentle classic is a must read novel for you! Regards, J. K. Melia