Audiobooks by Elizabeth Von Arnim

"Lo mejor del humor británico y de la novela romántica. «Para aquellos que aprecian las glicinias y el sol. Se alquila pequeño castillo medieval italiano durante el mes de abril.» Un lugar encantador adonde acudirán cuatro mujeres inglesas, hartas y aburridas, escapando de la rutina. Allí, en primavera y en pleno Mediterráneo, conversan, viven y descubren los mejores matices de su sensibilidad, oculta por la monotonía cotidiana. Y todo empezará a cambiar, quizá para siempre. Esta comedia de Elizabeth von Arnim, una de las escritoras más leídas de principios del siglo XX, brinda tanto placer y fascinación hoy como entonces. La crítica ha dicho... «Una prodigiosa mezcla de sensibilidad y tenue humor con una clásica y perfecta estructura en la que destaca su planteamiento.» El País «Divertida y entrañable, se puede devorar en dos o tres sentadas... Viendo la película, usted podrá obtener un porcentaje del placer muy inferior al de la lectura.» Guía del Ocio «Una deliciosa historia, con algunos pasajes geniales y una genuina sensibilidad por el color y la belleza.» The New York Times"

Elizabeth Von Arnim (Author), Nuria Mediavilla (Narrator)

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The Enchanted April: A relaxing story for sleep

"Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of 'The Enchanted April' by Elizabeth von Arnim, brought to life by the soothing narration of Elizabeth Grace and produced by Slumber Studios. Are you struggling to fall asleep? Whether you're dealing with insomnia or a restless mind, this audiobook is crafted to guide you into a deep, restful slumber. So close your eyes, relax, and let Elizabeth Grace's calming voice lead you through the delightful and transformative journey of four women seeking renewal and happiness in an Italian villa. Experience the charm, humor, and serene beauty that von Arnim so masterfully portrays, from the blooming gardens to the heartfelt connections among the characters. At Slumber Studios, we specialize in creating relaxing content to help you relax and fall asleep. This audiobook features a slow, soft narration and calming background music, ensuring a peaceful journey into dreamland. If you’re seeking a way to unwind after a long day, look no further. Simply press play, settle into bed, and let Elizabeth's tranquil narration transport you to a world of gentle dreams. Wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, ready to embrace a new day."

Elizabeth Von Arnim (Author), Elizabeth Grace (Narrator)

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Fräulein Schmidt and Mr Anstruther

"Fräulein Schmidt and Mr Anstruther is a novella written by Elizabeth von Arnim, a British-German author known for her witty and insightful novels. Published in 1907, the story revolves around the correspondence between two main characters, Fräulein Rose- Marie Schmidt, a spinster in her late 30s, and Mr Henry Anstruther, a kind and sympathetic stranger, as they navigate their lives and explore their feelings for each other. Through the medium of letters, von Arnim captures their vulnerability and longing, providing a poignant reflection on the nature of love, loneliness and the power of written communication."

Elizabeth Von Arnim (Author), Lucy Scott (Narrator)

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[French] - Avril Enchanté

"'Avril enchanté' est un roman écrit par Elizabeth Von Arnim. Il raconte l'histoire de quatre Anglaises qui louent un château italien pour un mois d'avril, dans l'espoir d'échapper à leur vie morne dans l'Angleterre pluvieuse et de trouver le renouveau et l'inspiration dans la beauté de l'Italie. L'histoire commence dans l'Angleterre de l'après-Première Guerre mondiale, où Lotty Wilkins, une femme au foyer d'une trentaine d'années, est séduite par une annonce parue dans le Times proposant la location d'un château en Italie. Elle suggère à son amie Rose Arbuthnot, une femme belle mais malheureuse d'une vingtaine d'années, de louer le château ensemble, et les deux femmes passent une annonce pour trouver deux autres compagnes afin de partager les frais. Elles sont rejointes par Lady Caroline Dester, une beauté mondaine glamour et distante, et Mrs. Fisher, une veuve riche et âgée qui s'accroche aux traditions et aux valeurs de son éducation victorienne. Tout au long du roman, les quatre femmes explorent les jardins et les plages de leur retraite italienne, nouent de nouvelles amitiés et romances, et affrontent leurs peurs et leurs insécurités. Que révèlera cet avril enchanté sur leur personnalité, leurs aspirations, leurs espoirs et la réalité ? Découvrez-le dans ce roman captivant !"

Elizabeth Von Arnim (Author), Esra Dave (Narrator)

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Elizabeth and Her German Garden

"Elizabeth von Arnim, who is best known for her later novel The Enchanted April, married a Prussian aristocrat and, with their five children, lived in Nassenheide, Pomerania. Elizabeth and Her German Garden is a semi-autobiographical novel about the joy that the protagonist finds in the delights of her Pomeranian garden, which provides relief from the stifling environment of her household. The novel was originally published anonymously because von Arnim feared that her husband, whom she satirised in the book, would disapprove. Each season of the year is wittily recorded, bringing new events and visitors, conveyed through von Arnim’s idiosyncratic perspective, while the ‘kingdom of heaven’ of the garden provides a calm place where the author finds solace."

Elizabeth Von Arnim (Author), Lucy Scott (Narrator)

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The Enchanted April

"When four women leave their drab lives behind to go on holiday in Italy, their lives are changed forever by the Mediterranean. Mrs. Arbuthnot and Mrs. Wilkins, while part of the same ladies' club, have never spoken. Lady Caroline Dester and the elderly Mrs. Fisher join their holiday so as to mitigate expenses. As these women come together and learn more about themselves than they ever thought possible, they reveal their true personalities and the backdrops of their lives that tend to hinder them. Inspired by the author's own month-long trip to the Italian Riviera, this novel is noted as her most widely-read work."

Elizabeth Von Arnim (Author), Robin Siegerman (Narrator)

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[Italian] - Elizabeth e il suo giardino tedesco

"Pubblicato originariamente nel 1898, 'Elizabeth and her German Garden' fu il primo libro di Marie Annette Beauchamp – conosciuta per tutta la vita come Elizabeth. Il libro fu pubblicato in forma anonima. Elizabeth era una cugina della scrittrice più famosa Katherine Mansfield (il cui vero nome era Kathleen Mansfield Beauchamp). Nata in Australia, Elizabeth fu educata in Inghilterra, e sposò poi un conte tedesco, von Arnim. Nel 1897 gli Arnim si trasferirono nell'antica residenza familiare di Nassenheide (oggi Rzedsiny, Polonia). Il libro, ispirato dall'amore per il giardino di quella antica casa, fu pubblicato l'anno successivo ed ebbe un successo clamoroso (ben 21 edizioni nel 1899), tanto che da allora l'autrice firmò le maggior parte delle opere successive con l'espressione «by the author of 'Elizabeth and her German garden'. Tornata in Inghilterra dopo la morte del marito, Elizabeth divenne amica di intellettuali di spicco come Wells, e Bertrand Russell (di cui sposò il fratello). La sua scrittura è leggera, ironica, critica delle convenzioni sociali, e l’autrice è stata rivalutata recentemente come scrittrice “femminista ante-litteram”, per le sue critiche alle convinzioni e convenzioni di genere.Cornice musicale: Greensleves"

Elizabeth Von Arnim (Author), Silvia Cecchini (Narrator)

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[Italian] - L'aprile incantato

"The Enchanted April, scritto nel 1922 dopo il grande successo del suo primo libro “Elizabeth e il suo giardino tedesco”, è di nuovo un libro che tratta di donne e di giardini. Ma stavolta il vero protagonista è l’animo femminile con tutte le sue sfumature, esposto in quattro donne totalmente diverse, tutte alle prese con le convenzioni, le gabbie imposte dalla società, e le aspirazioni più profonde. Quattro donne londinesi che si conoscono appena organizzano una vacanza di un mese in un castello della rivera ligure; e il dolce aprile e la magia del posto agiranno come un vero e proprio incantesimo, sgretolando durezze e maschere, e facendo sbocciare fiori nel giardino e nei cuori. Il libro ha una base autobiografica, soprattutto per l’ambientazione, visto che l’autrice scrisse il libro nel Castello Brown. La scrittura è apparentemente leggera e ironica, ma tutt’altro che superficiale. Grazie al suo umorismo e all’ambientazione, il romanzo è stato utilizzato per una commedia musicale e adattamenti cinematografici e radiofonici, tutti di successo."

Elizabeth Von Arnim (Author), Silvia Cecchini (Narrator)

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Father

"Since her mother's death Jennifer has devoted years of her life to her father, managing the family home. After the sudden announcement that he has taken a new wife, Jennifer, at 33, seizes the opportunity to lead an independent life. Quickly she secures the lease of Rose Cottage and turns her attention to her own interests. While Jennifer is desperate to experience life on her own terms within her reduced financial means, her neighbour Alice is pre-occupied with ensuring her position as head of her brother's household is never challenged."

Elizabeth Von Arnim (Author), Penelope Freeman (Narrator)

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The Enchanted April: Penguin Modern Classics

"Brought to you by Penguin. The discreet advertisement in The Times, addressed 'To Those who Appreciate Wistaria and Sunshine', offers a small medieval castle for rent, above a bay on the Italian Riviera. Four very different women - the dishevelled and downtrodden Mrs Wilkins, the sad, sweet-faced Mrs Arbuthnot, the formidable widow Mrs Fisher and the ravishing socialite Lady Caroline Dester - are drawn to the shores of the Mediterranean that April. As each, in turn, blossoms in the warmth of the Italian spring and finds their spirits stirring, quite unexpected changes occur. The Enchanted April, published in 1922, is a witty and delightful depiction of what it is like to rediscover joy. 'This delicious confection will work its magic on all' Daily Telegraph 'Brims with magic and laughter' Amanda Craig, Guardian © Elizabeth von Arnim 1922 (P) Penguin Audio 2021"

Elizabeth Von Arnim (Author), Seroca Davis (Narrator)

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Elizabeth and her German Garden

"Elizabeth von Arnim’s novel 'Elizabeth and Her German Garden' was first published in 1898. It was instantly popular and has gone through numerous reprints ever since. This story is the main character Elizabeth’s diary, where she relates stories from her life, as she learns to tend to her garden. Whilst the novel has a strongly autobiographical tone, it is also very humorous and satirical, due to Elizabeth’s frequent mistakes and her idiosyncratic outlook on life. She comments on the beauty of nature and shares her view on society, looking down on the frivolous fashions of her time and writing 'I believe all needlework and dressmaking is of the devil, designed to keep women from study.' The book is the first in a series about the same character. - Elizabeth von Arnim (1866–1941), née Mary Annette Beauchamp, was a British novelist. Born in Australia, her family returned to England when she was three years old; and she was Katherine Mansfield’s cousin. She was first married to a Prussian aristocrat, the Graf von Arnim-Schlagenthin, and later to the philosopher Bertrand Russel’s older brother, Frank, whom she left a year later. She then had an affair with the publisher Alexander Reeves, a man thirty years her junior, and with H.G. Wells. Von Arnim moved a lot, living alternatively in the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Germany, Poland, before dying of influenza in South Carolina during the Second War. Elizabeth von Arnim was an active member of the European literary scene, and entertained many of her contemporaries in her Chalet Soleil in Switzerland. She even hired E. M. Forster and Hugh Walpole as tutors for her five children. She is famous for her half-autobiographical, satirical novel 'Elizabeth and her German Garden' (1898), as well as for 'Vera' (1921), and 'The Enchanted April' (1922)."

Elizabeth Von Arnim (Author), Ashleigh Jane (Narrator)

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The Enchanted April

"Four very different women, all wanting to escape cold and dreary London for different reasons, come together to share a month's holiday in an Italian medieval castle. There’s timid Lotty Wilkins, terrified of her domineering husband; sober and religious Rose Arbuthnot; rigid and judgemental Mrs Fisher; and the breathtakingly beautiful but disillusioned and unhappy Lady Caroline Dester. They are lured to the castle by the advertised 'wisteria and sunshine', but they end up finding there so much more than they had bargained for. The place transforms them and their lives are unexpectedly changed. Von Arnim's story of their metamorphosis under the Italian sun is warm, witty, intelligent, and as enchanting as the title suggests. - Elizabeth von Arnim (1866–1941), née Mary Annette Beauchamp, was a British novelist. Born in Australia, her family returned to England when she was three years old; and she was Katherine Mansfield’s cousin. She was first married to a Prussian aristocrat, the Graf von Arnim-Schlagenthin, and later to the philosopher Bertrand Russel’s older brother, Frank, whom she left a year later. She then had an affair with the publisher Alexander Reeves, a man thirty years her junior, and with H.G. Wells. Von Arnim moved a lot, living alternatively in the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Germany, Poland, before dying of influenza in South Carolina during the Second War. Elizabeth von Arnim was an active member of the European literary scene, and entertained many of her contemporaries in her Chalet Soleil in Switzerland. She even hired E. M. Forster and Hugh Walpole as tutors for her five children. She is famous for her half-autobiographical, satirical novel 'Elizabeth and her German Garden' (1898), as well as for 'Vera' (1921), and 'The Enchanted April' (1922)."

Elizabeth Von Arnim (Author), Helen Taylor (Narrator)

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