Customer Reviews
Most Helpful
5 out of 5 stars
By
Joseph R
on
08-20-09
Cavorting in the Gardens
This book is a solitary walk through the flower gardens, into the forest, down by a stream. Getting away from people is a recurring theme in Elizabeth von Arnim books: The Solitary Summer, The Enchanted April, Elizabeth and Her German Garden and even works such as Princess Priscilla's Fortnight have that element of escape from people. Yes, it is peaceful although issues with various gardeners complicate life along with the self satisfied superiority of the Man of Wrath. There is a gentle humor, and unfailing pleasure in observing the day to day, even hour to hour changes in the gardens. There is unabashed enjoyment of her babies, the fresh air, the gardening work and the time alone to think. One can feel the garden solitary quiet. I loved the idea of Elizabeth escaping into the snow covered gardens, then when she is sure that she is alone, dances and cavorts in the dark. Her friends from town were absolutely sure that she felt abandoned and lonely without the crowds and parties. No indeed, she felt liberated and exhilarated to be away from the noise and insipid conversations.
I have grown quite used to and fond of Nadia May's narrations as I listened to her on a couple dozen audio books in my collection ranging from Agnes Grey, Middlemarch, Northanger Abbey and Pride and Prejudice. She is consistent and I have found that trait particularly valuable in a narrator.
Read More
Hide me
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
3 out of 5 stars
By
sharon
on
03-04-13
Not as good as Enchanted April
I bought this book because I LOVED Enchanted April .I found myself bogged down after the first disc HOW COULD ONE BOOK BE SUCH A GREAT ONE AND THIS ONE SO MEDIOCRE?I l really like Nadia May so I thought It would be a winner. The narration is fine its the story that fails to capture my attention. Nadia May narrated "The Childrens Hour" by Marcia Willett and it it excellent.I will still pay attention to anything narrated by Nadia May but hesitate about any more of Von Armins books.
Read More
Hide me
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful
4 out of 5 stars
By
Maggie Lockett
on
10-30-15
A wonderful insightful description of gardening and German life
Maggie
Being a gardener born of German parents this brought me a smile of recognition in every chapter. What delight to plan the huge plantations, to skirt around the immovable German traditions and to beat the Man of Wrath at his own game!
Read More
Hide me
1 of 1 people found this review helpful