She mightily complained of her gardeners ineptness and bad character. She complained of visitors to her estate, having to go to lavish balls and parties, and the preference for being utterly alone and not bothered with motherly or household duties-such as supervising and ordering servants around. She referred to her children as 'The May Baby or The April Baby' and was constantly handing them off to maids and servants to tend them so she could get to her garden.

There didn't seem to be a speck of humility or vulnerability in her. I guess I shouldn't judge her on her personal writings, but it reflected a spoiled, hauty, self centered, self indulgent rich wife. She truly conveyed the hopes and fears of the women in that book. The way she represented the inner workings and vulnerability and awakening joy of those 4 women made me feel close to her. I read this book because Elizabeth von Arnim wrote the beautiful story, The Enchanted April. Spoiled, Privileged and Rich-Complaints in Diary She is consistent and I have found that trait particularly valuable in a narrator. 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. No indeed, she felt liberated and exhilarated to be away from the noise and insipid conversations. Her friends from town were absolutely sure that she felt abandoned and lonely without the crowds and parties. 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. There is unabashed enjoyment of her babies, the fresh air, the gardening work and the time alone to think. There is a gentle humor, and unfailing pleasure in observing the day to day, even hour to hour changes in the gardens. Yes, it is peaceful although issues with various gardeners complicate life along with the self satisfied superiority of the Man of Wrath. 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.

This book is a solitary walk through the flower gardens, into the forest, down by a stream.

Elisabeth and her german garden