Have you ever wanted to run away from it all? Not forever, just for a little while? That’s exactly what four women do in this 1922 novel. In a damp and dreary London, Lotty Wilkins and Rose Arbuthnot spot an advertisement for a small Italian castle for rent. On a hopeful whim, they recruit two strangers—the glamorous, discontented Lady Caroline and the stern, elderly Mrs. Fisher—to share the cost. The four of them, each carrying their own quiet sadness or frustration, escape to the shores of the Mediterranean for the month of April.

The Story

The story follows their month in the castle of San Salvatore. At first, they are awkward together, still wrapped up in their London selves and their private disappointments. But the castle works its magic slowly. The overwhelming beauty of the gardens, the sea views, and the simple Italian life begins to soften them. Walls come down, not with dramatic confrontations, but with shared meals in the sun and the simple act of being still. Even their husbands, invited later, are not immune to the change in the air. The plot isn't driven by big events, but by the quiet, almost invisible shifts happening inside each person as they remember what it's like to feel joy.

Why You Should Read It

This book is a balm for the soul. Von Arnim writes about nature and place so vividly you can feel the sun on your skin and smell the flowers. But her real genius is in how she captures the inner lives of these women. They aren't heroes; they're people worn down by life's small compromises. Watching them rediscover themselves is incredibly moving. It’s a gentle reminder that sometimes a change of scenery isn't just a vacation—it can be a reset button for your heart. It makes you look at your own life and wonder what you might be missing by sticking to your routine.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who feels a bit worn out by the modern world and needs a dose of quiet optimism. If you love character-driven stories, gorgeous descriptions of place, and endings that feel earned and hopeful, you'll adore this. It's like a long, deep breath of fresh air in book form. Keep it on your shelf for a rainy day—it’s the literary equivalent of a cup of tea and a warm blanket, but with Italian sunshine.