Elizabeth And Her German Garden (Virago Modern Classics)

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But I read in her biographical note that the novel is "semi-autobiographical" and maybe this is one way in which the author distances herself from the text. Known today as Elizabeth von Arnim, this author’s most famous novel now is probably The Enchanted April (1922), but modern readers will appreciate the lively approach and relevance of all her work.

I found it quite amusing that she should refer to her husband as "the man of wrath" and her babies as "April baby", " May baby" and "June baby". From time to time her husband, dubbed the Man of Wrath, makes an appearance, putting a damper on things but doing little to earn his moniker. Not but what I like to have people staying with me for a few days, or even for a few weeks, should they be as anspruchslos as I am myself, and content with simple joys; only, any one who comes here and would be happy must have something in him; if he be a mere blank creature, empty of head and heart, he will very probably find it dull.

I believe I should always be good if the sun always shone, and could enjoy myself very well in Siberia on a fine day. She prefers to spend as much of her day as possible outdoors in the garden, even on the coldest days of winter, and gets labeled as eccentric by her neighbors. The passion for being for ever with one's fellows, and the fear of being left for a few hours alone, is to me wholly incomprehensible. Minora (one of her visitors) was angry at this, and at last pulled off her glove, but quickly put it on again. After seven difficult years and three daughters, Elizabeth wrote her first book, "Elizabeth and her German Garden," which was an instant hit.

The marriage ended in disaster, with Elizabeth escaping to the United States and the couple finally agreeing, in 1919, to get a divorce. So minus a star for those sections and for the parts when the gardening trivialities and minutiae made my eyes glaze over. Further, the story goes on, with the politics, prejudices, vanities and weaknesses of the German people at the turn of the century. She also has a discussion with her husband about how it's okay for the local peasants to beat their wives and mothers to beat their children and staff.It will appeal to those comfortable out in nature, those who see the beauty of nature, those who enjoy being alone, those not particularly drawn to social gatherings, those who easily envision a delightful landscape if told there are marigolds or poppies and nasturtium or other flowers, snow covered firs, twinkling stars or hoarfrost. Elizabeth dislikes the indoors with its responsibilities, servants and other interruptions, and spends most of the time reading in her garden.