THE ENCHANTED APRIL BOOK CLUB QUESTIONS
It’s the end of April, meaning it’s time to discuss our latest book club pick! We’re excited to introduce the book club discussion questions for the literary classic, The Enchanted April by Elizabeth Von Arnim.
ABOUT THE ENCHANTED APRIL
This moving novel tells the story of four women who are each trapped in the dull routine of their everyday lives and longing for something different. Their trip to San Salvatore results in an unforgettable journey of self-discovery, friendship, and love.
BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION
With its beautiful themes and spellbinding prose, this iconic work has inspired countless readers around the world. So, if you’re looking for an engaging discussion with your friends or book club members, be sure to check out the questions provided here.
RELATED: Enchanted April Movie Review: This 1991 Period Drama Is Absolutely Magical
Whether you want to explore the meaning behind the title or the characters’ complex relationships, this book has something for everyone.
So, join the conversation today and discover what lies beyond the threshold of The Enchanted April!
For more about The Enchanted April, check out our initial book club announcement.
YOU CAN ALSO JOIN US ONLINE
Besides downloading the discussion questions for your personal use, you can join us in the Silver Petticoat Book Club group on Facebook or on Instagram and Goodreads to discuss the book and connect with other readers for some book club fun.
We hope you enjoy discussing the book with us. We’ll be back soon with a new book club announcement.
THE ENCHANTED APRIL BOOK CLUB QUESTIONS (WARNING – SPOILERS!)
'The Enchanted April' Book Club Questions
A list of discussion questions for the book "Enchanted April" by Elizabeth Von Arnim. Amber and Autumn Topping from The Silver Petticoat Book Club wrote the questions.
Instructions
Click the print button and keep a copy of the discussion questions. You can choose to print or save it as a PDF to your computer. These discussion questions are for personal use only to discuss with your friends and family. If you use them, please credit The Silver Petticoat Book Club.
The Enchanted April Discussion Questions:
- Did you enjoy reading The Enchanted April? Is this your first time reading the classic book, or have you read it before? Share your thoughts on whether you liked the book.
- What was your favorite part of the book, and why? Your least favorite? Do you have any favorite quotes, chapters, or scenes? Share!
- The theme of “beauty” is prevalent in The Enchanted April. How does beauty play a part (positively or negatively) in the story? What other themes stood out to you?
- Elizabeth Von Arnim writes with a descriptive and intellectual style. Did you enjoy her writing style? Did you find her writing romantic and sentimental? Or witty and ironic? Perhaps both?
- Who is your favorite Enchanted April character, and why? Which character do you relate to the most? Do you have a least favorite character? Who is it, and why do you like them the least?
- Did you love the friendships between the women throughout the novel?
- How are each of the four characters transformed by San Salvatore? And why do you think Mrs. Lotty Wilkins changed first? Why do you think their vacation transforms each of them? Is it the location? The break from their regular life? Discuss.
- Were you surprised by the twist concerning Mr. Arbuthnot and Lady Caroline Dester?
- How did you feel about the happy ending for all the characters? Did you find it romantic with a touch of magic involved, or did you have a more cynical interpretation?
- What do you think happens next with each of the couples? Do you think they work out their marriages and stay together? Or will Mr. Wilkins and Mr. Arbuthnot once again lose interest? Could Mr. Arbuthnot pursue other relationships in the future like he did with Lady Caroline? Or do you believe the men transform as much as the women in this tale? And then there’s the friendship between Lotty and Mrs. Fisher. Do you think they’ll continue to develop their bond after the trip ends?
- Do you believe a real connection develops between Mr. Briggs and Scrap? Or is it only a shallow exchange? He quickly abandons his affections for Rose when he sees the beautiful Lady Caroline. And then Scrap enjoys her stay in the castle, a castle Mr. Thomas Briggs happens to own. Do you agree with Lotty’s optimism for the pair? Or do you have a more cynical view?
- Does this book make you want to travel to San Salvatore (aka Castello Brown in Portofino)? Or go on your own vacation? Share!
- After reading The Enchanted April, would you read more books by Elizabeth von Arnim?
- Have you seen the 1935 or 1991 film adaptation? What did you think? Do you have a favorite version if you’ve seen both? Did they cast the actors as you imagined? Discuss!
Notes
Use the discussion question to discuss with your family and friends.
You’ll be able to download the questions, add some of your own, and turn the book club into the social and fun experience it’s meant to be!
Did you read The Enchanted April? Did you like it? Please feel free to answer any book club questions in the comments below. We are always up for a good book club discussion!