Reading in the Rain - April 2012 Book Selection - The Enchanted April - April 15th Meeting!

 

Ah, you've finally arrived and it's so delightful to see you. Welcome to April in Portifino, Italy. Isn't it glorious?  Domenico and Francesca have set up a table in the garden for us to enjoy the endless views, wisteria and sunshine. 

Will you join me in a glass of celebratory Prosecco?
Scrap is already on her second!

Or, perhaps you’d prefer a glass of the honey-lemon ice tea. Mrs. Fisher doesn't believe in afternoon libations for ladies. What the heck, it's a party! Lottie, Rose, and of course, Scrap agree.






Costanza is serving a pasta with a delicious fresh tomato sauce for lunch. Lotty and Mellersh have been patiently helping Mrs. Fisher become more comfortable with the art of fork-twirling.
Let's hope it goes well. 

If you're famished, Rose has requested a cheese plate, and I'm sure Mrs. Fisher will offer us some of her nuts while we wait for our entree.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aren't these dresses and hats divine? One has the tendency to look especially alive in this enchanted setting. Naturally, Lady Caroline ( Scrap) always looks positively radiant. For those of you who can't join us, I'm wearing the gown on the left, with a sweater of course to cover any bare skin! We can't be indecent, even in paradise. It is the early 1920's afterall. Be sure to share what you're wearing in the comments section below.

I hope you enjoyed the meal. Finally, our four protagonists have left us - Mrs. Fisher for a much-needed nap, Lotty and Rose are going for a walk into town, and Scrap is heading to the south garden for a cigarette. Let's retire to the terrace and get into a good discussion about these amazing women. Francesca can bring us tea and a plate of lavender shortbread cookies to enjoy.

Pick any question(s) you like that resonates, or choose your own idea to discuss. 

Do you think this is a book about feminism? If so why, if not why?

Which of the four women seemed to transform more dramatically?

Did you gravitate toward a certain character?  (I loved Lotty - inside and out. I could feel her kinship with nature and the remarkable joy in discovering her own beauty and kindness.)

Why do you suppose Lotty was so certain her husband would fall in love with her again?

Was Rose really as smitten with the castle's owner, Mr. Biggs, as she appeared?

Lady Caroline wants to be alone, but not lonely. Do you think she will be alone again when the women leave the castle?

How do you feel about this line?  “The thinking of the beautiful was bound to result in hesitations, in reluctance, in unhappiness all around."

Which of the four women is least likable - and why?

What is behind Mrs. Fisher's insistence upon acting as hostess?

Do women today have it easier or harder than women in the early 1920's?

What do you think of the men in this book?

Which of the male characters did you like best? Why?

Do men today have it easier or harder than men in the early 1920's?

Are you ready to leave the wisteria and sunshine behind when the story ends?

 

 

 I hope you like what you've read. If so, please

Debb Janes EcoBroker&Realtor Green~Sells with Soul

The Carl Group, Serving
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