We find how Elizabeth, always acutely aware of Anglo-German tensions, was twice forced to abandon her home before advancing German armies in Europe. It is the most unpleasant thing in the world to eat sandwiches with immense fur and woolen gloves on, and I think we ate as much fur as anything, and choked exceedingly during the process. Humility, and the most patient perseverance, seem almost as necessary in gardening as rain and sunshine, and every failure must be used as a stepping stone to something better.

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. I absolutely loved 'Enchanted April', so perhaps my expectations of 'Elizabeth and her German Garden' were too high? As a novel it really doesn't have a whole lot of structure, but its charm comes precisely from the juxtaposition of the freedom and beauty of the natural world with that of a wealthy aristocrat who cannot escape all of her duties. Minora (one of her visitors) was angry at this, and at last pulled off her glove, but quickly put it on again. When Minora was first introduced as an intelligent and hardworking woman, the Man of Wrath had this to say, “Then she is not pretty.In the middle of this plain is the oasis of bird cherries and greenery where I spend my happy days, and in the middle of the oasis is the gray stone house with many gables where I pass my reluctant nights. Anyways, concerning the gardening and change of seasons part -for which I took up the book in the first place- I give it 3 stars and just try and ignore the rest. Married in 1891 she became known as Elizabeth von Arnim, although she was born Mary Annette Beauchamp. When World War II broke out she permanently took up residence in the United States, where she died in 1941, aged 74.

This enchanting semi-autobiographical novel delighted readers when it first appeared in 1898 and has never been out of print since.

von Arnim and tell her I am one of her biggest fans… Although come to think of it I guess they did not have such things as book signings back then… Never mind. I know you have to view this through eyes of the time but I found her views of people from a class she saw as below her awful.