Every Friday, Marilyn Knapp Litt, who blogs at ClassicKindle.com, brings us her recommendation of a free classic book to discover (or rediscover) on Kindle. Find more of Marilyn’s recommendations at her blog, ClassicKindle.com, a guide to the best free and inexpensive classic literature for the Kindle. You can also get Marilyn’s blog on Kindle and I recommend that you “Like” the Classic Kindle Facebook page as well so you don’t miss anything. Here’s Marilyn’s post:

“Enchanted April” is a lovely 1922 novel by Elizabeth Von Arnim. It was made into a wonderful movie in 1992. The plot is very appealing. A woman sees a classified ad for a castle on the coast in Italy for rent.

Not for her were mediaeval castles, even those that are specially described as small. Not for her the shores in April of the Mediterranean, and the wisteria and sunshine. Such delights were only for the rich. Yet the advertisement had been addressed to persons who appreciate these things, so that it had been, anyhow addressed too to her, for she certainly appreciated them; more than anybody knew; more than she had ever told. But she was poor.

She needs this getaway, but can’t afford it, so she recruits three women she has never met to share expenses. Of course, great fun, conflict and romance ensue. (Where there are four women in a castle, there will also be bachelors . . .)

The two men opened their umbrellas for them and handed them to them. From this they received a faint encouragement, because they could not believe that if these men were wicked they would pause to open umbrellas. The man with the lantern then made signs to them to follow him, talking loud and quickly, and Beppo, they noticed, remained behind. Ought they to pay him? Not, they thought, if they were going to be robbed and perhaps murdered. Surely on such an occasion one did not pay. Besides, he had not after all brought them to San Salvatore.

Have no fear! The ladies will survive and thrive under the blue Italian sky. Chick lit was alive and well in 1922!

Click here to get your free copy of The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim >>>