DAISY MILLER

Henry James's 1878 novella about a flirtatious American girl who is traveling in Europe is part of a growing series of short classics narrated by Edoardo Ballerini. The story has only a small number of characters, but they are diverse, and Ballerini handles them all capably. He gives convincing voices to both the title character and her suitors, one American and one Italian. He's equally comfortable with the haughty women at the center of the expat society in Switzerland and Rome, where the story is set. Somewhat scandalous in its day for its heroine's behavior, the novella seems genteel today. Its appeal comes from its strong dialogue, which is enhanced by Ballerini's characterizations. D.B. © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2025]