Daisy Miller

Henry James's novella probes the social and emotional complications that follow the overly familiar but innocent behavior of Daisy Miller, a newly rich American traveling in Switzerland and Rome. This recording also includes the preface that James wrote later in life for his New York edition. Initially, the choice of a female reader might seem misguided for a story that is filtered through the consciousness of Frederick Winterbourne, an American expatriate who observes and analyzes Daisy's behavior. However, by maintaining a vigorous, satisfying pace, Susan O'Malley holds the listener's attention admirably. Her reading is intelligent and agreeable. G.H. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine

This early work by James, one of his first "American abroad" stories, was his first real success. Telling the story of an American girl, the eponymous character, confronted with Europe's mores and customs, James concisely draws powerful characters confronting their preconceptions. In this reading by Bobbie Frohman, however, Daisy's naïveté becomes exaggerated by the ditzy voice the narrator gives her, undermining the latent sophistication of this young woman. The reading, in general, is fine and comfortable, though the changes in intonation often make it sound as though the narrator is trying too hard, but James comes through well. This short work may be one of the best introductions to a type of story that James would repeat over the year. K.M. (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine

Narrator Kitty Hendrix deftly transports listeners to the aristocratic echelon of Europe in this 1879 classic. American Frederick Winterbourne and his Aunt Costello are at a hotel in Switzerland when he observes the beautiful young American of the title. Hendrix outdoes herself with both male characters during an amusing conversation between Daisy's younger brother, Randolph, and Winterbourne, who is seeking to learn all about her. Hendrix's rendering of the opulent setting gives listeners a glimpse of a bygone era as Daisy dates Winterbourne and an Italian suitor named Giovanelli, which shocks almost everyone. Most aghast is Aunt Costello, who is portrayed perfectly as the old-fashioned snob she is. Class and cultural differences don't matter to Daisy, who resents everyone's interference. Hendrix is spot-on with an array of accents, Winterbourne's and Giovanelli's reactions to Daisy, and the tragic conclusion. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine

James's novella is brought beautifully to life by narrator Penelope Rawlins, whose chameleon voice spans continents with ease. While the narrative is performed in an appealing British accent, Rawlins easily moves into American tones when voicing the title character and her suitor, Mr. Winterbourne. As the vivacious Daisy flirts her way across Europe, Winterbourne struggles to reconcile his feelings for her with his loyalty to social expectations and appearances. The voice of Randolph, Daisy's little brother, can be too exaggerated at times, but the story as a whole is delivered with grace and power. This audiobook is a fine introduction to this classic--its length is manageable, and Rawlins brings a respectful contemporary voice to an earlier time. L.B.F. © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine