The Last of the Valerii
Henry James
Read by Nicholas Clifford (1930-2019)
An unnamed American painter resident in Rome serves as narrator in this story, watching as his god-daughter Martha, becomes the wife of Prince Marco Valerio. The young bride is eager to use some of her American fortune in the service of archeology at the Villa Valerio, her husband's somewhat run down Roman house. Archeology can be, her god-father suggests, a rather expensive hobby, but to his (and her) surprise, the dig brings to light a lovely marble statue of Juno. Martha is overjoyed, but it is soon clear that her husband is overcome by the discovery, and overcome in ways that are to be disquieting. In this, as in several of James's stories, there are elements of the supernatural -- or so the reader might invited to believe. To what, in any case, will the discovery lead? (Introduction by Nicholas Clifford) (1 hr 15 min)
Chapters
| 01 - Section I | 38:06 | Read by Nicholas Clifford (1930-2019) |
| 02 - Section II | 36:59 | Read by Nicholas Clifford (1930-2019) |
Reviews
There Should be a Decree...
jenniebrown
...that only Nicholas Clifford is to narrate the writings of Henry James! A lot is packed into this very short tale. Love, devotion, selflessness and a bit of humor. Has the young Count become inordinately obsessed with Juno? With excellent narration and an intriguing story the listener will be charmed.
A LibriVox Listener
ok... got bored. Reader is the BEST.