Prosper Merimee's Carmen and Other Stories is most famously remembered for its namesake story, "Carmen", upon which the acclaimed opera was based; but this collection has many other tales to recommend it, each performed with skill by Walter Covell, whose rich, deep voice lends a dark and melodic quality to Merimee's stunning prose.

These stories reveal Merimee's fascination with femmes fatales, as well as with displaying his favorite themes of civilization and savagery on a global scale. Covell seems attuned to these preoccupations in his performance, which is perfectly paced and masterfully rendered, a delight to hear and experience.