Carmen, Prosper Mérimée

Carmen

Prosper Mérimée

Level
B1
Words
23,327
Chapters
4
First published
1845
Reading time
about 3 hours
Translation
instant AI translation as you read

Read this book freeEvery sentence translated, natural audio, one-tap dictionary

Set in Seville, Spain, this novella follows the passionate and destructive relationship between Don José, a naive soldier, and Carmen, a fiery and independent gypsy cigarette maker. Don José becomes consumed by his obsession with Carmen, abandoning his duty and reputation for her. Their intense connection leads to jealousy, betrayal, and ultimately, tragedy, exploring the darker aspects of love and freedom. Mérimée's concise and powerful prose is ideal for learners looking to improve their vocabulary and understanding of dramatic storytelling.

Learn English with Carmen

  • Suits learners around level B1: you read the original, not a simplified retelling.
  • 3,526 distinct words, each one a tap away from your personal vocabulary list.
  • Read in English, glance at the translation under any sentence you are unsure of, and listen to natural read-aloud voices to train your ear.

How it works

  1. Open the book: no installation, it reads in the browser on any device.
  2. Read a sentence in English. Its translation sits right under it, so you never lose the thread.
  3. Tap a word for its meaning and save it; listen to the chapter read aloud.

More about the method

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Questions about this book

Can I read Carmen in English for free?

Yes. The first chapters of Carmen open without an account, with the translation, audio and dictionary included. A free account unlocks the rest of the book.

How much English do I need?

The text is estimated at level B1. Because every sentence has its translation underneath, lower levels can follow along too.

Is there audio?

Yes. Each chapter can be read aloud by a natural-sounding voice while the current sentence is highlighted.