Her First Ball
Her First Ball
Fiction | Short Story | Adult | Published in 1921
Book Brief
16
Short Story • Fiction
1921
Adult
15-18 years
Super Short Summary
"Her First Ball" by Katherine Mansfield follows country girl Leila, who, feeling excited and somewhat envious of her city cousins the Sheridans, attends her first dance. Despite her initial nerves, she relishes the experience until an older male partner dampens her enthusiasm by suggesting a bleak future. However, she soon recovers her joy, absorbing the delights of the night once more.
Nostalgic
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Emotional
Romantic
Reviews & Readership
186 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Katherine Mansfield’s Her First Ball is generally praised for its vivid portrayal of a young girl's experience at her first dance. Critics laud Mansfield's refined prose and ability to capture youthful excitement and fleeting emotions. Some find the story's brevity limits character depth and development, but overall, it’s regarded as a poignant and evocative narrative.
Who Should Read Her First Ball?
Readers who enjoy nuanced, character-driven narratives will find Her First Ball by Katherine Mansfield compelling. Ideal for fans of Virginia Woolf and James Joyce, this short story examines the fleeting nature of youth and enchantment, inviting comparisons to works like Mrs. Dalloway and Dubliners.
186 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
16
Short Story • Fiction
1921
Adult
15-18 years
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