Book description
Monks devious and devout - and an age-defying royal pair - chronicle the history of their fictional island in this witty critique of Western civilization and history itself. Eugene Vodolazkin, internationally acclaimed novelist and scholar of medieval literature, returns with a satirical parable about European and Russian history, the myth of progress, and the futility of war. This ingenious novel, described by critics as a coda to his bestselling Laurus, is presented as a chronicle of an island from medieval to modern times. The island is not on the map, but it is real beyond doubt. It cannot be found in history books, yet the events are painfully recognizable. The monastic chroniclers dutifully narrate events they witness: quests for power, betrayals, civil wars, pandemics, droughts, invasions, innovations, and revolutions. The entries mostly seem objective, but at least one monk simultaneously drafts and hides a "true" history, to be discovered centuries later. And why has someone snipped out a key prophesy about the island's fate? These chronicles receive commentary today from an elderly couple who are the island's former rulers. Prince Parfeny and Princess Ksenia are truly extraordinary: they are now 347 years old. Eyewitnesses to much of their island's turbulent history, they offer sharp-eyed observations on the changing flow of time and their people's persistent delusions. Why is the royal couple still alive? Is there a chance that an old prophecy comes to pass and two righteous persons save the island from catastrophe? In the tradition of Umberto Eco's The Name of the Rose, Julian Barnes's A History of the World in 10 1/2 Chapters, and Kazuo Ishiguro's The Buried Giant, Vodolazkin is at his best recasting history, in all its hubris and horror, by finding the humor in its absurdity. For readers with an appetite for more than a dry, rational, scientific view of what motivates, divides, and unites people, A History of the Island conjures a world still suffused with mystical powers.
Mud Eye
With ListenBook, I can explore new genres, learn new topics, and enjoy classic literature with ease. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and powerful features have rekindled my love for audiobooks. The audio filters and precise controls are fantastic! The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my audiobook library. With its powerful audio downloading features, I can have my favorite audiobooks ready to go, anytime and anywhere. The app is perfect for people with busy schedules. I can listen on the go.
3P-own
ListenBook's intuitive controls and beautiful layout make my audiobook experience a delightful one. π Elevating my reading routine β this app's functionality is the key to unlocking new worlds of storytelling. ππ ListenBook has made audiobook listening more convenient and enjoyable than ever before. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a fantastic way to introduce them to new stories.
Sir Shark
The app's customization options allow me to tailor the listening experience to my liking. No more straining my eyes β this app lets me 'read' with my ears! ListenBook's support for network device downloads and drag-and-drop is a time-saving delight. Great for both casual listening and studying. The audio filters are a nice touch.
Bad Badminton
The sleep timer is a brilliant addition β I drift off to sleep with amazing stories. The statistics feature in ListenBook is a valuable tool for monitoring and optimizing my audiobook consumption.
MythMaker
Apple Watch compatibility enhances my audiobook experience. It's a convenient way to control playback. The app is so user-friendly. Even my grandma can use it! ListenBook has completely transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. The chapter navigation is seamless, and the statistics feature is a fun way to track my listening progress. The app is stable, fast, and incredibly user-friendly. Five stars!
Gentle Avenger
ListenBook's dedication to delivering high-quality sound and user-friendly features has won me over. This app has made multitasking a breeze β I can 'read' while I work! With this app, every moment is an opportunity to dive into a new story. πΌ Elevating my work-from-home routine with this app's delightful audiobook selection! π»π Looping playback has revolutionized my language learning journey. I'm making rapid progress.
Coma Stalk
ππ Road trips have never been this entertaining β this app keeps me engaged on the highway! ππ ππ Exploring stories even with my eyes off the page β this app is a bedtime dream! π΄π§
Star Sword
Audiobooks have transformed my daily walks into a time of inspiration and learning. This app has turned audiobook listening into a daily ritual for me. ListenBook's focus on quality and user experience has made it my go-to app for audiobooks and educational content. CUE playlist support is a thoughtful feature that keeps my audiobook listening organized and enjoyable.
Shay
This app has made reading a part of my lifestyle, no matter where I am. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection. ListenBookβs support for CarPlay and Apple Watch is fantastic. I can listen anywhere. I love the ability to import books from my computer. Itβs so easy.
SpellTansy
This app has made waiting in lines and queues an opportunity for exploration and enjoyment. Looping playback helps me immerse myself in the content. It's my secret study weapon. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
9Lives
π Igniting my imagination while preparing dinner β this app adds flavor to every meal! π²π πΆπ Tuning in to the symphony of stories β audiobooks are the soundtrack of my daily routines. π΅π The chapter navigation is a lifesaver. It makes finding my place so easy.
Landfill Max
I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily routines more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is an innovative touch that adds a layer of personalization. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app.
Sugar Man
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay is a huge plus during long drives. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval add a professional touch to my audiobook library.
AirportHobo XD
This app is my travel companion β making long journeys enjoyable and insightful. ListenBook's dedication to excellence shines through in its performance and features. This app's seamless integration with my devices has made audiobook listening a hassle-free experience. I'm on a literary adventure wherever I go, all thanks to this app. Its extensive format support and effortless navigation make audiobook listening a breeze. ππ ListenBook has completely elevated my audiobook experience. It's an integral part of my daily routine.
Blue Despair
With ListenBook, I can explore new genres, learn new topics, and enjoy classic literature with ease. ππ This app has rekindled my love for books β I can't stop listening! ππ§ π₯ Audiobook enjoyment at the tap of a finger β this app's functionality is a testament to modern convenience. π±π The app's performance is top-notch. It's stable, responsive, and optimized for a seamless audiobook experience. Kudos to the developers! Auto-rewind feature is a lifesaver. I never lose my place!
Wanted Candy
ListenBook's commitment to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every detail. ππ Falling asleep to audiobooks has never been easier β this app's soothing voices π΄π§ Iβm blown away by how feature-rich ListenBook is. From the customizable themes to the car mode, everything is designed with the user in mind. The app works flawlessly, and Iβve had zero issues with crashes or bugs. Highly recommend!
TulipCake
With this app, I can devour books like never before β it's incredibly efficient. With this app, reading is no longer confined to a specific time or place. Revolutionizing the way I enjoy stories β this app's seamless playback and intuitive controls make it a must-have for every book enthusiast. π±π§ Library organization has never been this easy. My audiobook collection is finally tidy. The user-friendly interface and precise controls make listening to audiobooks an absolute delight.
Barbwire
I can't believe I waited so long to start listening to audiobooks β this app has converted me! This app has made my daily walks a time for both exercise and learning. Looping playback is a brilliant study tool. Thanks to ListenBook, my learning has improved! ListenBookβs interface is sleek and user-friendly. Finding and playing my audiobooks has never been easier. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
Snapple Whistler
β° Waking up to audiobooks β mornings have never been this magical and inspiring! βοΈπ§ ListenBook has become my workout buddy. It's seamlessly integrated with Apple Watch. ListenBook has made my daily commutes enjoyable. No more boredom!
Succubus In Training
π§ββοΈ Finding zen through storytelling β this app makes meditation even more calming. π§ββοΈπ§ The audio filters in ListenBook allow me to customize my listening experience. Speed up or slow down playbackβit's all up to me! This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark featureβit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience