Book description
'I breathed in stories, as soon as I breathed in air. Sometimes I think I wasn't born, but I just came out of an ink blot.''Mantel's idiosyncratic and magisterial voice comes through on every page, carrying readers across an astonishing array of subject matter with ease. This is a treasure' Publishers WeeklyAs well as her celebrated career as a novelist, Hilary Mantel long contributed to newspapers and journals, unspooling stories from her own life and illuminating the world as she found it. This strand of her writing was an integral part of how she thought of herself. 'Ink is a generative fluid,' she explains. 'If you don't mean your words to breed consequences, don't write at all.' A Memoir of My Former Self collects the finest of this writing over four decades.Mantel's subjects are wide-ranging. She discusses nationalism and her own sense of belonging; our dream life flopping into our conscious life; the mythic legacy of Princess Diana; the many themes that feed into her novels - revolutionary France, psychics, Tudor England - and other novelists, from Jane Austen to V. S. Naipaul. She writes about her father and the man who replaced him; she writes fiercely and heartbreakingly about the battles with her health she endured as a young woman, and the stifling years she found herself living in Saudi Arabia. Here, too, is a selection of her film reviews - from When Harry Met Sally to RoboCop - and, published for the first time, her stunning Reith Lectures, which explore the process of art bringing history and the dead back to life.From her unique childhood to her all-consuming fascination with Thomas Cromwell that grew into the Wolf Hall Trilogy, A Memoir of My Former Self reveals the shape of Hilary Mantel's life in her own dazzling words, 'messages from people I used to be.' Compelling, often very funny, always luminous, it is essential reading from one of our greatest writers.'A smart, deft, meticulous, thoughtful writer, with such a grasp of the dark and spidery corners of human nature' Margaret Atwood
Achilles Mountain
ListenBook has made me fall in love with my audio content all over again – it's a must-have. I'm amazed at how this app has turned my errands into exciting reading sessions. ListenBook makes my commute enjoyable. The audio filters really enhance the listening experience. A functional audiobook production that met basic requirements. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough to listen to for extended periods, though their performance didn't add much interpretation to the text. The audio engineering was competent without being remarkable.
Goatee Shield
Noise reduction on ListenBook enhances the clarity of dictaphone recordings, allowing me to enjoy content even in noisy environments. With ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks with enhanced sound quality and personalized settings. With ListenBook Pro, I'm no longer limited by audiobook length. It's a liberating experience! This served its purpose as background listening while I worked. I probably missed some details but the narrator's voice was pleasant enough.
Duke Electro
ListenBook's dedication to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every aspect of the app. This app has turned even the most ordinary moments into reading sessions. Say hello to audiobook nirvana! This app's user-friendly design and comprehensive features have made my reading routine smoother than ever. 🌌📚 The compatibility with Apple Watch is a game-changer. Controlling my audiobooks from my wrist is genius. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
Whistler
I've become a loyal fan of audiobooks, and this app is the reason why! ListenBook's audio filters have transformed the way I experience audio content – it's a real game-changer. 💼 Juggling tasks while exploring narratives – this app is my multitasking hero! 💻📖 Simplifying my audiobook experience – this app's design is remarkable. ListenBook has elevated my learning experience. I'm retaining more information than ever.
All Natural
ListenBook's support for multiple download methods ensures I can always access my favorite content. ListenBook's versatility and user-friendly interface make it a must-have for audiobook lovers. 🚶♀️🎧 Strolling through captivating narratives while I take my daily walks – pure bliss! 🏞️📚 Navigating chapters and genres is a breeze with this app's functionality. ListenBook’s support for Apple Watch is a great touch. I can control my audiobooks on the go.
Infinite Hole
Noise reduction in ListenBook Pro ensures crystal-clear playback even in noisy environments. This was a workmanlike audiobook that did the job without flair. The narration was clear and the pacing appropriate, though the delivery lacked some emotional depth. The production quality was acceptable with no major technical issues.
Killer Curio
With this app, I've turned my daily commutes into exciting journeys through the world of literature. I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my daily dose of literature. Library organization has never been easier thanks to ListenBook. My collection is well-managed.
FireBerry
Thank you for making literature more accessible, enjoyable, and immersive. This app is a game-changer! I'm amazed at ListenBook's intuitive interface and precise controls – it's a joy to navigate. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. They help me keep related titles together for a seamless experience. ListenBook’s bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
Airport Hobo
The ListenBook app has enriched my daily life, adding a layer of intellectual and emotional fulfillment. This app has reignited my love for literature and made it a part of my everyday life. Downloading over WiFi is super efficient. Saves a lot of time.
Wild Tesla
ListenBook's library organization and book groups help me keep my content neatly sorted. The audiobook player's silky-smooth playback is like music to my ears. Flawless performance! Decent narration, predictable story. The voice actor did a good job, but the plot followed a familiar formula. If you’re looking for something new and groundbreaking, this might not be it. Not the best audiobook I've heard but far from the worst. The production quality was good and there were no major issues with the narration.
FearLeSS
🛌 Bedtime stories for adults? Yes, please! This app is a dream come true. 🌙📚 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 feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
WanderWord
With a vast genre selection, I've broadened my horizons and explored new topics. 📱 It's like having a personal audiobook library at my fingertips! This app's functionality is a dream come true for book lovers. 📚🔥 The app's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a huge plus. Looping playback helps me retain knowledge from audiobooks effectively. It's an invaluable tool.
Wanted Candy
ListenBook's looping playback, shuffle feature, and configurable controls make learning a breeze. This app's compatibility with various devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I go. Effortless audiobook management – this app's usability is a triumph. Organization made simple – this app's efficient management of my audiobook collection ensures that every story is just a tap away. Convenience at its finest. 📖📱 ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a game-changer.
ByteBard
This app has rekindled my passion for literature in a whole new way. Noise reduction in ListenBook Pro ensures crystal-clear playback even in noisy environments.
Electric Player
As a language learner, this app has been invaluable in improving my listening skills. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a blast. AirDrop makes it seamless. ListenBook has become my constant companion. It's like having a personal audiobook assistant. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has significantly enhanced my audio quality. A perfectly acceptable audiobook that fulfilled its purpose. The narration was competent if not particularly memorable, and the production quality was standard for the genre. It served as decent background entertainment during mundane tasks.
BlackExcalibur
I'm grateful for ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats, making it a one-stop solution for audio content. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it an essential companion for my daily commutes and workouts. It's convenience at its finest!
Dove Dolce
This app has brought storytelling into every corner of my life – it's incredible. 💃 Dancing to the rhythm of stories while I dance through house chores – pure joy! 💃📖 ⭐️ Turning mundane tasks into exciting adventures – this app makes folding laundry a breeze with audiobooks! 👚🎧 I love the car mode. It’s so convenient for listening while driving.
RealmRanger
ListenBook's dedication to providing an excellent user experience sets a new standard in audiobook apps. ListenBook's compatibility with multiple downloading methods ensures there's always a way to get my content.
Kabuki
ListenBook's customizable audio filters are a game-changer for tailoring my audiobook playback. The narration elevated an already good book to greatness! The performer's subtle vocal variations conveyed nuance I might have missed while reading. Their ability to maintain consistent character voices across many hours was impressive. Technical quality was flawless throughout.
The Beekeeper
I can't get enough of this app's user-friendly interface – it's a true delight. 💡 The future of audiobook listening is here – this app's sleek functionality redefines how we enjoy our favorite stories. 🎧🔮 The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
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