Book description
Imagine hearing the weight of history whisper through your headphones. Sergei Lebedev's A Present Past, narrated with quiet intensity, doesn't just tell stories-it makes you feel the chilling breath of the past on your neck. The opening line, "Ghosts are not born by themselves. They are born of a silent conscience," isn't just a theme; it's the very pulse of this audiobook. Each of the eleven tales unfolds like a rustling document found in a forgotten archive, the narrator's voice weaving Soviet cemeteries, KGB files, and the crushing guilt of a judge into something terrifyingly alive.
You don't just hear about the past haunting the present; you experience it. The sound of old paper turning, the pause before a confession, the way a single line about an ignored crime lands like a stone in still water-it's all amplified in audio. The stories aren't political lectures; they're intimate, haunting conversations with the ghosts we've refused to name. A judge wrestling with his own verdict? You hear the tremor in his voice. The "distorted voice of the dead" Lebedev describes? It's right there in the narrator's cadence, turning historical amnesia into something you can almost touch.
What makes this audiobook extraordinary is how it makes the vast, complex history of the Soviet collapse feel deeply personal. The KGB documents aren't cold records-they're the faint, desperate echoes of people who vanished. The Soviet cemeteries aren't just graves; they're places where the past refuses to stay buried, where the air itself hums with unspoken truth. Lebedev doesn't ask you to understand the system; he makes you feel the human cost, the weight of secrets carried in silence, and how those secrets become the ghosts walking beside us today.
This isn't just a book about Russia's past. It's a mirror held up to any society that avoids its own uncomfortable history. The narrator's calm, almost conversational tone makes the horror feel even sharper-because it's not a distant tragedy; it's happening now, in the quiet moments we choose not to listen to. You'll find yourself pausing the audiobook just to sit with the silence after a story ends, realizing how much of our present is built on the unresolved echoes of the past.
Lebedev doesn't offer easy answers. He gives us the ghosts, and lets us hear their voices. In an age where history is often rewritten or buried, A Present Past is a vital, chilling reminder: some stories must be heard, not just read. It's a masterpiece of storytelling that resonates long after the final word fades. You won't just listen to this audiobook-you'll carry its whispers with you.
Domino
Thanks to ListenBook, I'm now exploring different genres and formats I never thought I would. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature elevates my listening experience, allowing me to focus on the content.
Elder Pogue
This app is like a personal audiobook concierge! The ability to download and organize audio files effortlessly is a game-changer for my reading routine. π±π Quick access to chapters and smooth playback. Excellent app! 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.
Freeze Queen
The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a treasure trove of knowledge and entertainment. ListenBook Pro offers amazing value with unlimited audiobook length and noise reduction features. The playback speed adjustment is a game-changer for busy individuals. Time saver!
Predator
ListenBook's user-friendly audio filters and controls have made my audiobook sessions more interactive and engaging. I can't believe how convenient this app has made my reading experience. Discovering new literary worlds has never been this easy. This app's compatibility with various formats ensures that my audiobook library is at my fingertips. ππ The app's attention to detail is commendable. It's evident in every feature. ListenBookβs CarPlay support makes listening in the car a seamless experience.
Pepper Prada
The app's customization options allow me to tailor the listening experience to my liking. 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.
NoiseFire
I can't believe how much more productive I am β I'm learning and growing while multitasking! ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an indispensable tool for my audiobook enjoyment. Automated artwork and metadata extraction make my library look organized and visually appealing.
Good William
I've never been this excited about my daily commute β thank you, audiobooks! I can't get enough of this app's intuitive design β it's like a personal library right at my fingertips. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fantastic way to introduce them to captivating stories. Great app! ListenBook supports so many formats, and the playback is always smooth.
Nueva Nova
I'd love to see more classic titles, but the current selection is already fantastic. With a vast genre selection, I've broadened my horizons and explored new topics. πΌ Making work hours enjoyable β audiobooks turn my tasks into learning opportunities and moments of joy. π»π Audiobook heaven! This app's functionality is a dream β simple and efficient. The app is perfect for road trips. It keeps me entertained for hours.
Prez Dog
Listening to audiobooks has become my ultimate way to unwind after a long day. Audiobook excellence made simple β this app's functionality is a true asset. Audiobook multitasking simplified β this app's functionality is a triumph. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magical spell that transports me into the heart of the story.
High Beam
The noise reduction feature on ListenBook Pro is a godsend for clear and comfortable listening. π Igniting my imagination while preparing dinner β this app adds flavor to every meal! π²π ποΈ Grocery shopping has taken an exciting turn β I'm on a mission to explore new worlds through audiobooks! ππ Apple Watch compatibility adds a new level of convenience to my audiobook enjoyment. It's seamless control at my wrist.
Stud muffin
ListenBook's versatile player features are like having a personal audio assistant β it's that good! Downloading over WiFi saves so much time. Very efficient.
Digital Goddess
Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a great way to spread the joy of storytelling with friends. I love the compatibility with iOS 16. The app runs smoothly and flawlessly.
NexusNomad
Audiobooks have made my workouts more enjoyable, and I'm seeing results! π Transforming long drives into memorable journeys through the magic of audiobooks! ππ Kudos to the developers for crafting an app that understands readers' needs. The smooth playback and sleek design are pure perfection. ππ Bookmarking favorite parts of audiobooks is a breeze. It's like having a personalized study guide. The user-friendly interface and smooth navigation make this app a pleasure to use daily.
Curio
ListenBook's dedication to delivering an exceptional experience is evident in every detail. ListenBook's controls for looping and shuffling playback have made studying and revisiting content a breeze. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a thoughtful and enjoyable way to share my favorite stories with friends and introduce them to new worlds of literature. The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices.
Easy Mac
This app is my travel companion β making long journeys enjoyable and insightful. I'm amazed at how this app has made reading such a natural part of my day. π§ββοΈβ Savoring moments of tranquility with a cup of tea and captivating tales! π΅π βοΈ Turning mundane tasks into exciting adventures β this app makes folding laundry a breeze with audiobooks! ππ§ The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
LoreLoomer
I've never been so excited about my daily commute β thanks to this app. With ListenBook, I can listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with maximum comfort and convenience. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a revelation. It enhances the audio quality and makes listening comfortable. Easy sharing with friends via AirDrop. Very convenient.
QuantumQuill
π Dancing through chores with audiobooks β this app turns cleaning into a lively and literary affair! πΆπ Seamless audiobook integration β this app's functionality is truly remarkable. ListenBookβs playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
Third Moon
With ListenBook, I can effortlessly manage and organize my audiobook library. This app has introduced me to genres I never thought I'd enjoy β it's eye-opening. Audiobook multitasking simplified β this app's functionality is a triumph. Effortless and enriching β that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its functionality, from seamless downloads to binaural audio processing, has truly raised the bar. π±π ListenBookβs support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily.
Kamikaze Grandma
I can't imagine my audiobook routine without ListenBook's seamless audio player. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a revelation. It elevates the audio quality, providing a clear and immersive listening experience that enhances my enjoyment. Easy sharing with friends via AirDrop. Very convenient. The app is super intuitive. I was up and running in minutes.
FRMhndshk
ListenBook's compatibility with various formats means I can now enjoy all my favorite audiobooks in one place. ListenBook's versatility and user-friendly interface make it a must-have for audiobook lovers. π Rekindling my love for stories β this app's accessibility has reignited my passion! ππ π± Accessing my favorite stories has never been this straightforward β this app's functionality is a bookworm's dream come true. ππ« I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
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