Book description
'Barbara Pym is one of my most favourite novelists. Few other writers have given me more laughter and more pleasure' - Jilly Cooper'I'm a huge fan of Barbara Pym' - Richard Osman'Could one write a book based on one's diaries over thirty years? I certainly have enough material,' wroteBarbara Pym. This book, selected from the diaries, notebooks and letters of this much-loved novelist to form a continuous narrative, is indeed a unique autobiography, providing a privileged insight into a writer's mind. It includes a forward from bestselling author - and Barbara Pym fan - Jilly Cooper.Philip Larkin wrote that Barbara Pym had 'a unique eye and ear for the small poignancies of everyday life'. Her autobiography amply demonstrates this, as it traces her life from exuberant times at Oxford in the thirties, through the war when, scarred by an unhappy love affair, she joined the WRNS, to the published novelist of the fifties. It also deals with the long period when her novels were out of fashion and no one would publish them, her rediscovery in 1977, and the triumphant success of her last few years.It is now possible to describe a place, situation or person as 'very Barbara Pym'. A Very Private Eye, at once funny and moving, shows the variety and depth of her own story.Praise for A Very Private Eye:'It increases the understanding and enjoyment of her novels enormously' - Auberon Waugh, Daily Mail'The perfect complement to the fiction' - Paul Bailey, The Observer'Her sharp and very private eye never failed her' Victoria Glendinning, The New York Times
Skirble
The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a portable audiobook library that I can carry everywhere. I'm hooked on this app's ease of use – it's a reader's dream come true. The app is so well-designed. It’s clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Blade
I can't get enough of the celebrity narrators – they add a unique charm to each book. This app has enriched my daily routine and added a touch of intellectual stimulation. An audiobook lover's dream come true! This app's seamless functionality and diverse format support make it my go-to choice for immersive storytelling. 📚🎧 Audiobook enthusiasts, celebrate! This app's thoughtful features, like auto-rewind and easy chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our reading cravings. 🎉📚
Virgo Moon
Seamless integration with all my devices and flawless synchronization – top-notch. This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it the perfect companion for any audiobook lover. Audiobook multitasking simplified – this app's functionality is a triumph.
Gamer Bean
With ListenBook, I can effortlessly manage and organize my audiobook library. This app's convenience has made reading a consistent part of my life. The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my audiobook library. Excellent support for various audio formats. Very satisfied.
Purity
Thanks for making my daily commute to work enjoyable and engaging! The convenience of downloading audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a bonding experience made easy through AirDrop and sharing options. No need for file conversion is a game-changer. Love using ListenBook on my iPhone.
Raid Bucker
The family subscription option is a money-saver – everyone gets to enjoy their favorite books. The extensive audiobook collection for children is a blessing for my little ones. This app has brought back the joy of reading, even when I'm on the move. I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my daily dose of literary magic. A textbook example of great audiobook narration! The performer's diction was flawless, their pacing ideal, and their emotional range impressive. I never felt like I was being "read to" but rather like I was experiencing the story firsthand. The audio engineering was equally professional.
SprkR
I'm amazed at how this app has expanded my reading horizons. Bookmarks are a lifesaver for study materials. I never lose my place again. The ability to organize my library is a huge plus. Everything is so neat and tidy.
Screwtape
I'm blown away by how this app has revolutionized my reading experience. With this app, reading is no longer a task – it's a delightful habit. Playback speed and volume controls are top-notch. Highly recommend.
Kabuki
I'm impressed by the extensive statistics feature, allowing me to track my audiobook consumption over time. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple. The app is so intuitive. I didn’t even need to read the instructions.
Stallion Patton
ListenBook's integration of artwork and metadata adds a visually appealing touch to my library. 💡 Seamlessly weaving audiobooks into my daily routine – this app's functionality has redefined how I enjoy books. 📱📖 Efficiency meets audiobooks – this app's functionality is a true winner. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and quick access to chapters enhance my overall listening experience.
Lady Katniss
I never knew my daily walks could be so fulfilling – all thanks to this app. This app's user-friendly interface has made audiobook listening a breeze, even for a tech novice like me. Audiobooks have become a staple in my routine, all thanks to this app's seamless integration and user-friendly design. It's a must-have for any book lover. 📖📱 I love the ability to share my progress with friends. It’s a fun feature. Fairly enjoyable, but forgettable. I didn’t have any major complaints, but I also don’t see myself revisiting this one. It was a decent way to spend a few hours, though.
Kickstart
Audiobooks made accessible and enjoyable – this app's design is a triumph. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become effortless, regardless of the source. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. It’s a fun feature.
Kingfisher
The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. An acceptable audiobook that met basic expectations. No complaints about quality but nothing remarkable either. Would listen to this narrator again but wouldn't seek them out.
Divine Quasar
This app's features, from bookmarking to customizable playback speed, are fantastic. I can't believe how easy it is to download audio from various sources. So convenient! Bookmarks are a lifesaver for audiobook lovers. They help me keep track of important moments. The app is perfect for multitaskers. I can listen while working out.
Tall Sally
Being able to download audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. This app has turned my daily commute into a source of inspiration and entertainment. ListenBook’s support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily.
Good William
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made multitasking with audio content a breeze. I can't imagine my day without a dose of literature from this app. 🎶 Forget background music, I've got enchanting stories to accompany my chores! 🎵📚 ListenBook's interface is so intuitive. I was up and running in no time.
Hobo Samurai
I've been able to tackle my reading list like never before, thanks to this app. Audiobooks have never been this accessible and enjoyable. This app's compatibility with various formats and its emphasis on user experience have made it an essential tool for me. 📱🔊 The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. It’s a fun feature. The subtle background music at key moments enhanced the experience without being distracting. More audiobooks should use this technique when appropriate!
Fl00d
This app has brought stories to life in a way that traditional reading never could. 🎧 This app is my saving grace! Now I can enjoy my beloved books while cooking up a storm! 📚🍳 ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances the audio quality to a whole new level. Unlimited length audiobooks with ListenBook Pro are a huge plus!
Sneaky Lady
I've found solace and relaxation in the pages of countless audiobooks. Looping playback helps me focus on challenging content and grasp complex concepts. A study must-have!
Blink
Audiobooks on this app have become my go-to entertainment for winding down. ListenBook's extensive format support makes it the ultimate audiobook app for any audiobook lover. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. My recordings sound crystal clear. Bookmarks are a fantastic tool for keeping track of important moments. They're a game-changer.
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