Book description
From the author of The Door, a beloved coming-of-age tale set in WWII-era Hungary. Abigail, the story of a headstrong teenager growing up during World War II, is the most beloved of Magda Szabó's books in her native Hungary. Gina is the only child of a general, a widower who has long been happy to spoil his bright and willful daughter. Gina is devastated when the general tells her that he must go away on a mission and that he will be sending her to boarding school in the country. She is even more aghast at the grim religious institution to which she soon finds herself consigned. She fights with her fellow students, she rebels against her teachers, finds herself completely ostracized, and runs away. Caught and brought back, there is nothing for Gina to do except entrust her fate to the legendary Abigail, as the classical statue of a woman with an urn that stands on the school's grounds has come to be called. If you're in trouble, it's said, leave a message with Abigail and help will be on the way. And for Gina, who is in much deeper trouble than she could possibly suspect, a life-changing adventure is only beginning. There is something of Jane Austen in this story of the deceptiveness of appearances; fans of J.K. Rowling are sure to enjoy Szabó's picture of irreverent students, eccentric teachers, and boarding-school life. Above all, however, Abigail is a thrilling tale of suspense.
About the Author
Magda Szabó (1917-2007) is considered one of Hungary's greatest novelists. Her prose, dramas, essays, and poetry have been published in forty-two countries and in 2003 she was awarded the Prix Femina Étranger for The Door. The NYRB Classics edition of The Door was selected as one of the New York Times 10 Best Books of 2015. NYRB Classics also publishes her novels Iza's Ballad and Katalin Street. Len Rix is a poet, critic, and former literature professor. In 2006, he was awarded the Oxford-Weidenfeld Translation Prize for his translation of Magda Szabó's The Door.
Cream
I'm amazed at how effortlessly this app has made reading a constant in my life. Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that sets this app apart. Makes audiobook listening super easy and enjoyable. Thank you!
Lucky Aurora
ListenBook has turned my daily routines into audiobook-driven journeys of imagination. I'm hooked on this app's effortless integration with my daily activities. 🧘♂️ Finding zen in the art of listening – this app takes mindfulness to a new level! 🧘♂️🎧 🎧 Finally, an app that understands my need for convenience and ease of use! Audiobooks have never been this accessible. 📚📱 ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer for improving audio quality and clarity.
Turnip King
I'm addicted to this app – it's a non-stop journey through captivating tales. The narrators' voices on this app are so soothing – it's my relaxation therapy. I can't get enough of this app's intuitive design – it's like a personal library right at my fingertips. This app's efficient downloading process ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks whenever and wherever. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature elevates my listening experience, allowing me to focus on the content.
Moon Cricket
As a language learner, this app has been invaluable in improving my listening skills. This app has made my daily walks a time for both exercise and learning. The audio filters to adjust playback speed and volume are a fantastic addition for customizing my experience. A decent listen overall. The narration was clear, though some character voices sounded similar. The story was interesting but had moments where it dragged slightly. Still, it was a good way to pass the time.
Freaky Ratbuster
I can't believe I waited this long to discover the joy of audiobooks through this app. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient. A wonderful performance! The narrator captured the mood of the book perfectly, making it easy to visualize each scene. The audio quality was crisp, and the pacing kept me hooked from start to finish.
Are Ess Tee
Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app is your new best friend. User-centric audiobook joy – this app's ease of use is a true marvel. Quick access to chapters and smooth playback. Excellent app!
SpellTansy
🛌 Drifting into dreamland with enchanting audiobooks – bedtime has become a gateway to imagination. 🌙📚 Quick access to chapters is so handy. Navigating through content is a breeze.
Whip 2T
ListenBook has added a new dimension to my audiobook listening experience – it's not just about the content, but the convenience too. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Chuckles
ListenBook has rekindled my passion for learning. I'm exploring new topics every day. Great for both casual listening and studying. The audio filters are a nice touch. ListenBook’s audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience.
101
The sleep timer is a lifesaver. I fall asleep listening to my books every night. One of the best audiobooks I’ve heard! The story was compelling, and the narrator’s delivery added depth to every scene. I found myself looking for excuses to listen just a little longer. Will definitely revisit this one!
Referee
Being able to customize the listening duration is perfect for quick breaks. Decent audiobook but I think I would have enjoyed reading it more. Some of the more subtle humor didn't quite land in the audio format.
Undergrad
Precise controls on ListenBook give me complete command over my audio playback. I can't get enough of the binaural audio processing. It's like a breath of fresh air for my ears. ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use.
New Cycle
The bookmarking feature ensures I never lose my place in a book – so convenient! Enhancing my daily routines – this app's design makes listening a joy. ListenBook’s support for Apple Watch is a great touch. I can control my audiobooks on the go.
Gas Man
Chapters, configurable auto-rewind, and bookmarks on ListenBook keep me in control of my content. I'm blown away by how this app has revolutionized my reading experience.
Palomino
The narrator's voices are so captivating, it's like they bring the stories to life. This app makes traffic jams a breeze – time flies by while I'm engrossed in a story. ListenBook has become an integral part of my daily routine. Its compatibility with Apple Watch and CarPlay makes it the ultimate companion for various activities. Unlimited audiobook length with ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
HOV
Audiobooks made accessible – this app's ease of use is a true blessing. Effortless audiobook exploration – this app's design is a reader's dream. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and visually appealing.
Racy Babe
📱 A world of books at my fingertips – this app's user-friendly design makes it a true reading companion. 📚📱 I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device.
Lilac Lizard
ListenBook has become my constant companion, filling my days with captivating narratives. 🛌 Indulging in soothing bedtime stories – this app is my nightly retreat into imagination. 🌙📚 Effortlessly enjoying audiobook journeys – this app's ease of use is a delight. Perfect for studying with its playback controls and audio filters. Excellent app! Great for listening to lectures and educational content. Very useful!
Papa Smurf
This app has added a new layer of enjoyment to my downtime – I'm truly grateful. ListenBook's versatility and user-friendly interface make it a must-have for audiobook lovers. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
Swampmasher
🎶 Saying goodbye to tangled headphones and complex controls – this app's easy navigation has made audiobook listening a breeze. 🎵📖 The app’s design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
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