Book description
Thomas Hardy (2nd June 1840 - 11th January 1928), celebrated poet and writer, was born in a modest thatched cottage near Dorchester in the West country, to a builder father. His mother came from a line of intelligent, lively and ambitious women so ensured her son had the best formal education available for their modest means although this ended when he was 16. He became a draughtsman specialising in the building of churches was able to give it up to be a full time writer and poet with the publication of Far From the Madding Crown which became a bestseller and like much of his work was serialised. His writing reflects his passionate beliefs for social reform and exposes the hypocrisy of the rules of the Victorian age which constrained many freedoms with convention and restricted the transcending of class boundaries. His novels are almost entirely set in rural Wessex which although fictional is clearly rooted in the SW counties of England where he was born and lived most of his life. Hardy's writing caused controversy in his lifetime but despite this he was highly praised and showered with honorary doctorates from many universities, a knighthood, which he refused and in 1910 the prestigious Order of the Merit. Return of the Native opens with an evocative description of the bleak brooding Egdon Heath which is not only the setting for the book but also anticipates the dark tone of the novel. The native in the title is Clym Yeobright who is returning to the place where he grew up to settle and be a positive part of the community which was missing from his life in Paris.He falls in love with the tempestuous Eustacia Vye who dreams of passionate love and is dazzled by the idea of a life in Paris which would liberate her from the stifling claustrophobia she feels in Egdon. Marriage accentuates her restlessness and resolve to escape causing frustration, disappointment, betrayal and tragedy. Hardy provides a poetic compassion for both characters and creates powerful scenes heightening the dramatic tension and making this a special read.
DreadSherX
With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual discovery and personal fulfillment. ListenBook has all the features I need in an audiobook app. My top choice!
Sprinkle Lovenuts
This app has made my daily walks a time for both exercise and learning. Listening to audiobooks has never been this enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook!
ThoughtTrailblazer
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances my immersion in every audiobook, regardless of surroundings. A functional audiobook. It kept me entertained, but I wasn’t blown away. The narrator’s performance was competent, though some emotional scenes fell a bit flat.
Spellbinder
ListenBook's versatility and user-friendly interface make it a must-have for audiobook lovers. The statistics tracking is a nice touch. ListenBook helps me keep track of my audiobook habits.
Pepper
This app has transformed my daily walks into exciting literary adventures. I've never been so entertained while doing household chores – this app is a lifesaver! This app is a must-have for any book lover on the go – it's my daily companion. The app is so responsive. It never lags or freezes. I’m so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app!
Steel Ginger
ListenBook has broadened my horizons by introducing me to a diverse range of audiobooks. It's a gateway to endless knowledge, entertainment, and inspiration. ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use. The app is so reliable. I’ve never had any issues with it.
Fiend Oblivion
I'm able to catch up on my reading list even during the busiest days. 🚶♀️🎧 Strolling through captivating narratives while I take my daily walks – pure bliss! 🏞️📚 🏃♀️📚 Combining exercise and exploration – audiobooks make my runs more exciting! 🏃♀️🎧 ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch enhances my audiobook experience during daily activities. 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!
Short Firecracker
Audiobook multitasking simplified – this app's ease of use is a true asset. ListenBook's attention to detail in design and functionality sets it apart from other audiobook apps. Looping playback has revolutionized my language learning journey. I'm making rapid progress.
Pink Hopper
I'm impressed by ListenBook's commitment to providing a silky-smooth playback experience. This app's customizable features, like playback speed and bookmarks, have transformed my experience. I can't imagine my day without a dose of literature from this app. ListenBook's player features, like chapters and bookmarks, make it a versatile tool for any listener.
Subzero Taffy
This app has reignited my passion for reading, and I'm forever grateful. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a true blessing for enjoying clear audio even in noisy environments. My audiobook collection has never looked better. Thank you, ListenBook!
General Broomdog
Audiobooks have become my preferred way to unwind – and this app is my partner in crime. I'm able to catch up on my reading list even during the busiest days. ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to introduce others to the joys of audiobook storytelling. Book groups feature keeps series and related titles together. Neat and tidy! The narrator's voice took some getting used to - a bit nasal at first - but I grew to like it after a few chapters. Their pacing was excellent throughout.
Canine Hannibal
With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my workouts and downtime more engaging and insightful. I can't get enough of this app – it's a true game-changer for book lovers. CUE playlist support is a fantastic organizational feature. It keeps my audiobooks neatly arranged. ListenBook has revolutionized the way I consume content. It's like having a personal tutor in my ear. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. It’s a unique feature.
Twix Bond
I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my passport to countless stories. 🎉 This app has ignited my passion for reading – I can't get enough of its convenience! 📚🔥 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!
Spitfire
I'm discovering books I wouldn't have considered before, and my reading horizons are expanding. This app's features, from bookmarking to customizable playback speed, are fantastic. Book groups feature keeps series and related titles together. Neat and tidy! ListenBook has changed my audiobook game forever. No more format woes! Automated artwork and metadata extraction keeps my audiobook library visually appealing.
Murder Matter
I can't imagine my daily rituals without this app – it's a constant source of joy. ListenBook's dedication to delivering a top-notch experience is evident in every detail. With this app, I've turned my daily commutes into exciting journeys through the world of literature. This app's convenience has transformed my screen time into meaningful reading sessions. Noise reduction and voice tone changing are brilliant features.
xFRST
This app has made me appreciate the art of storytelling even more. I can't believe how easy it is to download and manage my audio content using ListenBook.
Sun Washer
With ListenBook, I've found a versatile and enjoyable way to listen to audiobooks and expand my knowledge. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch, combined with its chapters, controls, and filters, make it the ultimate audiobook app! ListenBook's features are a dream come true for anyone who loves to learn on the go. This app's user-friendly layout and quick access to controls have made audiobook listening a breeze. ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a testament to the app's commitment to audio quality.
NightDream
This app has brought storytelling into every corner of my life – it's incredible. 📱 An app that respects my time and delivers on functionality – audiobook listening has never been this effortless. 📖🔗 The ability to adjust playback speed and volume is a game-changer for me. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is amazing. ListenBook is top-notch. The bookmark feature is fantastic. I can easily pick up where I left off.
ManMaker
Listening to audiobooks while gardening has made my outdoor time even more relaxing. 📚 Ironing has become a joy with audiobooks – wrinkles are no match for these captivating stories! 👗🎧 🔥 Audiobook enjoyment at the tap of a finger – this app's functionality is a testament to modern convenience. 📱📖 Noise reduction is magic. I can finally enjoy dictaphone recordings without discomfort. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app.
LoreLoomer
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my daily activities more seamless and convenient. ListenBook's player features are incredibly helpful. Chapters and bookmarks make navigation easy.
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