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.
Pepper Prada
ListenBook's user-friendly design and compatibility with different formats have made it my go-to app. With this app, I've rediscovered the joy of literature during my daily walks – it's truly invigorating. This audiobook kept me company during a long road trip and made the miles disappear! The narrator's engaging performance and the crisp production quality made for an immersive experience. I appreciated how well they balanced drama with clarity - never sacrificing understanding for effect.
Sleek Zelda
ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can acquire new content in a way that suits me best. I can't get enough of this app's user-friendly interface – it's a true delight. Library organization is brilliant. No more cluttered audiobook collection. I love the ability to change the playback speed. It’s perfect for my needs. ListenBook is a game-changer for audiobook lovers. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history feature—it’s so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
Black Walnut
The app's customization options allow me to tailor the listening experience to my liking. Being able to download audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. ListenBook has become my workout buddy. It's seamlessly integrated with Apple Watch. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
Congo Wire
The narrator's voices are so captivating, it's like they bring the stories to life. Audiobook excellence – this app's design enhances my reading experience.
Flint
This app has brought the magic of books back into my life. 💼 Making work hours enjoyable – audiobooks turn my tasks into learning opportunities and moments of joy. 💻📖 Controls are intuitive and user-friendly, making my audiobook experience seamless.
Elektrik
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Lunar Treat
The app's interface is sleek and modern, making it a joy to use. With this app, I can dive into captivating narratives while cooking, cleaning, or commuting – pure magic! This app has turned my mundane tasks into exciting opportunities for reading. The basic audio filters are a game-changer. Adjusting playback speed is a breeze.
2nd Hand Joe
ListenBook's comprehensive support for a wide range of audio formats sets it apart from other audiobook apps. Audiobook pleasure simplified – this app's design is a true winner. I've recommended ListenBook to all my fellow bookworms. It's a true companion for audiobook lovers. Looping playback of a single track helps me focus and absorb complex content. 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!
Acid Queen
The 'Continue Listening' feature ensures I never lose my place, no matter where I am. Audiobook immersion made simple – this app's ease of use is commendable. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. My recordings sound crystal clear. 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.
JK Friend
This app has transformed my daily routines into immersive storytelling experiences. This app has helped me achieve my reading goals and explore new genres effortlessly. User-centric audiobook joy – this app's ease of use is a true marvel. ListenBook has elevated my audiobook experience to new heights. It's a treasure trove of knowledge.
Metal Star
The ability to switch between devices seamlessly is a game-changer for busy readers. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro adds a personalized touch to my audiobook experience. ListenBook's sharing options make it easy for me to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts. The auto-rewind feature is a thoughtful addition that enhances my listening journey. I appreciate it! ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has transformed the audio quality. It's crystal clear now.
Trash Master
The app's design is sleek and modern – it's a pleasure to navigate. ListenBook's unlimited length of audiobooks with the Pro version is a fantastic value for avid listeners. The app is well-designed and user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a joy.
DARK HQ
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear listening in noisy environments. ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a testament to the app's commitment to audio quality. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun and interactive way to bond over stories.
Icy Avenger
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Rink Ruler
My commutes to work have transformed into exciting journeys thanks to this app. ListenBook's compatibility with different formats ensures I never have to worry about file conversions. I can't get enough of this app's convenience – it has transformed my audiobook journey into a joyous experience. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a great way to connect over stories. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. It's like having a personal assistant for my literary adventures.
Gov Skull
The fact that ListenBook doesn't just play, but enhances audio quality, is truly remarkable. ListenBook's innovative features, from audio filters to statistics, make it a standout app. 🚗📚 Turn traffic into a literary escape – this app's functionality keeps me engaged while I'm on the move. 🚗🎧 My audiobook collection has never been more organized. Library management is a breeze.
EchoExplorer
I've never been so entertained while doing household chores – this app is a lifesaver! The customizable controls and playback options cater perfectly to different audiobook preferences.
Cool Law Topping
Thank you for making literature more accessible, enjoyable, and immersive. This app is a game-changer! ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch, combined with its chapters, controls, and filters, make it the ultimate audiobook app!
ThoughtTracer
I can't get enough of this app's intuitive design and user-friendly interface. The app's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it a true companion for all occasions. Auto-rewind is a brilliant feature. Never lose track of where I left off. ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use.
Wonder Lady
ListenBook's intuitive controls and features have made it my preferred choice for audiobooks. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night.
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