Book description
Audiobook Review: Ava Gardner: The Secret Conversations by Peter Evans
Listening to Ava Gardner: The Secret Conversations feels like stepping backstage into a Hollywood legend's most intimate confessions, all narrated in a voice that is at once polished and raw. Peter Evans has distilled the "wickedly candid" memoir that Ava Gardner feared was too revealing for her lifetime, and the result is an audiobook that drips with humor, heartbreak, and the kind of sharp wit that only a star of Ava's caliber could wield.
From the very first track, you're drawn into Ava's world-her rural North Carolina roots, her meteoric rise to Hollywood stardom, and the whirlwind romances that defined her public image. The narration is peppered with anecdotes about her three husbands: Mickey Rooney's infidelities (even his mother warned her), Artie Shaw's domineering attitude ("a dominating son of a bitch"), and the chaotic yet intoxicating partnership with Frank Sinatra ("fighting all the time...madness, but he was good in the feathers"). Each story is delivered with a balance of candor and humor that makes you laugh while also feeling the sting of her regrets.
The audiobook's strength lies in its pacing. Evans doesn't rush through Ava's life; instead, he lets each chapter breathe, letting the listener absorb the emotional highs and lows. The sound quality is crisp, and the narrator's tone shifts seamlessly from lighthearted banter to poignant reflection, mirroring the memoir's own dual nature as both a "heartbreaking memoir of the ultimate heartbreaker" and a "complete delight." It's no wonder that reviewers like the Chicago Tribune called it a "raw-nerved revelation," and the Philadelphia Inquirer declared it impossible to put down.
What truly sets this recording apart is how Ava's voice comes through-unfiltered, unapologetic, and fiercely intelligent. She speaks of her love for jewels ("I'm kinda sentimental about the jewels") with a wink that reminds listeners she was always in control of her narrative. The audiobook invites you into conversations that feel personal, as if you're listening to an old friend recounting her most daring moments.
In summary, Ava Gardner: The Secret Conversations is a masterfully narrated treasure that captures the essence of Hollywood's golden age through the lens of one of its brightest stars. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to Ava Gardner's story, this audiobook delivers wit, depth, and an unforgettable listening experience that will linger long after the final track fades.
Slint FUBAR
Audiobooks have become my escape from reality β a journey into captivating worlds. Audiobooks have become my companions during long hours of household chores. Audiobook enthusiasts, celebrate! This app's thoughtful features, like auto-rewind and easy chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our reading cravings. ππ Quick access to chapters and smooth playback. Excellent app! I love how customizable the playback speed is. It makes listening so much more enjoyable.
Dallas Burn
ListenBook's chapters, controls, and filters have transformed my listening sessions into immersive journeys. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch adds convenience to my audiobook routine. ListenBook has become my go-to app for exploring a diverse range of audiobooks. It offers a wide array of features that cater to different preferences and needs. I love the ability to import books from my computer. Itβs so easy.
Slint FUBAR
I can't believe how much more I'm able to read with the help of this app. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
Sir Shark
Audiobook immersion simplified β this app's ease of use is a true asset. Finally, an app that understands the power of CUE playlists. Perfect for organizing. I'm impressed by the extensive statistics feature, allowing me to track my audiobook consumption over time. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve 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!
Alpha
ListenBook has transformed my daily rituals into cherished opportunities for personal growth. With this app, I'm experiencing the joy of reading in a whole new light.
Chocolate Thunder
This app's convenience has transformed my reading habits β it's a game-changer. is a time-saver. It's convenient for accessing my content. Navigating chapters is a breeze with ListenBook. It's a user-friendly and seamless experience. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. Itβs a fun feature.
Jelly Camber
I'm amazed at this app's ability to transport me to different worlds through stories. πΆπ Tuning in to the symphony of stories β audiobooks are the soundtrack of my daily routines. π΅π π Rekindling my literary flame β this app has brought back the joy of reading in a whole new format. ππ Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to spread the joy. Great for multitasking! I listened while cooking, driving, and even working out, and it kept me entertained the whole time. The narratorβs voice was pleasant, and the story flowed smoothly. Very enjoyable!
NightDream
Automated artwork and metadata extraction keeps my audiobook library visually appealing. Automatic metadata retrieval adds a professional touch to my audiobook collection.
Coldy
Thank you for making literature more accessible, enjoyable, and immersive. This app is a game-changer! ListenBook has redefined my audiobook journey, making it more enjoyable and convenient than ever before. With ListenBook, I've found a convenient and enjoyable way to engage with audiobooks and educational content. Talk about convenience! This app's ease of use and support for multiple audio formats ensure that I can enjoy my favorite stories without any hassle. π±π Automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a touch of elegance to my audiobook collection.
Romance Princess
Binaural audio processing on ListenBook is a thoughtful addition that keeps my ears comfortable during extended listening sessions. Looping playback has made memorization so much easier. I'm acing my exams! Automated extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library. Perfect for listening to educational materials. Highly efficient and useful.
Hoboken Nightingale
ListenBook's dedication to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every aspect of the app. This app's convenience has made my downtime more rewarding and enriching. πΆββοΈπ§ Walking has never been this productive β exploring new worlds while I exercise! ποΈπ«
WonderWords
The Looping playback and Shuffle features on ListenBook help me customize my listening sessions to my liking. This app's sleek design and intuitive navigation have made audiobook listening a seamless experience. Audiobooks made accessible and enjoyable β this app's design is a triumph. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a unique feature that adds a personalized touch to the listening experience. ListenBook has transformed the way I engage with literature. It's like having a virtual bookshelf in my pocket.
Miss Twilight
I'm blown away by the quality of narration on this app β it's like being in the story. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it an essential companion for my daily commutes and workouts. It's convenience at its finest! ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch has made audiobook listening a part of my daily routine. My audiobook collection has never been more organized. Library management is a breeze. ListenBook has completely elevated my audiobook experience. It's an integral part of my daily routine.
Sβmore Vixen
The intuitive interface and efficient navigation make this app a pleasure to use every day. Listening statistics motivate me to read more. Excellent feature! I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting.
Duchess
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. π Turning road trips into unforgettable adventures β audiobooks keep me entertained on the journey! ππ With ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become hassle-free, thanks to the various download options. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. My recordings sound crystal clear.
Texas Butterfly
This app is a game-changer for busy individuals who miss reading. Binaural audio processing really helps reduce listening fatigue. Great feature!
The Flying Mouse
Thanks to ListenBook's extensive statistics, I can track my audiobook consumption and celebrate my progress. The range of supported formats is astounding. No more compatibility issues! Book groups help me keep series together and navigate my collection more efficiently. A great feature! ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve 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! 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.
Wild Hair
This app has made 'reading' more versatile and enjoyable than ever. Seamless audiobook integration β this app's functionality is a true gem. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a great way to spread the joy of storytelling with friends. Download options are abundant, from WiFi to iTunes. It's all about convenience with this app.
Twix Esses
My kids are hooked on the children's audiobook collection β it's a parenting win! Audiobooks on this app have expanded my horizons and introduced me to new ideas. I'm hooked on this app's ability to make reading fit into any moment. I'm amazed at how this app has turned my errands into exciting reading sessions. I love the ability to change the background color. Itβs a nice touch.
Swing Setter
ListenBook's unlimited length of audiobooks with the Pro version is a fantastic value for avid listeners. No need to convert files anymore β ListenBook's seamless playback of various formats is a game-changer for audiobook enthusiasts like me! Great app for listening to lectures and speeches. Highly useful!
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