Book description
The English-language debut of Indonesia's rising star. The epic novel Beauty Is a Wound combines history, satire, family tragedy, legend, humor, and romance in a sweeping polyphony. The beautiful Indo prostitute Dewi Ayu and her four daughters are beset by incest, murder, bestiality, rape, insanity, monstrosity, and the often vengeful undead. Kurniawan's gleefully grotesque hyperbole functions as a scathing critique of his young nation's troubled past:the rapacious offhand greed of colonialism; the chaotic struggle for independence; the 1965 mass murders of perhaps a million "Communists," followed by three decades of Suharto's despotic rule. Beauty Is a Wound astonishes from its opening line: One afternoon on a weekend in May, Dewi Ayu rose from her grave after being dead for twenty-one years.... Drawing on local sources-folk tales and the all-night shadow puppet plays, with their bawdy wit and epic scope-and inspired by Melville and Gogol, Kurniawan's distinctive voice brings something luscious yet astringent to contemporary literature.
Mad Viral
This app's support for various formats has made my audiobook collection even more diverse and exciting. Audiobook immersion without complications – this app's ease of use is commendable. Effortless audiobook management – this app's usability is impressive. Downloading audiobooks over WiFi is super easy. Saves time. 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.
Prof. Screw
ListenBook has become my go-to workout companion. It keeps me motivated and entertained. My workouts have become more enjoyable and productive with ListenBook's compatibility with Apple Watch. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my recordings sound clearer than ever.
Sun Washer
Bookmarking on ListenBook makes it easy to pick up where I left off – no more searching for my spot! Audiobooks have never been this engaging – this app takes them to the next level. 🎉 An app that turns house chores into exciting adventures – count me in! 🧹📖 CUE playlist support helps me organize my audiobooks efficiently. It's a great organizational tool. I’m blown away by how feature-rich ListenBook is. From the customizable themes to the car mode, everything is designed with the user in mind. The app works flawlessly, and I’ve had zero issues with crashes or bugs. Highly recommend!
Commando
ListenBook has enriched my life with a diverse range of content, all at my fingertips. 🛌 Drifting into dreamland with enchanting audiobooks – bedtime has become a gateway to imagination. 🌙📚 Configurable auto-rewind is genius. No more confusion when I pause and resume. This was my first audiobook in this genre and I'm hooked! The performance brought the story to life in a way reading never could. Already downloaded another by the same narrator.
Chapstick
I've become a more empathetic listener and reader, thanks to the power of audiobooks. With this app, I've unlocked the secret to reading even on the busiest days. Managing my audiobook collection is a pleasure thanks to this app's usability. 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.
Emerald Goddess
This app has made waiting in lines and queues an opportunity for exploration and enjoyment. I'm so glad I chose the audiobook version! The narrator added layers of meaning I might have missed reading silently. Their interpretation of the material felt thoughtful and authentic. The recording was technically perfect - no reverb, no peaking, just clean, pleasant audio.
Doz
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro adds a personal touch to my experience. Perfect for studying with its playback controls and audio filters. Excellent app!
Biscuit Meg
If you love stories but have a busy schedule, this app is your solution! ListenBook's dedication to delivering an exceptional experience is evident in every detail.
Freeze Queen
Audiobooks have made my workouts more enjoyable, and I'm seeing results! I'm hooked on this app's ability to make every moment a reading moment. 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!
AxelRoad
The range of supported formats is impressive. No more converting files! ListenBook is like a personal audiobook library in my pocket. Organized and easily accessible.
Nessie Pork
ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. It's my go-to app for literary adventures. 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. It was fine. The narrator did an adequate job but nothing about the performance particularly stood out to me. Got me through my commute though.
Whistler
ListenBook's commitment to excellence shines through in its user-friendly interface and smooth playback. I can't get enough of this app – it's a true game-changer for book lovers. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a true savior for immersive listening, even in busy surroundings. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
Spellbinder
I've become the go-to storyteller at bedtime with the help of this magical app. I've become a more attentive listener thanks to the engaging audiobooks. ListenBook has become an essential part of my routine. It's more than an app – it's a companion. Automatic metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is finally well-organized. I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device.
Ladybird
Audiobook listening has never been this easy and convenient – it's like having a personal narrator. With this app, I've found a way to make my daily errands more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. 🎉📚 This app has rekindled my love for books – I can't stop listening! 🚀🎧 ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a game-changer. I can now focus on the story even in noisy environments. I'm impressed by the app's compatibility with CarPlay. It keeps me entertained on long drives.
Chasm Face
💡 This app has made my daily schedule more interesting – 'reading' on the go! 📱🚶♂️ Bookmarks are a lifesaver for study materials. I never lose my place again.
Skittle Mine
Looping playback is my secret weapon for language learning. It's revolutionized my approach. ListenBook has redefined my workout routine. The controls are so user-friendly.
Mt. Indiana
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a feature I can't live without. ListenBook has enriched my life with a diverse range of content, all at my fingertips.
Baby Spell
Binaural audio processing is amazing. Reduced my listening fatigue significantly. Packed with useful features. My favorite audiobook app!
Are Ess Tee
This app has broadened my literary horizons, introducing me to new authors. The statistics feature in ListenBook adds an element of self-awareness to my audiobook consumption.
RiddleRanger
Audiobook multitasking made easy – this app's functionality is top-notch. I'm on a literary adventure wherever I go, all thanks to this app. Its extensive format support and effortless navigation make audiobook listening a breeze. 🌟📚 I love the auto-bookmark feature. It saves my place automatically.
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