Book description
"Tender, riveting, and inventive is Clear, the newest offering and masterpiece from the brilliant Carys Davies. It will take your breath away...What a thrill." -Sarah Jessica Parker A New York Times Book Review Top 10 Historical Fiction Book of 2024 A Vogue, The Washington Post, NPR, Kirkus Reviews, The Guardian, and The Globe and Mail (Toronto) Best Book of the Year Winner of the 2024 Bookmark Festival Book of Year Finalist for the Libby Book of the Year in Historical Fiction Shortlisted for the 2024 Books Are My Bag Award, the Historical Writers' Association Gold Crown Award, and the Saltire Society Literary Award Longlisted for Blackwell's Book of the Year, the Highland Book Prize, and the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction A "daring and necessary...sophisticated and playful" (The New York Times) novel from an award-winning writer, Clear is the story of a minister dispatched to a remote island to "clear" its last remaining inhabitant-an unforgettable tale of resilience, change, and hope.John, an impoverished Scottish minister, has accepted a job evicting the lone remaining occupant of an island north of Scotland-Ivar, who has been living alone for decades, with only the animals and the sea for company. Though his wife, Mary, has serious misgivings about the errand, he decides to go anyway, setting in motion a chain of events that neither he nor Mary could have predicted. Shortly after John reaches the island, he falls down a cliff and is found, unconscious and badly injured, by Ivar who takes him home and tends to his wounds. "Clear chronicles the surprising bond that develops between these two men...pack[ing] a great deal of power into a compact tale" (The Wall Street Journal) about connection, home, and hope-in which John begins to learn Ivar's language, and Ivar sees himself reflected through the eyes of another person for the first time in decades. Unfolding during the final stages of the infamous Scottish Clearances-a period of the 19th century which saw whole communities of the rural poor driven off the land in a relentless program of forced evictions-this singular novel explores what binds us together in the face of insurmountable difference, the way history shapes our deepest convictions, and how the human spirit can endure despite all odds. Moving and unpredictable, "a love letter to the scorching power of language" (The Guardian), Clear is "a jewel of a novel" (The Washington Post)-a profound and unforgettable read.
Classy Luck
The layout of ListenBook is so beautiful and user-friendly, making it a pleasure to use. 👀📚 Falling asleep to audiobooks has never been easier – this app's soothing voices 😴🎧 Audiobook enjoyment redefined – this app's design focuses on the essentials. Looping playback of a single track helps me focus and absorb complex content. I've listened to hundreds of audiobooks, and this one stands out for its professional quality. The narrator struck the ideal balance between dramatic interpretation and letting the text speak for itself. The audio engineering was superb with consistent volume levels and crystal-clear recording.
Dallas Foxface
The app's stability is impressive – it runs smoothly without any glitches. The narrators' voices on this app are so soothing – it's my relaxation therapy. 🚶♀️📖 Exploring stories as I stroll – audiobooks have turned my walks into inspiring journeys of imagination. 🏞️🎧 Solid performance, but not outstanding. The narrator did a fine job, though their tone was a bit monotonous at times. The story itself was engaging enough, but I wouldn’t call it unforgettable.
Bad Princess
I've never been this excited about my daily commute – thank you, audiobooks! ListenBook's sleek design and intuitive controls make it my go-to app for audiobooks. This app's convenience has made me fall in love with audiobooks all over again. Audiobook joy made simple – this app's ease of use is commendable. Simplifying my audiobook experience – this app's design is remarkable.
Universe Bullet
I'm hooked on ListenBook's silky-smooth playback, making my audio sessions truly enjoyable. I can't believe how easy it is to dive into a new world with this app.
Sokol
Adjusting the tone of the voice is a unique feature that adds a personalized touch to the listening experience. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
Sandbox
ListenBook's integration of artwork and metadata adds a visually appealing touch to my library. This app is a lifesaver! I can now enjoy my favorite books on the go.
Poppy Coffee
Automatic artwork and metadata extraction keep my audiobook library organized and visually appealing. ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length feature is fantastic.
Sleepwalker
This app's convenience has turned me into an avid audiobook listener. 🌟 Embracing reading in the busiest of times – this app is my everyday escape! 📚🏃♀️ ListenBook's compatibility with a wide array of audio formats makes it my ultimate audiobook companion. Drag and drop downloads directly from my web browser? That's a level of convenience I appreciate. AirDrop sharing is a very convenient feature. Thanks, ListenBook!
Mum Mary
I'm addicted to the personalized recommendations – it's like the app knows me! Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a social audiophile's dream. The ability to adjust playback speed is a fantastic study aid. I'm absorbing information faster than ever.
RightN0w2
ListenBook has made my daily walks so much more enjoyable. I'm always learning now! 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.
Spunky Sphinx
Navigating through my audiobook collection is a breeze – this app's intuitive interface and convenient controls have made my reading journey effortless. 📱📖 ListenBook has made managing my audiobook collection a breeze. Library organization is top-notch.
Bambi Benz
ListenBook's versatility and user-friendly interface make it a must-have for audiobook lovers. I'm amazed at how this app has seamlessly integrated reading into my daily rhythm. 💡 This app has made my daily schedule more interesting – 'reading' on the go! 📱🚶♂️ 🏝️ Soaking up the sun with an audiobook by my side – beach days just got better! 🏖️📖
Earl of Arms
I can't believe how easy it is to discover new titles and genres. Pure delight! I'm finally making progress on my reading goals, thanks to this app's convenience. This app's convenience has turned me into an avid audiobook listener. 📱 My pocket-sized library – this app makes reading accessible anytime, anywhere! 📚📱 The range of supported formats is astounding. No more compatibility issues!
Cougar Fuzz
I'm hooked on this app's ability to make reading fit into every nook and cranny of my day. Absolutely in love with this audiobook app! The seamless functionality and easy navigation make my reading time pure bliss. 📚🎧
Tornado Maker
Listening to audiobooks has become a ritual, thanks to this incredible app. I've recommended this app to all my fellow audiobook enthusiasts. It's a game-changer!
Keystone
Chapters, configurable auto-rewind, and bookmarks on ListenBook keep me in control of my content. The statistics feature in ListenBook provides valuable insights into my audiobook habits, helping me learn and grow. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study sessions. I can focus on challenging content. I’ve been using ListenBook for months, and it’s been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesn’t drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Tacklebox
ListenBook has given me the gift of time – turning daily tasks into moments of inspiration. Simplifying my audiobook experience – this app's design is a game-changer. ListenBook’s bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. 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!
Skirble
This app has turned long waits into exciting opportunities to dive into a new story. Audiobooks have never been this immersive – this app transports me to different worlds. ListenBook's support for playlists in the CUE format makes organizing and enjoying audiobook series a delightful experience.
Demo Zero
Navigating audiobooks effortlessly – this app's functionality is commendable. I love how customizable the playback speed is. It makes listening so much more enjoyable.
Proper
Effortlessly exploring audiobook worlds – this app's functionality is genius. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear dictaphone recordings.
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