Book description
Set in Constantinople in the fifteenth century, in a small town in present-day Idaho, and on an interstellar ship decades from now, Anthony Doerr's gorgeous third novel is a triumph of imagination and compassion, a soaring story about children on the cusp of adulthood in worlds in peril, who find resilience, hope - and a book. In Cloud Cuckoo Land, Doerr has created a magnificent tapestry of times and places that reflects our vast interconnectedness - with other species, with each other, with those who lived before us, and with those who will be here after we're gone. Thirteen-year-old Anna, an orphan, lives inside the formidable walls of Constantinople in a house of women who make their living embroidering the robes of priests. Restless, insatiably curious, Anna learns to read, and in this ancient city, famous for its libraries, she finds a book, the story of Aethon, who longs to be turned into a bird so that he can fly to a utopian paradise in the sky. This she reads to her ailing sister as the walls of the only place she has known are bombarded in the great siege of Constantinople. Outside the walls is Omeir, a village boy, miles from home, conscripted with his beloved oxen into the invading army. His path and Anna's will cross. Five hundred years later, in a library in Idaho, octogenarian Zeno, who learned Greek as a prisoner of war, rehearses five children in a play adaptation of Aethon's story, preserved against all odds through centuries. Tucked among the library shelves is a bomb, planted by a troubled, idealistic teenager, Seymour. This is another siege. And in a not-so-distant future, on the interstellar ship Argos, Konstance is alone in a vault, copying on scraps of sacking the story of Aethon, told to her by her father. She has never set foot on our planet. Like Marie-Laure and Werner in All the Light We Cannot See, Anna, Omeir, Seymour, Zeno, and Konstance are dreamers and outsiders who find resourcefulness and hope in the midst of gravest danger. Their lives are gloriously intertwined. Doerr's dazzling imagination transports us to worlds so dramatic and immersive that we forget, for a time, our own. Dedicated to "the librarians then, now, and in the years to come," Cloud Cuckoo Land is a beautiful and redemptive novel about stewardship - of the book, of the Earth, of the human heart.Review"Doerr returns with a deeply affecting epic....[Cloud Cuckoo Land] is a marvel." Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) Review"Doerr demonstrates a singular gift for bringing these complex, fully realized characters to empathetic life in this brilliantly imagined story, which moves backward and forward in time." Booklist (Starred Review)Review"As the pieces of this magical literary puzzle snap together, a flicker of hope is sparked for our benighted world." Kirkus (Starred Review)Review"A glorious golden mesh of stories that limns that the transformative power of literature and our need to both dream big and arrive back home in a world that will eventually flow on without us." Library Journal (Starred Review)About the AuthorAnthony Doerr is the author of All the Light We Cannot See, winner of the Pulitzer Prize, the Carnegie Medal, the Alex Award, and a #1 New York Times bestseller. He is also the author of the story collections Memory Wall and The Shell Collector, the novel About Grace, and the memoir Four Seasons in Rome. He has won five O. Henry Prizes, the Rome Prize, the New York Public Library's Young Lions Award, the National Magazine Award for fiction, a Guggenheim Fellowship, and the Story Prize. Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Doerr lives in Boise, Idaho, with his wife and two sons.
Lucifurious
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to connect over shared interests. Looping playback helps me revise and memorize complex topics effectively. A study essential!
Firedog
This app has turned long waits into exciting opportunities to dive into a new story. ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that I can access my content without any limitations. 📚 Embracing a new reading habit with this app's seamless accessibility. Say goodbye to boredom! 📱🎉 🔥 Spicing up my routine with this app – it's like having a personal storyteller on hand at all times! ✨📖 Looping playback helps me immerse myself in the content. It's my secret study weapon.
Scrapper
I've found solace in listening to audiobooks before bed – it's my form of meditation. Audiobook enjoyment has never been this convenient. This app's sleek design and efficient organization ensure that every story is accessible and enjoyable. 📚👌 ListenBook makes organizing my audiobooks simple. The app is very user-friendly. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting.
Geneva Cuffs
This app has transformed my daily routines into immersive storytelling experiences. With this app, reading is no longer a luxury – it's a convenient habit. 🎶📚 Replacing melodies with literary symphonies – my ears are in love! 🎵📚 I've never experienced such silky-smooth playback even with high-quality FLAC files. The range of supported formats is impressive. No more converting files!
CZR
This app's convenience has turned my exercise sessions into enlightening moments. Audiobook multitasking made simple – this app's design is a game-changer. ListenBook's tone adjustment feature in the Pro version is a creative tool that adds a fun twist to my audiobook journey. AirDrop sharing makes it easy to share audiobooks with friends.
Mercury Reborn
📱 Carrying my library in my pocket – this app makes every moment a reading opportunity! 📚👜 ListenBook has made my daily walks so much more enjoyable. I'm always learning now! The app is perfect for long walks. It keeps me company the whole time.
Firecracker
ListenBook has made my daily activities more interesting and meaningful – I'm hooked! 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!
True Sweetness
I'm addicted to the personalized recommendations – it's like the app knows me! Hands down, the best audiobook collection I've ever come across. It has everything I want to listen to. I've rediscovered my love for reading, all thanks to this app's convenience.
Tweety
ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an indispensable tool for my audiobook enjoyment. The interface is clean and intuitive. I was up and running in seconds. What a delightful listening experience! The narrator's timing was impeccable, knowing exactly when to pause for effect or let the words flow. Their character voices were distinct yet natural - no over-the-top accents or distracting vocal tics. The audio quality was consistently excellent.
Bazooka Har-de-har
ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats means I can listen to all my favorite content without worries. 💪 Flexing my reading muscles with this app's easy-to-use controls – I'm devouring books while managing my busy schedule. 💼📚 ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to spread the joy of captivating stories with friends. 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.
Spoiler
This app is a game-changer for busy individuals who miss reading. Binaural audio processing is a godsend. My ears don't fatigue even during extended listening.
Blink
Kudos to the developers for making this app iOS 16 optimized. It runs like a dream! Automated artwork and metadata extraction keeps my audiobook library visually appealing. The app is so reliable. I’ve never had any issues with it.
Slinger
ListenBook's customizable audio filters are a game-changer for tailoring my audiobook playback. ListenBook's interface is so intuitive. I was up and running in no time. ListenBook’s playback is smooth and reliable. I never have issues with audio quality. A wonderful performance! The narrator captured the mood of the book perfectly, making it easy to visualize each scene. The audio quality was crisp, and the pacing kept me hooked from start to finish.
Capital F
Audiobooks made easy – this app's functionality is truly a gift. Every moment is a chance to dive into a new adventure with this app. Its smart controls and comprehensive format support ensure that my audiobook journey is a seamless one. 🌌🎧 ListenBook's intuitive interface and quick controls make it a pleasure to navigate through audiobooks. ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use.
InsightfulInk
Unparalleled support for CarPlay and Apple Watch means I can take my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. Binaural audio processing is a godsend. My ears don't fatigue even during extended listening.
Martini Flower
Background play feature lets me multitask while enjoying a book – brilliant! Drag and drop downloads are genius. It simplifies the entire process. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a fantastic feature. It adds a personal touch. Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that allows for a personalized listening experience. A serviceable audiobook that met basic expectations. The narration was clear if somewhat unremarkable, and the production quality was standard without any noticeable technical issues. It kept me moderately engaged during workouts but didn't leave a lasting impression.
Shadow Chaser
Kudos to the app for making literature accessible to those with busy schedules. Navigating audiobooks seamlessly – this app's design is a true winner. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a revelation. It elevates the audio quality, providing a clear and immersive listening experience that enhances my enjoyment. ListenBook has rekindled my passion for learning. I'm exploring new topics every day.
Howitzer Rise
ListenBook's support for various audio formats makes it a versatile app for all kinds of audiobook enthusiasts. This app's ease of use has made my daily tasks so much more enjoyable. The layout is not only beautiful but also intuitive. Controls are easy to access.
Cricket
ListenBook's intuitive controls and features have made it my preferred choice for audiobooks. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature streamlines the process of adding new content to my library. Looping playback has made memorization so much easier. I'm acing my exams! Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and visually appealing.
DuckDuck
The ListenBook app is a fantastic companion for my long walks, helping me learn and explore at the same time. Audiobook excellence made simple – this app's functionality is a true asset. This app is a game-changer for audiobook enthusiasts. The interface is intuitive, and the playback is seamless!
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