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.
42nd Street
Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app is your new best friend. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch adds convenience to my audiobook routine. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a game-changer. It's like customizing my listening experience. WiFi downloads save a lot of time. Great feature!
General Broomdog
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Most Wanted
ListenBook's focus on quality and user experience has made it my go-to app for audiobooks and educational content. ListenBook has become my trusted companion for literary adventures. The app's features are exceptional. ListenBook has all the features I need. My go-to audiobook app! Easy sharing with friends via AirDrop. Very convenient. Perfect for repeat listening! The narrator's performance was so rich with detail that I'm sure I'll discover new layers on a second listen. Their interpretation felt authentic to the material while bringing fresh insights. The audio production was pristine from start to finish.
Doz
The narrator's voices are so engaging, it's like having a personal storytelling session. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and precise controls make it a joy to use every day. Audiobook enjoyment redefined – this app's design focuses on the essentials. The statistics feature in ListenBook provides valuable insights into my audiobook habits, helping me learn and grow.
Napoleonic Haze
Finally, an app that values usability – navigating and listening is a breeze! With features like auto-rewind, I never lose my place when I pause listening.
ThoughtTrailblazer
ListenBook's compatibility with different formats ensures I never have to worry about file conversions. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a thoughtful gesture that ListenBook makes seamless. Tone adjustment adds a personalized touch to the narration, making the audiobook experience even more immersive. This audiobook performed its function without excelling. The narrator's delivery was straightforward and easy to follow, though lacking in dramatic flair. The recording quality was decent with only occasional minor inconsistencies in volume. An acceptable but forgettable listening experience.
High Woo
Audiobooks have brought a new level of enjoyment to my daily workout routine. With this app, audiobook listening has become an integral part of my daily routines – it's a game-changer. I'm amazed at how this app has made reading such a natural part of my day. Kudos to ListenBook for the intuitive design and easy-to-use controls. It's evident that they've put a lot of thought into user experience. With ListenBook Pro, I'm no longer limited by audiobook length. It's a liberating experience!
Minty Devil
Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature. I'm loving it! CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to create curated listening experiences for different moods and settings. The app is perfect for road trips. It keeps me entertained for hours.
IceDog
With this app, reading is no longer confined to a specific time or place. The app's integration with Apple Watch makes it an indispensable tool for my active lifestyle.
Lady Petal
With a vast genre selection, I've broadened my horizons and explored new topics. I'm constantly amazed by the variety of genres – there's something for everyone. 🎧 An audiobook treasure trove in the palm of my hand – this app is pure convenience! 📚🌟 ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch adds convenience to my audiobook routine. I’m so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app!
Tin Mutt
This app has reignited my love for literature in the most delightful way. 🎙️ Elevating grocery shopping to a whole new level – audiobooks make it an adventure! 🛒📚 💼 Making work hours enjoyable – audiobooks turn my tasks into learning opportunities and moments of joy. 💻📖 Audiobook excellence made simple – this app's functionality is a true asset. The app is so versatile. It works with all my audiobook formats.
QuantumQuill
Audiobooks have become my preferred way to unwind – and this app is my partner in crime. Automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library.
Wonder Lady
I've discovered authors I'd never heard of before, and now they're among my favorites. ListenBook's variety of ways to download audio makes it incredibly convenient. 🌟 Transforming laundry time into a journey through fantastic stories – thank you, this app! 👚📖
Popeye Wipeout
I've found solace and relaxation in the pages of countless audiobooks. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a feature I can't live without. ListenBook's library organization and book groups make managing my collection effortless.
Dez Bonbon
I'm addicted to this app – it's a non-stop journey through captivating tales. Finally, an app that supports a wide range of audio formats! It's a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook is packed with useful features. It’s the best audiobook app I’ve used. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
CuriousCraft
Language courses on audiobooks helped me pick up a new language effortlessly. This app has made waiting in lines and queues an opportunity for exploration and enjoyment. I'm amazed at how this app has made reading such a natural part of my day. Highly engaging! The combination of a well-written story and skilled narration made this audiobook hard to pause. I finished it much faster than I expected because I just couldn’t stop listening.
Feral Filly
ListenBook has redefined my workout routine. The controls are so user-friendly. ListenBook has elevated my audiobook experience to new heights. It's a treasure trove of knowledge.
California Goddess
The 'Continue Listening' feature ensures I never lose my place, no matter where I am. ListenBook's sharing options make it a breeze to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts and share recommendations. I love the quick access to settings. It makes tweaking the app so easy.
MindfulMingle
This app's convenience has turned my exercise sessions into enlightening moments. Effortless audiobook exploration – this app's design is a reader's dream. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a true savior for immersive listening, even in busy surroundings. Finally, an app that supports all my audiobook formats! ListenBook is a game-changer. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
Palomino Cake
ListenBook has enriched my life with a diverse range of content, all at my fingertips. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction ensures that my listening experience remains clear and enjoyable. 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!
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