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.
Sloth
I'm addicted to this app – it's a non-stop journey through captivating tales. ⏰ Starting my mornings with inspiration – audiobooks make waking up a joyous literary experience! ☀️🎧 Audiobook multitasking made simple – this app's design is a game-changer. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to connect over shared interests. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
Spunky Chick
I'm addicted to this app – it's like having a library in my pocket. ListenBook's statistics feature is eye-opening. I had no idea how much time I spent immersed in audiobooks until I started using it. ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use.
Twitch
ListenBook's support for various audio formats means I never have to worry about compatibility issues. I appreciate how ListenBook offers various methods for downloading audio – it caters to different preferences. 📱 A world of books at my fingertips – this app's user-friendly design makes it a true reading companion. 📚📱 AirDrop and sharing make it easy to spread the audiobook love with friends. I love the cloud integration. I can access my books from anywhere.
Acetic Princess
I love how this app allows me to enjoy books even when I'm on the move. I'm grateful for this app – it's made reading a part of my everyday life. Streamlined audiobook integration – this app's usability is impressive. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is amazing. ListenBook is top-notch.
Glyph
With ListenBook, I can listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. Finally, an app that handles all my audiobook formats effortlessly. ListenBook is a must-have!
Sleepwalker
I'm amazed at how effortlessly I can immerse myself in stories with this app. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a unique touch that adds personalization to my audiobook journey. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is an innovative way to make each audiobook unique.
Demo Tequila
🚗📖 On-the-go listening has never been smoother – this app's functionality keeps me engaged during long commutes. 🚗📚 ListenBook's audio filters are a valuable tool for customizing my audiobook playback to perfection.
Stud Buster
ListenBook's user-friendly interface and seamless playback have made it my go-to app. With this app, I've turned mundane chores into exciting opportunities for intellectual growth. 📱 An app that respects my time and delivers on functionality – audiobook listening has never been this effortless. 📖🔗
High Woo
User-friendly brilliance! This app's functionality enhances my audiobook experience. Adjusting the tone of the voice adds a unique touch to my listening experience. I love the personalization! With ListenBook Pro, long audiobooks are no problem. I love it! Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment are excellent additions. 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!
Hairpin
I used to struggle to find time for books – now, I listen while doing chores! ListenBook's multiple ways to download audio, including from the internet, are a game-changer. The bookmark feature is fantastic. I can easily pick up where I left off. I love the auto-bookmark feature. It saves my place automatically.
Trip
I've been recommending this app to all my friends – it's a true game-changer. Audiobooks have made long flights feel like a breeze – a true travel essential. The ability to adjust playback speed is a game-changer for faster or more immersive listening. 🎧 Elevating my reading experience – this app's intuitive controls and organization features make audiobook enjoyment effortless. 📱📖 Audiobook excellence simplified – this app's functionality is a true delight.
Dangle
The sound quality is outstanding – it's like having a movie theater in my ears! ListenBook's versatile controls and playback options have made my study sessions more productive and enjoyable. 🎧 Satiate your reading cravings while managing household affairs – this app has it all! 📚💼 is a breeze. It's incredibly convenient for building my collection.
Sugar Domino
ListenBook's customizable features, from playback speed to audio filters, cater to every audiobook lover's preferences. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats has made it my go-to app for all audio content. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature for those who enjoy organized and structured listening. The customer support is amazing. They responded to my query within hours.
QuantumQuipper
The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a portable audiobook library that I can carry everywhere. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it a versatile companion for my daily activities. ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features make it easy to keep my content at my fingertips. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear and distraction-free listening. The seamless integration with CarPlay adds convenience and entertainment during my daily commutes.
MicroStar
Audiobooks have turned my mundane activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment. This app has made reading a part of my lifestyle, no matter where I am. 🎉 This app is a testament to thoughtful design – its functionality seamlessly blends with my lifestyle, making reading effortless. 📚✨ Adjusting the tone of the voice is genius. It's like having a customizable audiobook narrator. Makes audiobook listening super easy and enjoyable. Thanks, ListenBook!
Hitch Frenzy
💡 This app is a brilliant way to squeeze in reading time amidst my busy schedule! 📱👩🍳 Auto-rewind feature is very useful. Excellent app! Great for listening to a variety of content. Highly recommend! I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
Feral Cookie
🌌 Elevating my reading routine – this app's functionality is the key to unlocking new worlds of storytelling. 📚🔑 ListenBook has made my daily walks so much more enjoyable. I'm always learning now! Playback speed and volume controls are fantastic. I love the ability to customize the skip buttons. It’s so convenient.
Universe Bullet
This app isn't just a tool, it's a wellspring of inspiration and positive vibes. The versatility of this app is mind-boggling. It's like a one-stop solution for audiobooks. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
Undergrad Split
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my dictaphone recordings much more comfortable to listen to. This app is a game-changer for busy individuals who miss reading. 🎙️ Grocery shopping has taken an exciting turn – I'm on a mission to explore new worlds through audiobooks! 🛒📚 The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time. This app is a game-changer for audiobook lovers! The interface is clean and easy to use.
Spunky Sphinx
The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a portable audiobook library that I can carry everywhere. ListenBook's features are a dream come true for anyone who loves to learn on the go.
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