Book description
"Powerful." --The New Yorker"Brilliant." --The Wall Street Journal"Astounding." --NPR"Forceful, clear and morally engaged." --The Washington Post"Subversive." --The New York Times Book Review "An exquisite, tormented howl." --The Financial Times "Gripping." --Minneapolis Star Tribune"A remarkable story." --Publisher's Weekly (starred review)"Wrenching, sardonic." --Kirkus (starred review)"As relevant today as it was in postwar Italy." --Shelf Awareness (starred review) With a foreword by Jhumpa Lahiri, Forbidden Notebook is a classic domestic novel by the Italian-Cuban feminist writer Alba de Céspedes, whose work inspired contemporary writers like Elena Ferrante. In this modern translation by acclaimed Elena Ferrante translator Ann Goldstein, Forbidden Notebook centers the inner life of a dissatisfied housewife living in postwar Rome. Valeria Cossati never suspected how unhappy she had become with the shabby gentility of her bourgeois life--until she begins to jot down her thoughts and feelings in a little black book she keeps hidden in a closet. This new secret activity leads her to scrutinize herself and her life more closely, and she soon realizes that her individuality is being stifled by her devotion and sense of duty toward her husband, daughter, and son. As the conflicts between parents and children, husband and wife, and friends and lovers intensify, what goes on behind the Cossatis' facade of middle-class respectability gradually comes to light, tearing the family's fragile fabric apart. An exquisitely crafted portrayal of domestic life, Forbidden Notebook recognizes the universality of human aspirations.
Mum Mary
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a fun and unique feature I can't get enough of. No more converting files – this app effortlessly handles various formats, saving me time and effort.
Cream
Audiobooks have become my bedtime companions, soothing me into a peaceful sleep. The audiobook player's silky-smooth playback is like music to my ears. Flawless performance! I love the ability to share my progress with friends. It’s a fun feature.
CyberScribe
The app's customization options allow me to tailor the listening experience to my liking. I can't believe how much more productive I am – I'm learning and growing while multitasking! ListenBook's user-friendly interface and seamless playback have made it my go-to app. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising. The perfect balance between dramatic reading and natural storytelling. Felt like a friend telling me an amazing story rather than someone just reading words.
WanderWord
Book Groups on ListenBook make it easy to categorize and access my audiobooks. Audiobooks made easy – this app's functionality is truly a gift. The tone adjustment feature in ListenBook Pro is a novel addition that allows me to personalize my audiobook experience. Easy sharing with friends via AirDrop. Very convenient.
BloodEater
🎧 Audiobooks anywhere, anytime – this app's convenience is unbeatable! 🌟📚 The playback controls are so responsive. No lag at all.
Zero Corn
I'm amazed at how immersive the experience is – it's like being inside the story. Audiobooks have become my go-to gift for friends – and they all love it! ListenBook's unlimited length of audiobooks with the Pro version is a fantastic value for avid listeners. Good but not great. The narration was competent but lacked the extra spark that makes some audiobooks truly special. Still worth a listen though.
Red Pepper
I love that I can switch between devices seamlessly and continue where I left off. I've fallen in love with genres I never thought I'd explore, all thanks to this app. 📱 Carrying stories in my pocket – this app's convenience is a game-changer! 📚🛍️ The narrator's voice took some getting used to - a bit nasal at first - but I grew to like it after a few chapters. Their pacing was excellent throughout.
Solo Kill
Audiobooks have made my workouts more enjoyable, and I'm seeing results! Audiobook immersion made simple – this app's ease of use is commendable. Bookmarks have become my study companion. I can easily revisit important passages in my audiobooks. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction makes sure that background distractions don't interfere with my listening. ListenBook has united my love for audiobooks with my passion for learning. What a brilliant app!
Houston
I'm blown away by how this app has made my commutes productive and my downtime entertaining. 🚶♀️📖 Exploring stories as I stroll – audiobooks have turned my walks into inspiring journeys of imagination. 🏞️🎧 AirDrop and sharing make it easy to spread the audiobook love with friends.
ForumFusion
ListenBook has added a new dimension to my audiobook listening experience – it's not just about the content, but the convenience too. I'm so grateful for this app – it's like having a personal storyteller wherever I go. 📱 Accessing my favorite stories has never been this straightforward – this app's functionality is a bookworm's dream come true. 📚💫
New York Winder
The sheer variety of genres available ensures there's something for everyone. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
Cardinal Rebel
With ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks with enhanced sound quality and personalized settings. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch, combined with its chapters, controls, and filters, make it the ultimate audiobook app! This app has made reading a part of my lifestyle, no matter where I am. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
Impulse
I'm hooked on this app's ability to make every moment a reading moment. Supports all audio formats I use without issues. Very happy.
Nibbler
This app has made my workouts and chores so much more enjoyable. I'm so grateful for this app – it's like having a personal storyteller wherever I go. The interface is so clean and clutter-free. It’s a pleasure to use. The subtle background music at key moments enhanced the experience without being distracting. More audiobooks should use this technique when appropriate!
German Coach
No more fighting over the radio during family trips – we're all hooked on audiobooks now. With this app, I've turned my daily commutes into exciting journeys through the world of literature. 🏡 Embracing audiobooks while tidying up the house – it's like having a helper! 🏠📚
Aqua Diva
The sleek design and easy navigation are visually pleasing and user-friendly. With ListenBook, I can now enjoy my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. ListenBook has made my commutes more enjoyable, transforming them into learning sessions. Navigating my audiobook library is a breeze – thank you, app developers! Savoring audiobooks without complications – this app's design is top-notch.
ByteBard
I used to struggle to find time for books – now, I listen while doing chores! With ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become hassle-free, thanks to the various download options. ListenBook has become an essential part of my daily routine. It's like my personal audiobook oasis. ListenBook is a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. It's reliable, versatile, and a pleasure to use.
High Heel Goddess
Listening to audiobooks while gardening has made my outdoor time even more relaxing. 🚶♀️🎧 Enjoying the great outdoors while immersing myself in fantastic tales – walking never felt this magical! 🏞️📚 Efficiency meets audiobooks – this app's functionality is a true standout. ListenBook has revolutionized how I consume content. It's like having a personal library in my pocket. The statistics feature is brilliant. I love seeing how much time I spend on audiobooks with ListenBook.
Cumulo
📚 Embracing reading in the digital age – this app makes accessing books a seamless and enjoyable experience. 📱🎉 ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a fascinating way to add a personal touch to my audiobook journey. The app is perfect for long walks. It keeps me company the whole time.
Lightening Trip
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has elevated my listening experience. 🎶📚 Replacing melodies with literary symphonies – my ears are in love! 🎵📚 Effortlessly exploring new worlds – this app's design is user-centric and efficient. Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's elegant design and robust functionality make it a must-have for anyone who loves to listen on the go. 🎧📱 The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
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