Book description
Anne Michaels' Held arrives as a profound auditory journey, its power magnified through the spoken word. Set against the stark aftermath of a 1917 battlefield blast, John's fragmented consciousness unfolds in the audiobook's opening lines-snow falling, memory surfacing like submerged light. The narrator's measured pace mirrors John's struggle, making his lost limbs and flickering recollections feel visceral, immediate. You hear the weight of silence between thoughts, the gentle crackle of a winter bath, the distant clatter of a railway pub.
This isn't merely a story told; it's a resonance felt. As John returns to North Yorkshire in 1920, reuniting with artist Helena, the audiobook masterfully threads time. Ghosts of the past-both literal and emotional-surface not as interruptions, but as natural echoes, their whispers carried through the narrator's voice. You don't just learn about John's ghosts; you feel their insistent presence, the way they disrupt his quiet life, his photography studio, the way snow still drifts across decades.
Michaels' prose, already luminous on the page, gains new depth in audio. Phrases like "sparks fly upward, working their transformations decades later" become almost musical, the rhythm guiding you through four generations. The narration doesn't rush the connections-between John and Helena, between a soldier's trauma and a modern field hospital, between Darwin's theories and the simple act of knitting a North Sea gansey. Each leap in time feels earned, the voice tracing the quiet threads of desire, loss, and the relentless human search for meaning.
What elevates this audiobook is its refusal to simplify. The narrator doesn't shy from the novel's complexity-how a hot bath with a lover echoes a battlefield memory, how a photograph captures a moment that outlasts the subject. You hear the weight of "We know life is finite. Why should we believe death lasts forever?" in the narrator's quiet intensity, making it less a question and more a shared, aching truth. The historical touches-early photography, Ella Mary Leather's poetry, Sir Ernest Rutherford's work-aren't footnotes; they're woven into the fabric of the story, felt in the narrator's cadence.
This is a novel that lingers, and the audiobook ensures it does. The voice doesn't merely read; it invites you into the space between snowflakes, between past and present, between the unspoken things we carry. You close your eyes, and suddenly, you're on that riverbank, hearing the snow fall, feeling the ghosts whisper. Held isn't just about being held by memory or love-it's about how stories, when given voice, become the very thing that holds us.
Firefly Caramel
I can't get enough of this app's convenience and the endless possibilities it offers. ๐ถ Forget background music, I've got enchanting stories to accompany my chores! ๐ต๐ The app's versatility in downloading audio is impressive. It streamlines the process and saves time. Downloading books directly in the app is so easy. Highly recommend! The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze.
Sandbox
I've been recommending this app to all my friends โ it's a true game-changer. With ListenBook, I can keep track of my audiobook consumption and explore new content with ease. This app has transformed my daily routines into immersive storytelling experiences. ListenBook has revolutionized my audio experience, making it both personalized and engaging. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. It's like the app knows what I need.
Lope Lope
I can't get enough of this app's convenience and the endless possibilities it offers. With ListenBook, I've rediscovered my love for audiobooks. The binaural audio processing is a game-changer for comfortable, fatigue-free listening. Automated extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a wonderful way to spread the love of literature.
Coma Stalk
This app is my secret weapon for making the most of my free time. I'm hooked on ListenBook's silky-smooth playback, making my audio sessions truly enjoyable. ListenBook has given me the gift of time โ turning daily tasks into moments of inspiration. Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a breeze to use. It's an intuitive experience.
InsightfulInk
ListenBook's library organization and book groups make managing my collection effortless. With this app, I've unlocked the secret to reading even on the busiest days. ๐ Adding a touch of magic to mundane tasks โ this app turns errands into epic quests! ๐๐ Audiobook enjoyment has never been this convenient. This app's sleek design and efficient organization ensure that every story is accessible and enjoyable. ๐๐ ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay is a huge plus during long drives.
Delirium
I've become addicted to this app โ in the best possible way! The narrators on this app are truly talented โ they bring characters to life. ๐ฑ Unlocking the world of literature with just a tap โ this app is my digital library card! ๐๐ฑ The ability to adjust the tone of the narrator's voice is a creative touch that adds depth to my listening.
Spoiler Betty
Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's thoughtful features, such as auto-rewind and chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our storytelling cravings. ๐๐ Playlists and bookmarks are super helpful. Love using ListenBook!
Sprinkle Lovenuts
๐ฑ My pocket-sized library โ this app makes reading accessible anytime, anywhere! ๐๐ฑ The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my audiobook collection. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to connect over shared interests. Excellent support for various audio formats. Very satisfied. ListenBookโs interface is clean and intuitive. Itโs a joy to use.
Wonder Lady
It's impressive how the app caters to both seasoned readers and newcomers. This app's convenience has made reading a priority in my busy schedule. The app's versatility in audio downloading is impressive. It's a one-stop solution for all my content. I love how I can create playlists. Itโs perfect for organizing my books.
Muzish
Audiobooks on this app have made my workouts more enjoyable and productive. The interface is sleek and intuitive, making my audiobook experience a joy. ListenBookโs playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace. The app is perfect for long commutes. It keeps me entertained for hours. A reasonable choice for casual listening. The audiobook was well-produced, but the pacing felt uneven in places. I didnโt dislike it, but I also didnโt feel strongly about it one way or another.
Nutmeg
Hands down, the best audiobook collection I've ever come across. It has everything I want to listen to. The app is so user-friendly. Even my grandma can use it!
Poppin Loot
Automatic metadata retrieval is a neat touch. My library is well-organized. The subtle background music at key moments enhanced the experience without being distracting. More audiobooks should use this technique when appropriate!
ForumFlare
ListenBook has become my trusted companion, guiding me through the realms of imagination. I love how this app's user-friendly interface allows me to navigate through chapters and controls effortlessly. I'm amazed at how effortlessly I can immerse myself in stories with this app. Audiobooks at my fingertips โ this app's functionality is a game-changer. The voice boost feature is amazing. It makes every word crystal clear.
Killer Merlot
Enhancing my daily routines โ this app's design makes listening a joy. ListenBook has made my daily commutes enjoyable. No more boredom! Tone adjustment is a thoughtful addition that adds a personal touch to the audiobook narration. It's like having a narrator tailor their voice to my preferences. 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 featureโit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Predator
๐ผ Enhancing work-from-home productivity โ audiobooks make even the most routine tasks a delight. ๐ป๐ Audiobook adventures simplified โ this app's functionality is a revelation. ListenBook's comprehensive format support makes it the ultimate companion for audiobook enthusiasts.
Impulse
Simplifying my audiobook experience โ this app's design is remarkable. Not bad, but not amazing either. The narratorโs voice was pleasant, though some parts felt a bit rushed. The story had its moments, but I wouldnโt necessarily recommend it over similar titles in the genre.
Vixen
ListenBook's focus on quality and user experience has made it my go-to app for audiobooks and educational content. I'm blown away by how this app has revolutionized my reading experience. ListenBook has become my go-to audiobook app. It's dependable, user-friendly, and enhances every listening session. The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices.
Pop Bee
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch, combined with its chapters, controls, and filters, make it the ultimate audiobook app! This app is a game-changer for busy individuals who miss reading. Effortlessly exploring new worlds โ this app's design is user-centric and efficient. Automatic artwork and metadata extraction keep my audiobook library organized and visually appealing.
Sassy Muffin
I can't imagine a day without this app โ it has made my audiobook journey effortless and rewarding. Love how I can adjust playback speed and audio volume. ListenBook caters to all my needs. The app is so responsive. It never lags or freezes. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes. 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!
Hidden Tree
๐ Igniting my imagination while preparing dinner โ this app adds flavor to every meal! ๐ฒ๐ ๐ Simplifying my reading routine โ this app's user-friendly design ensures I'm always in sync with my favorite stories. ๐โจ The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app.
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