Book description
Imagine hearing the rustle of old letters and the distant crash of Caribbean waves as Mark Bostridge unravels a love story that haunted him since his twenties. This isn't just a biography-it's a personal pilgrimage, beautifully rendered for the ear. Bostridge, captivated by Adèle Hugo's tragic pursuit of a soldier who rejected her (and the film inspired by her life), sets off on a decades-long quest, tracing her path from the Channel Islands to Nova Scotia and the Caribbean. The audiobook becomes a companion on this journey, the narrator's voice carrying the weight of history and the intimacy of discovery.
What makes this so compelling is how Bostridge's own life intertwines with Adèle's. He doesn't just research her; he confronts his own echoes of longing, of feeling unseen by parents, of being haunted by stories that refuse to leave you. You hear the quiet intensity in his voice as he describes meeting descendants of the elusive soldier, or standing where Adèle once stood, abandoned and broken. The audiobook format makes the mystery visceral-he's not just telling you what he found, he's guiding you through it, step by step.
The emotional core is devastating yet tender: Adèle, Victor Hugo's daughter, chasing a love that never returned, driven to the brink by a heart she couldn't control. Bostridge frames it not as a mere tragedy, but as a mirror to our shared human hunger for connection, for stories that consume us. You'll feel the ache of her unrequited love, the suffocating distance of her father's literary shadow, and the quiet tragedy of being "rich from the inheritance of the rights to her father's books" while her own life faded in an asylum.
This isn't dry history. It's a memoir woven into a mystery, a travelogue of the heart. The narrator's pacing mirrors Bostridge's own unraveling of the past-sometimes slow, meditative, as he sits with a letter; other times urgent, as he races to uncover a clue. You'll hear the Caribbean heat in the voice, the chill of the Channel Islands, the sigh of a century-old secret finally spoken. It's the kind of audiobook that stays with you long after the final chapter, making you lean in, whispering to yourself, "I've felt that too." A rare blend of scholarly depth and raw humanity, perfect for anyone who's ever been haunted by a story that wasn't theirs to tell.
Mirage
I'm amazed at how this app has brought back the joy of reading into my daily routine – thank you! 🧘♂️ Finding zen through storytelling – this app makes meditation even more calming. 🧘♂️🎧 As an audiobook enthusiast, I'm in awe of ListenBook's advanced features. The ability to adjust the reader's voice tone is a unique and fun addition. This audiobook was an absolute pleasure to listen to! The narrator's voice was rich and expressive, perfectly capturing the tone of the material. I found myself completely immersed in the story, often sitting in my car longer than necessary just to hear what happened next. The production quality was excellent with clear audio throughout.
Sandbox
This app's versatility and convenience have transformed my screen time into a productive reading journey. 📚 Farewell, boredom during ironing sessions – audiobooks make it a breeze! 👗🎧 ListenBook's user-friendly interface and quick controls make it my preferred choice for audiobook enjoyment. I can’t believe how easy it is to manage my audiobook library with ListenBook. Highly recommended!
Whipsaw
With this app, I've found a way to make my daily errands more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my constant source of books. 💡 This app truly understands the needs of audiobook enthusiasts – it delivers an effortless and enjoyable listening experience. 📚🎧 I can't get over how smooth the playback is. Even high-quality files play flawlessly. Binaural audio processing reduces listening fatigue. Fantastic feature!
Sun Washer
The diverse selection of audiobooks has made me fall in love with storytelling all over again. Audiobooks made simple – this app's functionality is a breath of fresh air. Navigating audiobooks seamlessly – this app's design is top-notch.
Impulsive Flower
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay has made my drives more informative. 🏝️🎧 Soaking up the sun while indulging in beach reads – this app is my ultimate relaxation companion. 🏖️📚 Savoring captivating stories has become a breeze with this app's sleek design and convenient features. It's like having a personal reading assistant! 📱📖
Springheel Jack
ListenBook's beautiful layout and quick access to chapters make navigation effortless. Audiobooks have become a source of inspiration and motivation, thanks to this app. Audiobook immersion without fuss – this app's ease of use is commendable. Audiobook pleasure at its finest! This app's sleek design and efficient organization ensure that every story is accessible and delightful. 📚👌 Say hello to audiobook nirvana! This app's user-friendly design and comprehensive features have made my reading routine smoother than ever. 🌌📚
Howitzer Rise
I appreciate how ListenBook offers various methods for downloading audio – it caters to different preferences. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my life so much easier. The audio quality is superb. ListenBook enhances my audiobook experience.
PixelPioneer
ListenBook's basic audio filters allow me to fine-tune the audio playback to suit my preferences. ListenBook's user-friendly audio filters and controls have made my audiobook sessions more interactive and engaging. I can't imagine a day without this app – it has made my audiobook journey effortless and rewarding. 👀📚 Embarking on literary journeys even with my eyes closed – bedtime stories have taken a new form with this app! 😴🎧 CUE playlist support is a fantastic organizational feature. It keeps my audiobooks neatly arranged.
King Panther
Listening to audiobooks has become my guilt-free indulgence, and I love it. 💪 Juggling tasks while enjoying stories has never been easier – this app's functionality is a multitasking marvel. 💼📖 The ability to organize my library is a huge plus. Everything is so neat and tidy.
Iron Butterfly
Simplifying my audiobook experience – this app's design is remarkable. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks from various sources has become effortless. The sleep timer is a lifesaver. I fall asleep listening to my books every night.
Acid Queen
ListenBook's interface is sleek and user-friendly, making navigation a breeze. ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an essential tool for my audiobook enjoyment. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my audio content much more enjoyable in noisy environments. Makes audiobook listening super easy and enjoyable. Thank you! The app is super intuitive. I was up and running in minutes.
Plenty Orange
The ability to listen to books while multitasking is a game-changer for me. is a breeze. It's incredibly convenient for building my collection.
xFRST
ListenBook's absence of synchronization requirements adds to its convenience and flexibility. I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my constant source of books. 🚗📚 Turn traffic into a literary escape – this app's functionality keeps me engaged while I'm on the move. 🚗🎧 ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback features add versatility to my audiobook listening experience.
Alpha
This app has made audiobook listening an integral part of my daily routine – it's a habit I cherish. This app has made reading a part of my lifestyle, no matter where I am. This app's ease of use has made my long drives educational and enjoyable. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
Dez
I'm impressed by how much more I'm learning through audiobooks compared to traditional reading. The ListenBook app has made my daily routines more enriching, allowing me to learn while on the go. This audiobook app is an absolute lifesaver! It brings my favorite stories to life with unparalleled convenience.
Green Ghost
Audiobooks have turned road trips into unforgettable journeys of imagination. With ListenBook, my iPhone and iPad have become a gateway to a world of captivating stories. ListenBook’s bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book. The app is perfect for people who love to read but don’t have the time.
MuseMaster
I'm discovering books I wouldn't have considered before, and my reading horizons are expanding. The app is perfect for language learners. The playback speed control is a game-changer.
Jetta Talent
The seamless integration with my car's audio system is a road trip dream. With ListenBook, every moment is an opportunity to explore new stories and gain knowledge. Quick access to chapters is a blessing. No more scrolling through endless content. ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use.
Star Jammer
ListenBook's extensive library and user-friendly interface have made it my go-to app. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience. A functional audiobook. It kept me entertained, but I wasn’t blown away. The narrator’s performance was competent, though some emotional scenes fell a bit flat. A functional audiobook production that met basic requirements. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough to listen to for extended periods, though their performance didn't add much interpretation to the text. The audio engineering was competent without being remarkable.
Despair
ListenBook's support for various audio formats makes it a versatile app for all kinds of audiobook enthusiasts. I can't get enough of this app's convenience – it has turned my audiobook journey into a delightful habit. Audiobook immersion without fuss – this app's ease of use is commendable. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. It's like having a personal assistant for my literary adventures.
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