Book description
A New Yorker Book of the YearAbout one woman’s fine, hard life at the racetrack, Kick the Latch – with its ruthless concision and artful mysteries – is lightning in a bottleKathryn Scanlan’s Kick the Latch vividly captures the arc of one woman’s life at the racetrack – the flat land and ramshackle backstretch; the bad feelings and friction; the winner’s circle and the racetrack bar; the fancy suits and fancy boots; and the ‘particular language’ of ‘grooms, jockeys, trainers, racing secretaries, stewards, pony people, hotwalkers, everybody’ – with economy and integrity.Based on transcribed interviews with Sonia, a horse trainer, the novel investigates form and authenticity in a feat of synthesis reminiscent of Charles Reznikoff’s Testimony. As Scanlan puts it, ‘I wanted to preserve – amplify, exaggerate – Sonia’s idiosyncratic speech, her bluntness, her flair as a storyteller. I arrived at what you could call a composite portrait of a self.’ Whittled down with a fiercely singular artistry, Kick the Latch bangs out of the starting gate and carries the reader on a careening joyride around the inside track.‘Utterly fresh, shimmery as a dragonfly . . . Ridiculously good.’ Kerri ní Dochartaigh‘Kick the Latch performs the trick of turning a life, with its practicalities and speed, into art, and does so with particular charm, will, and intensity.’ Lucie Elven‘A revelation in its unadorned, unromantic, plain power.’ Andrew McMillan ‘I was absolutely blown away . . . It’s so much more than a skilled act of ventriloquism, it is a finely-wrought work of art that takes one person’s life and expands it to create something wondrous and universal. The pages I read seemed to capture all that is vital to human existence.’ Tash Aw‘Kick the Latch is pure exhilaration. No one works with fineness, with exactitude, with the beating heart of fiction and of life, quite like Kathryn Scanlan.’ Amina Cain‘Kathryn Scanlan has performed a magical act of empathic ventriloquy in Kick the Latch. This immediate, engrossing immersion in another life and world, so personally and passionately told, is compulsively readable.’ Lydia Davis‘I have been following Kathryn Scanlan’s original voice for years. In her new venture—an unusually intimate, clear-eyed portrait of a tough and engaging woman conveyed in revelatory vignettes—every word is essential.’ Amy Hempel‘As fascinating and formally inventive as we have come to expect.’ LitHub‘It’s a landscape full of exhausting labor and habitual violence, but also ecstatic devotion and joy . . . Scanlan writes about ordinary life in extraordinary ways by compacting it radically, like pressurizing carbon into diamonds.’ Leslie Jamison‘Superb, episodic story of horse-racing, told in vignettes of violence, poverty and community. Both niche and precise in the revelation of an ordinary life (Johnson’s Train Dreams, or Seethaler’s A Whole Life) with Lydia Davis’ distillation.’ Sinéad Gleeson‘Kick the Latch is an extraordinary act of portraiture. Tender, kind, and told with measured honesty, it gripped me entirely from the first page to the last.’ Jessie Greengrass‘With this book, Kathryn Scanlan is telling us three things: life is short, it’s worth paying attention, and she’s one hell of a writer.’ Jon McGregor‘The author—Kathryn Scanlan—wields a mean stiletto for a crop . . . A wonderfully empathic window opened onto a fascinating life lived on the margins.’ 4columns‘This book is my new best friend. The craft and the beauty of it are a joy and an inspiration.’ Ben Pester
Flyswat Briggs
With this app, I've found a way to make long flights and road trips more enjoyable and enlightening. Kudos to the developers for optimizing this app for iOS 16. It runs like a dream on my device. ListenBook has transformed my daily routine into an opportunity to learn, relax, and enjoy. ListenBook has all the features I need. My go-to audiobook app! ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
Dandelion
I've become the storyteller of my family, sharing the amazing audiobooks I've discovered. Audiobooks have become my constant companions during my daily activities. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to introduce them to captivating stories.
Sky Herald
It's impressive how the app caters to both seasoned readers and newcomers. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. My audio quality has improved dramatically.
Berlin Kamikaze
This app's user-friendly design makes navigating through books a breeze. With ListenBook, my iPhone and iPad have become a gateway to a world of captivating stories. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is seamless. I can now enjoy my favorite audiobooks during commutes and workouts. ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to introduce others to the joys of audiobook storytelling.
Midnight Rambler
ListenBook Pro is totally worth it. Unlimited audiobook length – I'm in! ListenBook has all the features I need. My go-to audiobook app! The audio quality is superb. ListenBook enhances my audiobook experience.
Bom Crossed
Audiobooks on this app have made my workouts more enjoyable and productive. ListenBook is a true audio treasure! It turns my own audio files into immersive listening experiences. I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily activities more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating.
Gold Dahlia
I love how this app allows me to enjoy books even when I'm on the move. I can't get enough of ListenBook's silky-smooth playback and intuitive design. It's my go-to app for both leisurely listening and study sessions. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection. Automatic metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is finally well-organized.
Cool Iris
With a vast genre selection, I've broadened my horizons and explored new topics. Thanks to this app, I can enjoy the world of literature without missing a beat in my fast-paced life. 🎧 Fueling my audiobook addiction with this fantastic app – pure listening pleasure! 📚🔥 Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a revelation. It elevates the audio quality to a new level.
FlyGuardX
I've become a more empathetic listener and reader, thanks to the power of audiobooks. ListenBook's focus on quality and user experience has made it my go-to app for audiobooks and educational content. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. It transforms the way I enjoy my recordings.
Petite Flurry
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a fantastic addition that enhances my audio experience. I'm addicted to this app – it's like having a library in my pocket. ListenBook’s design is sleek and modern. The app is a pleasure to use.
Wheels
The diverse range of narrators adds a new layer of depth to each story. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection.
Swerve
🎶📚 Tuning in to the symphony of stories – audiobooks are the soundtrack of my daily routines. 🎵📚 Audiobooks made convenient – this app's functionality is a true gift. As an audiobook enthusiast, this app is a dream come true. Its compatibility with various formats and easy navigation make it my ultimate reading companion. 🌟🎧 ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is fascinating. I can alter the reader's voice to match my mood—what a creative addition! Adjustable playback speed and volume control are top-notch.
Toxic-oxide
This app has ignited my passion for reading once again – but in a modern, convenient way. I've never been this excited about my daily commute – thank you, audiobooks! I love how ListenBook extracts artwork and metadata from audio files, adding a visual touch to my listening experience. The customizable controls and playback options cater perfectly to different audiobook preferences. Beautiful design and intuitive interface. Very user-friendly.
German Coach
ListenBook has become my trusted companion, guiding me through the realms of imagination. 🎉 My audiobook haven – this app is like a door to endless adventures and knowledge! 📚🔑 Discovering new worlds through audiobooks has never been easier! This app's intuitive interface and seamless functionality make every listening session a delight. 📚🎧 Kudos to the creators for crafting an app that understands audiobook lovers. With smooth playback and thoughtful design, it's a true companion for book enthusiasts. 📚👏 Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a great way to spread the joy of storytelling with friends.
Hyper Kong
ListenBook's intuitive controls and beautiful layout make my audiobook experience a delightful one. ListenBook’s design is sleek and modern. The app is a pleasure to use.
West Warrior
I love that I can switch between devices seamlessly and continue where I left off. ListenBook's intuitive design and thoughtful features have made my audiobook experience delightful. Audiobook enjoyment without the hassle – this app's design is a win. ListenBook has made audiobook listening more convenient and enjoyable than ever before. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to jump between sections.
Forger
This app is a gift for anyone with a busy lifestyle – I can enjoy books while doing chores! ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a true blessing for enjoying clear audio even in noisy environments. ListenBook's versatility and user-friendly interface make it a must-have for audiobook lovers.
Microwave
🏡 Embracing audiobooks while tidying up the house – it's like having a helper! 🏠📚 ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats is impressive. From MP3 to FLAC, it handles them all flawlessly. I'm amazed by the extensive statistics tracking. It's fascinating to see my listening habits.
Mustard Centaur
ListenBook's compatibility with various formats has made it my go-to app for all audio content. With this app, I can enjoy my favorite stories while traveling, making my journeys more delightful. 🏃♀️🌟 Experiencing stories while staying active – this app's functionality enhances my walks and runs like never before. 🎧🏞️ Sharing audiobooks with friends is a bonding experience made easy through AirDrop and sharing options. I love the bookmarking feature. ListenBook makes it easy to pick up where I left off.
Ozzie Treat
I love that I can switch between fiction and non-fiction effortlessly. The ListenBook app has made my daily routines more enriching, allowing me to learn while on the go. 📱 An entire library at my fingertips – this app is a book lover's dream come true! 📚🌟 ListenBook's versatility with various audio formats means I can enjoy audiobooks from multiple sources effortlessly.
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