Book description
One of Japan's great modern masters, Kaoru Takamura, makes her English-language debut with this two-volume publication of her magnum opus. Tokyo, 1995. Five men meet at the racetrack every Sunday to bet on horses. They have little in common except a deep disaffection with their lives, but together they represent the social struggles and griefs of post-War Japan: a poorly socialized genius stuck working as a welder; a demoted detective with a chip on his shoulder; a Zainichi Korean banker sick of being ostracized for his race; a struggling single dad of a teenage girl with Down syndrome. The fifth man bringing them all together is an elderly drugstore owner grieving his grandson, who has died suspiciously after the revelation of a family connection with the segregated buraku community, historically subjected to severe discrimination. Intent on revenge against a society that values corporate behemoths more than human life, the five conspirators decide to carry out a heist: kidnap the CEO of Japan's largest beer conglomerate and extract blood money from the company's corrupt financiers. Inspired by the unsolved true-crime kidnapping case perpetrated by "the Monster with 21 Faces," Lady Joker has become a cultural touchstone since its 1997 publication, acknowledged as the magnum opus by one of Japan's literary masters, twice adapted for film and TV and often taught in high school and college classrooms.
EchoEmissary
Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's functionality is truly impressive. ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's an essential tool that enhances every listening session. Adjusting playback speed has revolutionized the way I learn and enjoy audiobooks. I can adapt the pace to my needs, maximizing comprehension and retention. ListenBook has become my trusted companion. It's my go-to app for expanding my knowledge and enjoyment.
Muzish
The ease of downloading content via WiFi, WebDAV, and more has made ListenBook my audiobook hub. With this app, my daily commute has transformed into an engaging journey through captivating stories. Library organization has never been this easy. My audiobook collection is finally tidy.
Sneaky Lady
Audiobooks made accessible and enjoyable – this app's design is a triumph. ListenBook's customizable audio filters add a new dimension to my audiobook enjoyment. Adjusting the tone of the voice is genius. It's like having a customizable audiobook narrator. The app's ability to handle various audio formats is impressive. No more file conversions! Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment enhance the listening experience significantly.
WeldMaster
Audiobooks made easy – this app's functionality is truly a gift. Looping playback is a study aid sent from heaven. It's helping me ace my exams!
Trash Sling
Library organization has never been this easy. My audiobook collection is finally tidy. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
Apex
This app is my travel companion – making long journeys enjoyable and insightful. Looping playback has revolutionized my study sessions. I'm learning faster than ever. The app's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch enhances my listening experience on the go. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
Mindless Bobcat
I'm blown away by ListenBook's ability to maintain audio quality even for formats like FLAC and AWB. This app has turned my gym sessions into immersive storytelling experiences – time flies by! This app is a game-changer for busy individuals who miss reading. I'm addicted to this app's ability to seamlessly blend books into my life.
Knuckles
I've become an audiobook addict, all thanks to this amazing app. I'm amazed at how this app has turned my errands into exciting reading sessions. Easy chapter access and smooth playback. Love this app!
Sir Squire
If you love stories but have a busy schedule, this app is your solution! Automatic artwork and metadata extraction keep my audiobook library organized and visually appealing. Great app for audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use.
RealmRanger
I can't imagine a day without this app – it has made my audiobook journey seamless and fulfilling. With this app, audiobook listening has become an integral part of my daily routines – it's pure bliss. This app has made my daily routines more meaningful and enjoyable. 🛌 Drifting into dreamland with enchanting audiobooks – bedtime has become a gateway to imagination. 🌙📚 I can't get enough of the app's sleek interface and intuitive controls. It's a joy to use!
M8deUp
Effortlessly accessing my favorite audiobooks has become a reality, all thanks to this app's user-centric design and comprehensive format support. A must-download! 📱🎧 ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has transformed the audio quality. It's crystal clear now.
Koi Diva
Simplifying my reading routine – this app's ease of use is remarkable. The noise reduction feature in ListenBook Pro is a game-changer for enjoying clear recordings.
Centurion Sherman
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my audio content much more enjoyable in noisy environments. Bookmarking my favorite parts of audiobooks is now a breeze. Love this feature! The app's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it a true companion for all occasions. ListenBook is a must-have for any audiobook enthusiast. It's reliable, efficient, and a pleasure to use. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a creative way to share the love of literature.
Congo Wire
🎶📚 Tuning in to the symphony of stories – audiobooks are the soundtrack of my daily routines. 🎵📚 Finally, an app that supports a wide range of audio formats! It's a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a fun and convenient way to share the magic of storytelling with friends and family, sparking meaningful discussions. Chapters make navigation a breeze. I can easily pick up where I left off.
Digital Goddess
I've become a loyal fan of audiobooks, and this app is the reason why! ListenBook is my daily companion, turning mundane tasks into exciting audio adventures. I can't get enough of this app's intuitive design – it's like a personal library right at my fingertips.
RedFeet
The app's design is sleek and modern – it's a pleasure to navigate. With this app, reading is as simple as pressing play – it's genius! Navigating through chapters has never been easier. It's a user-friendly delight. Downloading books directly in the app is so easy. Highly recommend! I’ve tried many audiobook players, and this one is by far the best.
ManBreaker
🎙️ Turning grocery shopping into a thrilling audiobook hunt – what a game-changer! 🛒📚 I'm amazed by the app's compatibility with different audio formats. It's truly versatile. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
PixelPioneer
ListenBook's dedication to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every aspect of the app. Audiobooks have become my constant companions during my daily activities. I'm impressed by ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically. Kudos to the developers for crafting an app that understands readers' needs. The smooth playback and sleek design are pure perfection. 📚👏
DreadSherX
⏰ Early mornings have become my favorite time to listen to audiobooks – energizing! 🌅🎧 💡 The future of audiobook listening is here – this app's sleek functionality redefines how we enjoy our favorite stories. 🎧🔮 Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's functionality is truly impressive. The compatibility with Apple Watch is a game-changer. Controlling my audiobooks from my wrist is genius.
Ladybird
This app has reignited my love for literature and made it a part of my everyday life. I'm amazed at how effortlessly I can immerse myself in stories with this app. 📱 Carrying my favorite stories with me wherever I go – this app is like a portable library in my pocket. 📚👜 ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback options are essential for my audiobook enjoyment and study.
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