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.
Jo Jo Spooky
I'm thrilled to finally have a way to enjoy books while keeping up with my busy schedule. ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats ensures that I can enjoy a wide range of content hassle-free. πΆ Forget background music, I've got enchanting stories to accompany my chores! π΅π π‘ Nurturing my curiosity with audiobooks β this app adds a touch of wonder to my daily routines. π±π With ListenBook, I've rediscovered my love for audiobooks. The binaural audio processing is a game-changer for comfortable, fatigue-free listening.
AirportHobo XD
Thanks to ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks without the need for constant synchronization. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch is a game-changer for my on-the-go listening. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats has made it my go-to app for all audio content. Unlocking a world of literary possibilities, this app's extensive compatibility and user-friendly controls have made audiobook enjoyment an everyday joy. π±π ListenBook has become an integral part of my daily routine. Its compatibility with Apple Watch and CarPlay makes it the ultimate companion for various activities.
Lope Lope
ListenBook's dedication to providing an excellent user experience sets a new standard in audiobook apps. This app's intuitive controls and user-friendly layout have made audiobook listening a true pleasure. ListenBook has rekindled my love for audiobooks. The app's interface is beautiful and user-friendly. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. It's like getting a clear, immersive listening experience. Listening statistics are a great motivator. Love this feature!
Dream Killer
As a visually impaired person, this app has opened up a new world of stories for me. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
WanderWord
I can finally tackle my reading list while stuck in traffic β what a win! ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's a true companion for all my literary adventures. Listening to audiobooks has never been this enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook! Great for multitasking! I listened while cooking, driving, and even working out, and it kept me entertained the whole time. The narratorβs voice was pleasant, and the story flowed smoothly. Very enjoyable!
White Dragon
The narrators have a way of bringing characters to life β it's a unique experience. With this app, I've turned my daily commutes into exciting journeys through the world of literature. π± Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's ease of use is a booklover's dream come true! ππ₯ πΌ Making work hours enjoyable β audiobooks turn my tasks into learning opportunities and moments of joy. π»π The narrator was good but spoke a bit too slowly for my taste. I had to speed it up to 1.2x which then made some parts sound slightly unnatural.
ForumFusion
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a social audiophile's dream. This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it the perfect companion for any audiobook lover. Tone adjustment adds a personalized touch to the narration, making the audiobook experience even more immersive. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature that adds a personal touch. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Bambi Wings
ListenBook has given me the gift of time β turning daily tasks into moments of inspiration. The narration elevated an already good book to greatness! The performer's subtle vocal variations conveyed nuance I might have missed while reading. Their ability to maintain consistent character voices across many hours was impressive. Technical quality was flawless throughout.
Juice Petite
This app's sleek design and intuitive features make it my trusted partner in exploring new narratives. This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. I can finally listen to all my audiobooks seamlessly with ListenBook. The customizable playback controls and chapter navigation make it a breeze. The app is so reliable. Iβve never had any issues with it. Iβm so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app!
Twister Hero
With ListenBook, I can keep track of my audiobook consumption and explore new content with ease. Bravo to the creators of this app β they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design have won me over. ππ ListenBook's audio filters are a valuable tool for customizing my audiobook playback to perfection. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. Itβs a unique feature.
Necromancer
This app's dedication to providing high-quality narration has made all the difference. I can't get enough of the smooth playback experience. It's like a symphony for my ears.
Dandelion
The selection of classics is a treasure trove for literature enthusiasts. Audiobook enthusiasts, gather around! This app's exceptional features, from audio filters to robust support, have transformed my daily routines into storytelling moments. ππ§
Mud Pie Man
This app has reignited my passion for reading, and I'm forever grateful. ListenBook's features are a dream come true for anyone who loves to learn on the go. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
Liquid Science
Audiobooks have transformed my daily walks into a time of inspiration and learning. ListenBook's dedication to delivering a top-notch experience is evident in every detail. The download options are versatile, making it a breeze to get my favorite audiobooks on the go.
AlertXis
The convenience of switching between devices without losing my place is a lifesaver. ListenBook's commitment to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every detail. No more fussing with synchronization β this app just gets it done! This was my first audiobook in this genre and I'm hooked! The performance brought the story to life in a way reading never could. Already downloaded another by the same narrator.
Acid Queen
The features on this app, from bookmarks to playback speed, cater to all preferences. Audiobooks have never been this accessible and enjoyable. This app's compatibility with various formats and its emphasis on user experience have made it an essential tool for me. π±π Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats! Flawless playback. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a game-changer. It's like customizing my listening experience. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Thumb Candy
I'm impressed by ListenBook's dedication to providing a comfortable listening experience. The interface is sleek and user-friendly. Makes navigating through chapters a breeze. Automatic metadata retrieval is a neat touch. My library is well-organized.
Call Back Queen
Audiobooks have never been this engaging β this app takes them to the next level. ListenBook Pro offers an unbeatable deal β unlimited audiobook length and noise reduction.
Tough Nut
The vast selection of titles on this app is a book lover's dream come true. ππ Road trips have never been this entertaining β this app keeps me engaged on the highway! ππ πΆπ Replacing tunes with stories β my house is alive with the sound of narration! π§π ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature elevates my listening experience, allowing me to focus on the content. Iβve tried several audiobook players, but ListenBook stands out for its reliability and ease of use. The equalizer and voice boost features make every book sound amazing. Plus, the dark mode is perfect for nighttime listening. Great job, developers!
DragonBlood
I'm able to enjoy books in a whole new way β while cooking, working out, or even gardening. The chapters feature on ListenBook enhances my audiobook exploration β it's like flipping through pages. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a true blessing for enjoying clear audio even in noisy environments. Audiobooks on this app have turned my travels into explorations of new narratives. An acceptable audiobook that met basic expectations. No complaints about quality but nothing remarkable either. Would listen to this narrator again but wouldn't seek them out.
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