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.
Cool Law Topping
I can't remember the last time I was this excited about 'reading' books! ListenBook's audio filters and controls have revolutionized the way I enjoy my audio content. π Dancing to the rhythm of stories while I dance through house chores β pure joy! ππ Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. I can enjoy clear recordings.
Mum Mary
ListenBook's dedication to providing an excellent user experience sets a new standard in audiobook apps. This app's versatility and convenience have transformed my screen time into a productive reading journey. Automatic metadata extraction keeps my library organized. It's a time-saver! ListenBook has transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. It's an indispensable part of my routine. Automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library.
Ginger Chaos
I've become a more attentive listener thanks to the engaging audiobooks. With this app, I've found a way to make my daily errands more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a revelation. It eliminates distractions and enhances the clarity of recordings, resulting in a more immersive experience.
CosPlatoon
ListenBook's chapters, controls, and filters have taken my audiobook journey to new heights. This app's customizable features, like playback speed and bookmarks, have transformed my experience. Quick access to chapters and smooth playback. Fantastic app! This audiobook performed its function without excelling. The narrator's delivery was straightforward and easy to follow, though lacking in dramatic flair. The recording quality was decent with only occasional minor inconsistencies in volume. An acceptable but forgettable listening experience.
NexusNomad
The convenience of having an entire library at my fingertips is a dream come true. Great for listening to lectures and educational content. Very useful! The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
JesterZilla
ListenBook has breathed new life into my audiobook collection. I can't imagine using anything else. I've listened to hundreds of audiobooks, and this one stands out for its professional quality. The narrator struck the ideal balance between dramatic interpretation and letting the text speak for itself. The audio engineering was superb with consistent volume levels and crystal-clear recording.
Digital Goddess
πΆπ My new soundtrack? Audiobooks, of course! This app makes every day musical. π§πΆ Audiobooks anytime, anywhere β this app's functionality is a reader's delight. I've never experienced such silky-smooth playback even with high-quality FLAC files. Quick access to chapters is so handy. Navigating through content is a breeze. The versatility of this app is mind-boggling. It's like a one-stop solution for audiobooks.
Iron Jesus
I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn even the most mundane tasks into exciting opportunities for learning. I'm amazed at how this app has made reading such a natural part of my day. π‘ Enriching my daily routines with wisdom and wonder β thank you, this app! π±π A textbook example of great audiobook narration! The performer's diction was flawless, their pacing ideal, and their emotional range impressive. I never felt like I was being "read to" but rather like I was experiencing the story firsthand. The audio engineering was equally professional.
London Fox
The narrators have a way of bringing characters to life β it's a unique experience. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a creative feature that adds a personal touch to the experience. Listening stats feature keeps me motivated to read more. Love it!
Moonflower
Audiobooks on this app have turned my exercise sessions into moments of education. π Making every moment count β this app turns everyday activities into a reading adventure! ππ« π‘ Seamlessly weaving audiobooks into my daily routine β this app's functionality has redefined how I enjoy books. π±π Simplifying audiobook management β this app's functionality is a true asset.
DreamDasher
The noise reduction feature in ListenBook Pro is a game-changer for enjoying clear recordings. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. It enhances the audio quality and ensures that I can immerse myself fully in the content.
Redneck Giorgio
ListenBook has given me the gift of time β turning daily tasks into moments of inspiration. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magical spell that transports me into the heart of the story. Elegant design and easy-to-navigate interface. Very pleased with ListenBook.
Old Regret
The app's intuitive design makes it easy to find and listen to my favorite authors. It's impressive how the app caters to both seasoned readers and newcomers. I love how this app's chapters, bookmarks, and controls give me full control over my audiobook journey. I appreciate the statistics feature. ListenBook helps me track my listening habits.
Avenge Paws
This app has introduced me to genres I never thought I'd enjoy β it's eye-opening. This app's compatibility with different formats has made my audiobook collection diverse and enjoyable. π± Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's ease of use is a booklover's dream come true! ππ₯ Looping playback is a fantastic study tool. It helps me focus and retain information effectively. Binaural audio processing reduces listening fatigue. Fantastic feature!
Berry Succubus
Listening to audiobooks while gardening has made my outdoor time even more relaxing. ListenBook has transformed my daily commute. I look forward to my journeys with this app by my side.
Apple Nola
The playback speed adjustment is a game-changer for busy individuals. Time saver! This audiobook was a fantastic listen! The narrator's voice was clear and engaging, making it easy to follow along. The pacing was just rightβnot too fast, not too slow. Perfect for long commutes or relaxing at home. Highly recommend! Perfect for repeat listening! The narrator's performance was so rich with detail that I'm sure I'll discover new layers on a second listen. Their interpretation felt authentic to the material while bringing fresh insights. The audio production was pristine from start to finish.
Third Moon
This app's convenience has turned my exercise sessions into enlightening moments. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to connect with fellow book lovers. CUE playlist support is a thoughtful feature that keeps my audiobook listening organized and enjoyable. Binaural audio processing is amazing. Reduced my listening fatigue significantly.
LuminaLore
No more fighting over the radio during family trips β we're all hooked on audiobooks now. With ListenBook, my audio content is organized, accessible, and ready to inspire me. is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and reliable. I'm amazed by the app's compatibility with different audio formats. It's truly versatile.
FLAK Angel
ListenBook has become my trusted companion, guiding me through the realms of imagination. With this app, I can enjoy my favorite stories while traveling, making my journeys more delightful. This app's compatibility with various devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I go. Looping playback of a single track helps me focus and absorb complex content.
Pockets
The ListenBook app has enriched my daily life, adding a layer of intellectual and emotional fulfillment. Kudos to the developers for making this app iOS 16 optimized. It runs like a dream!
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