Book description
There's something deeply comforting about the sound of a radio dial spinning as you drift off to sleep. Charlie Connelly's Last Train to Hilversum isn't just a book-it's a warm, crackling invitation back to that very feeling, perfectly delivered as an audiobook. You don't just read about radio's magic; you hear it, in the gentle rhythm of Connelly's voice, like a friend sharing a cherished memory over tea.
He starts with a truth we all live: radio is everywhere, even if we don't notice it. It's the soundtrack to our mornings, our commutes, our quiet moments-John Peel's playlists, the shipping forecast's solemn cadence, the thrill of tuning into Radio Caroline as a kid. Connelly makes you feel that shared heartbeat of a nation listening together. But then, the real shift: the analog world is fading. No more static between stations, no accidental discoveries, just curated streams. He captures that quiet, almost mournful moment when the dial's mystery disappears-and why it matters.
What makes this audiobook special isn't just the history (though his stories of radio's pioneers, oddballs, and the role it played in shaping British identity are fascinating). It's how Connelly's narration becomes the medium he's celebrating. You can almost hear the faint buzz of old speakers, the pause before a program starts, the way a voice on the radio once felt like a secret shared just for you. He visits places where radio history happened-the studios, the control rooms-and you feel the weight of those spaces through his words. It's part nostalgia, part social history, part love letter, and it's delivered with such genuine warmth that you forget you're listening to an audiobook; you're just listening to a friend who's been on the same radio journey as you.
He doesn't just talk about the past; he makes you feel it. Remember how the radio was the only thing that could fill a whole room? How you'd chase the signal, or sit by the window to catch a distant voice? Connelly makes you remember that thrill, that sense of possibility in the static. And he does it without a single dusty academic phrase. It's conversational, vivid, and deeply personal-like he's sitting beside you, sharing why that old radio on the kitchen shelf meant the world.
If you've ever felt a pang of missing the simplicity of tuning in and letting the music or the news find you, this audiobook is pure comfort. It's a reminder that radio wasn't just noise-it was the sound of our lives, shared, unexpected, and utterly human. Connelly doesn't just document its end; he makes you hear its echo in the quiet spaces of today. Press play, and let the dial spin. You'll be glad you did.
IdeaAlchemy
ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats makes it a versatile and essential app for audiobook enthusiasts. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy of audiobooks. Audiobook multitasking simplified β this app's functionality is truly commendable. 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.
Cumulo
Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app is your new best friend. From novels to speeches, this app's versatility in playing various audio formats has turned my daily activities into enriching listening sessions. What a game-changer! ππ ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to introduce others to the joys of audiobook storytelling. Binaural audio processing really helps reduce fatigue.
Hyper Kong
I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates with my daily routine. The controls on ListenBook are intuitive and user-friendly, making it a joy to navigate through my audiobooks. Audiobooks have made waiting in lines and queues so much more bearable. Finally, an app that respects my busy lifestyle. Whether I'm commuting or exercising, this app's smooth playback and smart controls keep me engaged. πββοΈπ§ The customer support is amazing. They responded to my query within hours.
Koi Diva
Listening to audiobooks while cooking has made meal prep much more enjoyable. πββοΈπ Combining exercise and exploration β audiobooks make my runs more exciting! πββοΈπ§ ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magic wand that transforms even the noisiest environments into cozy listening spaces. The library organization feature is a blessing. My audiobooks are finally organized and easy to find. Organizing my audiobook library has never been easier. The app keeps everything tidy.
Reno Monarch
The convenience of downloading audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. The quick access to chapters and controls makes the app a joy to use. I'm always in control. The app is perfect for language learners. The playback speed control is a game-changer. This app is a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. The ability to adjust skip intervals and playback speed is fantastic. I also love the auto-bookmark featureβit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Worth every penny!
Onion King
The ListenBook app is a must-have for anyone who loves to learn and be entertained through audiobooks. ListenBook is the perfect blend of technology and art, turning audio into an unforgettable experience. Finally, an app that lets me organize my audiobooks effortlessly. The library organization and book groups feature make navigation a breeze. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app.
Suicide Jockey
The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking. Great for fans of this genre! The pacing, narration, and production quality were all excellent. It felt like a movie playing in my mind. Iβll be checking out more from this narrator for sure.
Sir Shove
ListenBook's dedication to optimizing for iOS 16 ensures a seamless experience on the latest devices. With this app, I'm discovering the joy of reading during my commutes. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a fantastic feature. It adds a personal touch.
Viceswerve
This app has turned audiobook listening into a daily ritual for me. The ability to adjust playback speed is a game-changer for faster or more immersive listening. This app's compatibility with different file types means that my entire audiobook collection is at my fingertips. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a blast. AirDrop makes it seamless.
All Natural
I can't thank the developers enough for constantly updating and improving the app. The drag-and-drop download feature on ListenBook is incredibly convenient β no more complicated processes. Streamlining my audiobook journey β this app's design is top-notch. An average audiobook experience. Nothing was wrong with itβthe narration was fine, and the story was okayβbut nothing particularly stood out. It served its purpose as entertainment during my commute.
Coffee
ListenBook's compatibility with various formats ensures that my audio needs are met. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. It's like having virtual bookshelves! The appβs design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
Kickstart
This app has turned long waits into exciting opportunities to dive into a new story. ListenBook's compatibility with a wide array of audio formats makes it my ultimate audiobook companion.
Trash Master
Looping playback is my secret weapon for language learning. It's revolutionized my approach. ListenBook is a game-changer for audiobook lovers. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history featureβitβs so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
GoldTouch
Audiobooks have become my preferred way to unwind β and this app is my partner in crime. With ListenBook, I can now enjoy my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. I'm blown away by how this app has made my workouts more enjoyable and my mind more active. 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!
Ex0tic
I've been recommending this app to all my friends β it's a true game-changer. This app has given me the joy of reading even when my hands are full. I'm amazed at how this app has made my workouts more motivating and my audiobooks more accessible. The speed adjustment feature is my secret weapon for studying complex materials.
Pink Stream
The compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch sets ListenBook apart from the rest. ListenBook is my daily companion, turning mundane tasks into exciting audio adventures. π§ Carrying a world of literature in my headphones β this app's convenience is truly remarkable. ππ«
Kitchen
ListenBook's dedication to enhancing the audiobook experience has made it my preferred app for listening to content on the go. ListenBook's support for binaural audio processing is a thoughtful touch that reduces listening fatigue. The features on this app, from bookmarks to playback speed, cater to all preferences. This app is a lifesaver! I can now enjoy my favorite books on the go. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
Scratch
Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that allows for a personalized listening experience. I love the quick access to settings. It makes tweaking the app so easy.
Breadmaker
The sleep timer is a brilliant addition β I drift off to sleep with amazing stories. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. I can easily jump to the parts I want to listen to. Bookmarks are a lifesaver for my study materials. I can easily revisit important sections. This audiobook kept me company during a long road trip and made the miles disappear! The narrator's engaging performance and the crisp production quality made for an immersive experience. I appreciated how well they balanced drama with clarity - never sacrificing understanding for effect.
WeldMaster
π©βπ³ Cooking up a storm while enjoying thrilling stories β this app adds flavor to my meals! π³π§ ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats is impressive. From MP3 to FLAC, it handles them all flawlessly. Chapters make navigation a breeze. I can easily pick up where I left off.
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