Book description
Audiobook Review - Manson by Jeff Guinn
Jeff Guinn's new biography of Charles Manson comes to life in a way that only the spoken word can achieve. From the very first minute, the narrator's steady cadence and clear diction pull listeners into the late-1960s California that Guinn paints with such vivid detail. The soundscape-subtle background sounds of surfboards, distant traffic, and even the hum of a recording studio-grounds each chapter in its time, making the story feel immediate rather than historical.
What makes this audiobook truly compelling is how it balances chilling facts with human nuance. Guinn's interviews with Manson's sister, cousin, former cellmates, and even members of the "family" themselves are woven seamlessly into the narrative. The voices of these witnesses come through in the original audio excerpts that accompany the book, giving listeners an authentic glimpse into the people who knew him best. It's a rare treat to hear firsthand accounts that were previously withheld from any author.
Guinn doesn't just recount crimes; he explores Manson's psyche and the cultural forces that shaped him. The narrator's tone shifts subtly when discussing Manson's early life, his musical ambitions, and his twisted ideology, allowing listeners to feel the gravity of each revelation. The story of the Tate murders is rendered with a stark clarity that makes the horror palpable without sensationalizing it-an ethical balance often lost in true-crime retellings.
The audiobook also benefits from Guinn's meticulous research. New photographs and previously unpublished documents are described in vivid detail, and the narrator pauses at key moments to let the imagery sink in. For those who have read the print edition, the audio version offers fresh insights through the inclusion of Guinn's own reflections on his investigative process.
Overall, Manson is a tour de force that appeals not only to true-crime enthusiasts but also to scholars of criminology, psychology, and 1960s counterculture. The audiobook format amplifies its impact: the narrative flows like a gripping documentary, while the expert narration keeps listeners engaged for hours on end. If you're looking for a compelling, well-researched dive into one of America's most infamous figures-presented in an accessible and immersive way-this is the listen you won't want to miss.
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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