Book description
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - The epic tale of a brilliant woman who must reinvent herself to survive, moving from Mussolini's Italy to 1940s Los Angeles--a timeless story of love, deceit, and sacrifice from the award-winning author of A Constellation of Vital Phenomena "A genuinely moving and life-affirming novel that's a true joy to read."--Celeste Ng, author of Little Fires Everywhere "A gorgeous book . . . sublime."--The New York Times (Editors' Choice) ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: NPR, The Guardian, Booklist Like many before her, Maria Lagana has come to Hollywood to outrun her past. Born in Rome, where every Sunday her father took her to the cinema instead of church, Maria immigrates with her mother to Los Angeles after a childhood transgression leads to her father's arrest. Fifteen years later, on the eve of America's entry into World War II, Maria is an associate producer at Mercury Pictures, trying to keep her personal and professional lives from falling apart. Her mother won't speak to her. Her boss, a man of many toupees, has been summoned to Washington by congressional investigators. Her boyfriend, a virtuoso Chinese American actor, can't escape the studio's narrow typecasting. And the studio itself, Maria's only home in exile, teeters on the verge of bankruptcy. Over the coming months, as the bright lights go dark across Los Angeles, Mercury Pictures becomes a nexus of European émigrés: modernist poets trying their luck as B-movie screenwriters, once-celebrated architects becoming scale-model miniaturists, and refugee actors finding work playing the very villains they fled. While the world descends into war, Maria rises through a maze of conflicting politics, divided loyalties, and jockeying ambitions. But when the arrival of a stranger from her father's past threatens Maria's carefully constructed facade, she must finally confront her father's fate--and her own. Written with intelligence, wit, and an exhilarating sense of possibility, Mercury Pictures Presents spans many moods and tones, from the heartbreaking to the ecstatic. It is a love letter to life's bit players, a panorama of an era that casts a long shadow over our own, and a tour de force by a novelist whose work The Washington Post calls "a flash in the heavens that makes you look up and believe in miracles."
Old Orange Eyes
ListenBook's support for various audio formats makes it a versatile app for all kinds of audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook has turned my daily routines into audiobook-driven journeys of imagination. The library organization feature is a blessing. My audiobooks are finally organized and easy to find.
CosPlatoon
I can't get enough of this app's intuitive design and user-friendly interface. ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind. I never thought I'd find an app that supports such a wide range of audiobook formats. ListenBook is a true gem! The app's performance is unparalleled. It's like it's tailor-made for my device.
CuriousCoder
The narrator's voice in some audiobooks is so soothing, it's like a spa for the ears. I'm grateful for this app – it's made reading a part of my everyday life. ListenBook has transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is a game-changer!
Shadow Gal
ListenBook is a true audio treasure! It turns my own audio files into immersive listening experiences. With this app, I can enjoy my favorite stories while traveling, making my journeys more delightful. The playback speed adjustment is a game-changer for busy individuals. Time saver!
PixelPathfinder
This app has rekindled my passion for storytelling in the most convenient way. With this app, I've turned mundane chores into exciting opportunities for intellectual growth. Download options are abundant, from WiFi to iTunes. It's all about convenience with this app. Library organization and book groups make managing my audiobook collection a breeze. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
Romance Princess
I can't believe I waited so long to start listening to audiobooks – this app has converted me! Audiobooks have become my favorite workout companions, making exercise a breeze. ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily life, enhancing my workouts, commutes, and relaxation periods. It's an indispensable part of my routine.
Dahlia Bumble
I'm rediscovering my favorite classics in a whole new way – through audiobooks! The ability to adjust the playback speed has made my commute even more efficient. ListenBook's integration of artwork and metadata adds a visually appealing touch to my library. The download options are versatile, making it a breeze to get my favorite audiobooks on the go. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to jump between sections.
Tootsie Killer
ListenBook's audio filters and controls have turned my listening sessions into immersive experiences. ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats is impressive. From MP3 to FLAC, it handles them all flawlessly. Binaural audio processing really helps reduce listening fatigue. Great feature!
Stone Boomstick
I appreciate the option to listen to samples before committing to a book. This app has reignited my love for literature in the most delightful way. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction makes sure that background distractions don't interfere with my listening. The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices.
Foot-long Fry
ListenBook is a true audio treasure! It turns my own audio files into immersive listening experiences. I can't imagine a day without this app – it has made my audiobook journey effortless and rewarding. 🏃♂️📚 Running through chapters, literally! This app keeps me motivated on the track. 🏃♂️📖 The layout is not only beautiful but also intuitive. Controls are easy to access.
Star Sword
ListenBook's sharing options make it a breeze to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts and share recommendations. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. It's like the app knows what I need. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a thoughtful and enjoyable way to share my favorite stories with friends and introduce them to new worlds of literature. The ability to adjust playback speed and volume is a game-changer for me.
London Fox
The playback speed adjustment is a game-changer for busy individuals. Time saver! Drag and drop downloads are genius. It simplifies the entire process. The app is perfect for bedtime listening. The sleep timer is a must-have.
Sun Washer
ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features are a dream come true – no more hassles! This app has turned my household chores into moments of intellectual growth. ListenBook has become my trusted companion. It's my go-to app for expanding my knowledge and enjoyment. The app’s design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
NexusNomad
With this app, I'm discovering the joy of reading during my commutes. With this app, I've unlocked the secret to reading even on the busiest days. Looping playback is a fantastic study tool. It helps me focus and retain information effectively. This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
CuriousCrafter
I've started reading more books than ever before, all thanks to this app. Downloading over WiFi saves so much time. Very efficient.
Granola Dove
ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats makes it a versatile and essential app for audiobook enthusiasts. I'm grateful for ListenBook's seamless compatibility with a variety of formats – it's a true lifesaver. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for enjoying clear audio in any environment. 👀📚 Embarking on literary journeys even with my eyes closed – bedtime stories have taken a new form with this app! 😴🎧
Pyscho Hun
Audiobook enthusiasts, celebrate! This app's thoughtful features, like auto-rewind and easy chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our reading cravings. 🎉📚 ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
Electric Saturn
This app has turned audiobook listening into a daily ritual for me. This app is my secret weapon for staying entertained during mundane tasks. I'm blown away by how this app has made my commutes productive and my downtime entertaining. 🎶 Music? Nah, I prefer immersing myself in captivating stories with this app! 🎶📖 Looping playback has revolutionized my study sessions. I'm learning faster than ever.
Boost
Language courses on audiobooks helped me pick up a new language effortlessly. My productivity has soared since I started using ListenBook for my study materials. The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my audiobook collection. The app is so reliable. I’ve never had any issues with it.
Spoiler
This app has made me realize that there's always time for a good book. Adjustable playback speed is a fantastic feature. It allows me to customize my listening experience. A decent listen overall. The narration was clear, though some character voices sounded similar. The story was interesting but had moments where it dragged slightly. Still, it was a good way to pass the time.
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