Book description
Finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award for NonfictionFinalist for the PEN/Jacqueline Bograd Weld Award for Biography "An exhilarating romp through Orwell's life and times and also through the life and times of roses." --Margaret Atwood "A captivating account of Orwell as gardener, lover, parent, and endlessly curious thinker." --Claire Messud, Harper's "Nobody who reads it will ever think of Nineteen Eighty-Four in quite the same way." --Vogue A lush exploration of politics, roses, and pleasure, and a fresh take on George Orwell as an avid gardener whose political writing was grounded by his passion for the natural world "In the spring of 1936, a writer planted roses." So be-gins Rebecca Solnit's new book, a reflection on George Orwell's passionate gardening and the way that his involvement with plants, particularly flowers, illuminates his other commitments as a writer and antifascist, and on the intertwined politics of nature and power. Sparked by her unexpected encounter with the roses he reportedly planted in 1936, Solnit's account of this overlooked aspect of Orwell's life journeys through his writing and his actions--from going deep into the coal mines of England, fighting in the Spanish Civil War, critiquing Stalin when much of the international left still supported him (and then critiquing that left) to his analysis of the relationship between lies and authoritarianism. Through Solnit's celebrated ability to draw unexpected connections, readers are drawn onward from Orwell's own work as a writer and gardener to encounter photographer Tina Modotti's roses and her politics, agriculture and illusion in the USSR of his time with forcing lemons to grow in impossibly cold conditions, Orwell's slave-owning ancestors in Jamaica, Jamaica Kincaid's examination of colonialism and imperialism in the flower garden, and the brutal rose industry in Colombia that supplies the American market. The book draws to a close with a rereading of Nineteen Eighty-Four that completes Solnit's portrait of a more hopeful Orwell, as well as offering a meditation on pleasure, beauty, and joy as acts of resistance.
Gbbledgoodk
No more fighting over the radio during family trips β we're all hooked on audiobooks now. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a fun way to customize my listening experience. I can't get over how smooth the playback is. Even high-quality files play flawlessly. Auto-rewind feature is very useful. Excellent app!
Pigeon Woman
I used to struggle to find time for books β now, I listen while doing chores! I love how ListenBook caters to various formats, making it versatile and accommodating for all my audiobooks. This app's convenience has turned me into an avid audiobook listener. I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn any moment into a reading opportunity. No more converting files β this app effortlessly handles various formats, saving me time and effort.
Opulent Gamer
Audiobooks have never been this accessible β this app is a true innovation. A middle-of-the-road audiobook that neither impressed nor disappointed. The narrator's voice was agreeable enough for extended listening, though their character differentiation could have been stronger. The production met basic industry standards without any standout qualities.
General Broomdog
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy of audiobooks. πΌ Balancing responsibilities with relaxation β audiobooks make even mundane tasks feel like an escape. π»π
Spunky Sphinx
Audiobook excellence β this app's design enhances my reading experience. Decent narration, predictable story. The voice actor did a good job, but the plot followed a familiar formula. If youβre looking for something new and groundbreaking, this might not be it.
Stick Shift
ListenBook's commitment to providing top-notch audio quality has taken my audiobook experience to a new level. π Ironing has become a joy with audiobooks β wrinkles are no match for these captivating stories! ππ§ The playback speed control is a game-changer. ListenBook lets me listen at my own pace.
Carrot Joker
I'm no longer missing out on great stories β this app fits perfectly into my lifestyle. ListenBook's features are a bookworm's dream come true β from chapters to bookmarks, it's got everything. ListenBook has become my workout companion of choice. It keeps me motivated and entertained during exercise. I've recommended ListenBook to all my fellow bookworms. It's a true companion for audiobook lovers. 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 featureβit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Sky Trinity
I'm hooked on this app's ability to transform my ordinary moments into exciting opportunities for learning. Effortless audiobook exploration β this app's design is a reader's dream. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
Delirium
ListenBook's interface is not just aesthetically pleasing; it's also highly functional. Navigating through chapters and controls is a breeze. ListenBook's intuitive layout and quick access to chapters make audiobook navigation a breeze.
Shadow Gal
I can't believe how much time I've saved thanks to this efficient app! Every moment is a chance to dive into a new adventure with this app. Its smart controls and comprehensive format support ensure that my audiobook journey is a seamless one. ππ§ Adjusting the tone of the voice is a unique feature that adds a personalized touch to the listening experience. Binaural audio processing is amazing. Reduced my listening fatigue significantly. Great for both casual listening and studying. The audio filters are a nice touch.
Dropkick
Thanks to this app, listening to audiobooks has become a delightful habit. I can finally tackle my reading list while stuck in traffic β what a win! I can't believe I waited this long to discover the joy of audiobooks through this app. πΌ Making every minute count β this app's ease of use ensures I'm always making progress in my audiobook adventures. π±π Download options are abundant, from WiFi to iTunes. It's all about convenience with this app.
LifeRobber
This app has made long flights and road trips so much more enjoyable. 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.
Take Away
ListenBook has become my constant companion, filling my days with captivating narratives. I can't believe I waited this long to discover the joy of audiobooks through this app. ποΈ Soaking up the sun with an audiobook by my side β beach days just got better! ποΈπ Audiobook enthusiasts, gather around! This app's exceptional features, from audio filters to robust support, have transformed my daily routines into storytelling moments. ππ§ Say goodbye to monotony β this app's diverse format support and intuitive controls have turned my daily activities into thrilling audiobook adventures. π±π
Lime
The ability to switch between devices seamlessly is a game-changer for busy readers. Thanks to ListenBook, I've rediscovered the joy of exploring my favorite content on multiple devices. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch, combined with its chapters, controls, and filters, make it the ultimate audiobook app! Looping playback has transformed my study sessions. It's an invaluable tool for retaining information. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. 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!
Call Back Queen
πΆπ Replacing melodies with literary symphonies β my ears are in love! π΅π ListenBook has truly transformed my audiobook experience. The sleek interface, extensive format support, and easy downloading options make it my go-to app! Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice adds a layer of personalization that I never knew I needed.
VenusLion
ListenBook's dedication to providing a top-quality audio player is evident in every aspect of the app. ListenBook is a game-changer β it plays a wide variety of formats without any conversion needed. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is fascinating. I can alter the reader's voice to match my moodβwhat a creative addition! The book groups feature is a thoughtful addition. It helps me keep my series and related titles together. ListenBookβs design is sleek and modern. The app is a pleasure to use.
VisionVoyager
Audiobooks have become my go-to gift for friends β and they all love it! I'm addicted to this app's curated playlists and recommendations β they're spot on. π‘ Seamlessly weaving audiobooks into my daily routine β this app's functionality has redefined how I enjoy books. π±π The playback history is a great feature. I can easily revisit my favorite parts. The app is so reliable. Iβve never had any issues with it.
Riff Raff
Effortless and enriching β that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its smooth interface and thoughtful features redefine audiobook joy. π±π Library organization is simplified with ListenBook. It's easy to keep my audiobooks neat and tidy. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
Mule Skinner
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my dictaphone recordings much more comfortable to listen to. With this app, I can switch seamlessly between my iPhone and iPad, making my reading experience continuous. CUE playlist support is a fantastic organizational feature. It keeps my audiobooks neatly arranged.
2nd Hand Joe
Thanks to ListenBook, I'm now exploring different genres and formats I never thought I would. This app is a must-have for any book lover on the go β it's my daily companion. This app has brought back the joy of reading, even when I'm on the move. With this app, I've discovered the joy of learning while I'm on the move β it's like having a tutor by my side. Bookmarks are a lifesaver for study materials. I never lose my place again.
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