Book description
From the bestselling and award-winning author of the Patrick Melrose novels, a hilarious and moving story about a group of wildly different characters whose fates are improbably yet inextricably linked--a novel about extinction and survival, inheritance and loss, written with St. Aubyn's trademark wit and inimitable style It's the summer, and Sebastian is in treatment following a breakdown that has left him grappling with his fragile grip on reality and his persistent hunger to connect with the biological mother who abandoned him as a child. His therapist, Martin, is facing challenges of his own, including his adopted daughter's tenuous relationship with her own biological mother--a predicament that makes Sebastian's struggle feel uncannily proximate to her own. Olivia is producing a radio series on catastrophic natural disasters, which itself seems to be running parallel to the events unfolding in her personal life, as her best friend, Lucy, faces a grave diagnosis, and her husband, Francis, pursues his mission of re-wilding the world. Over the course of the next year their fates collide in outrageous and poignant ways, as each of their destinies is revealed in a marvelous new light. With characteristic brilliance and humor, Parallel Lines investigates themes of dualism, determinism, connection, and love. St. Aubyn captures the life of the spirit as vibrantly as the life of the mind, in a novel that wrestles with moral and psychic anguish and the cascading consequences of our choices at every stage of life. A thrilling, wholly captivating work from one of the most gifted writers at work today.About the AuthorEDWARD ST. AUBYN was born in London. His acclaimed Patrick Melrose novels are Never Mind, Bad News, Some Hope, Mother's Milk (winner of the Prix Femina Γ©tranger and shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize), and At Last. The series was made into a BAFTA Award-winning Sky Atlantic TV series starring Benedict Cumberbatch. St. Aubyn is also the author of A Clue to the Exit, On the Edge (shortlisted for the Guardian Fiction Prize), Lost for Words (winner of the Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse Prize), Dunbar, and Double Blind.
101
I'm hooked on this app's curated content β it's like having a personal librarian. ListenBook's support for various formats ensures that no audiobook is out of reach.
Pepper
π§ββοΈβ Unwinding with a cup of tea and a captivating audiobook β relaxation meets intellectual stimulation. π΅π πΌ Making work hours enjoyable β audiobooks turn my tasks into learning opportunities and moments of joy. π»π
InsightInkwell
This app is not just about convenience β it's a gateway to new horizons of knowledge. This app's playback controls and features make it a breeze to customize my listening experience. This app's simplicity has made me fall in love with books all over again.
Old Regret
I've become a more empathetic listener thanks to the emotional depth of audiobooks. This app's user-friendly interface has made audiobook listening a breeze, even for a tech novice like me.
Bae
Kudos to the creators for making literature so accessible and enjoyable. Unparalleled support for CarPlay and Apple Watch means I can take my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. I love how this app makes my daily commute a journey through literature. I'm impressed by the app's compatibility with CarPlay. It keeps me entertained on long drives. A serviceable audiobook that met basic expectations. The narration was clear if somewhat unremarkable, and the production quality was standard without any noticeable technical issues. It kept me moderately engaged during workouts but didn't leave a lasting impression.
ByteBard
Being able to customize the listening duration is perfect for quick breaks. I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates with my daily routine. This app is a gift for book lovers who struggle to find reading time. 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.
Dallas Foxface
Audiobooks have made my commutes so much more enjoyable, and I'm always excited to listen. ListenBook's focus on quality and user experience has made it my go-to app for audiobooks and educational content. Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's functionality is a true marvel. ListenBook's comprehensive format support makes it the ultimate companion for audiobook enthusiasts. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. It's like having a personal reading guide.
Kazmii
I've been able to tackle my reading list like never before, thanks to this app. This app's seamless integration with my devices has made audiobook listening a hassle-free experience. The app's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch enhances my listening experience on the go.
Classy Dancer
This app has rekindled my passion for storytelling in the most convenient way. Audiobooks have become a staple in my routine, all thanks to this app's seamless integration and user-friendly design. It's a must-have for any book lover. ππ± Book groups help me keep series together and navigate my collection more efficiently. A great feature! Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a revelation. It elevates the audio quality to a new level. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a bonding experience made easy through AirDrop and sharing options.
BloodEater
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is fantastic. With ListenBook, my audio content is organized, accessible, and ready to inspire me. βοΈ Loving the fact that I can learn and listen at the same time β multitasking made easy! π§ π§ π©βπ³ Elevating culinary experiences with auditory tales β cooking has never been this entertaining and educational! π³π§ The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
WonderWords
The equalizer is a great addition. It really enhances the audio quality. This audiobook transformed my household chores into enjoyable moments! The narrator's lively yet measured delivery kept me engaged throughout. I particularly appreciated how they handled exposition - making potentially dry information interesting through thoughtful inflection and pacing.
Lady Killer
The ability to switch between different books effortlessly is a major plus. 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 The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking. 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.
Fire Fish
ListenBook's dedication to excellence shines through in its performance and features. π± Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's ease of use is a booklover's dream come true! ππ₯ π The simplicity and functionality of this app are top-notch. I can start a book with just a tap and immerse myself in the story instantly. π±π ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's an essential tool that enhances every listening session. The app is perfect for people with busy schedules. I can listen on the go.
Cupid Dust
I'm impressed by how much more I'm learning through audiobooks compared to traditional reading. ListenBookβs playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace. 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.
Digital Equinox
ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. π± A world of books at my fingertips β this app's user-friendly design makes it a true reading companion. ππ± User-friendly brilliance! This app's functionality enhances my audiobook experience. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has transformed the audio quality. It's crystal clear now. ListenBookβs playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace.
FrankenGrin
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. I can't believe how quickly I finish books now, all thanks to this app. π§ Carrying a world of literature in my headphones β this app's convenience is truly remarkable. ππ« Audiobooks made convenient β this app's functionality is a true gift. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
xSTORMx
I've become a more empathetic listener thanks to the emotional depth of audiobooks. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy of audiobooks. π Transforming long drives into memorable journeys through the magic of audiobooks! ππ
Murmur
is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and reliable. Supports artwork and metadata perfectly. My library looks great!
Nessie Pork
I'm absolutely in love with this app! It's like a library of stories in my pocket. This app has enriched my daily routine with the joy of stories and knowledge. Makes audiobook listening super easy and enjoyable. Thanks, ListenBook!
Storm Master
βοΈ This app's functionality is a symphony of efficiency β I'm savoring stories with ease, even on the busiest days. πΆπ I love the auto-rewind feature after interruptions. No more searching for 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