Book description
Relegated to the genre of mystery during her lifetime, Patricia Highsmith is now recognized as one of "our greatest modernist writers" (Gore Vidal). Beloved by fans who were unaware of the real psychological turmoil behind her prose, the famously secretive Highsmith refused to authorize a biography, instead sequestering herself in her Switzerland home in her final years. Posthumously, her devoted editor Anna von Planta discovered her diaries and notebooks in 1995, tucked in a closet--with tantalizing instructions to be read.For years thereafter, von Planta meticulously culled from over eight thousand pages to help reveal the inscrutable figure behind the legendary pen. Beginning with her junior year at Barnard in 1941, Highsmith ritualistically kept a diary and notebook--the former to catalog her day, the latter to brainstorm stories and hone her craft. This volume weaves diary and notebook simultaneously, exhibiting precisely how Highsmith's personal affairs seeped into her fiction--and the sheer darkness of her own imagination.Charming yet teetering on the egotistical, young "Pat" lays bare her dizzying social life in 1940s Greenwich Village, barhopping with Judy Holliday and Jane Bowles, among others. Alongside Flannery O'Conner and Chester Himes, she attended--at the recommendation of Truman Capote--the Yaddo artist colony in 1948, where she drafted Strangers on a Train. Published in 1950 and soon adapted by Alfred Hitchcock, this debut novel brought recognition and brief financial security, but left a heartsick Highsmith agonizing: "What is the life I choose?"Providing extraordinary insights into gender and sexuality in mid-twentieth-century America, Highsmith's diaries convey her euphoria writing The Price of Salt (1951). Yet her sophomore novel would have to be published under a pseudonym, so as not to tarnish her reputation. Indeed, no one could anticipate commercial reception for a novel depicting love between two women in the McCarthy era. Seeking relief from America, Highsmith catalogs her peripatetic years in Europe, subsisting on cigarettes and growing more bigoted and satirical with age. After a stay in Positano with a new lover, she reflects in her notebooks on being an expat, and gleefully conjures the unforgettable The Talented Mr. Ripley (1955); it would be this sociopathic antihero who would finally solidify her true fame.At once lovable, detestable, and mesmerizing, Highsmith put her turbulent life to paper for five decades, acutely aware there must be "a few usable things in literature." A memoir as significant in our own century as Sylvia Plath's journals and Simone de Beauvoir's writings were to another time, Patricia Highsmith: Her Diaries and Notebooks is an historic work that chronicles a woman's rise against the conventional tide to unparalleled literary prominence.
Black Hole Necromancer
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Gov Skull
I'm constantly amazed by the vast selection β there's always something new to discover. This app's seamless integration with CarPlay and other devices has revolutionized my audiobook experience. Talk about convenience! This app's ease of use and support for multiple audio formats ensure that I can enjoy my favorite stories without any hassle. π±π Excellent support for various audio formats. Very satisfied.
Flashpoint
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LuminaLore
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Queen Bee
ListenBook's dedication to enhancing the audiobook experience has made it my preferred app for listening to content on the go. This app has made multitasking a breeze β I can listen while I work, cook, or exercise. I'm amazed by the variety of genres available β there's something for everyone. The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that makes a big difference. It enhances my listening experience. The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze.
Wheels
ListenBook has reignited my love for storytelling and learning, one audio file at a time. AirDrop and sharing make it easy to spread the audiobook love with friends. A functional audiobook production that met basic requirements. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough to listen to for extended periods, though their performance didn't add much interpretation to the text. The audio engineering was competent without being remarkable.
Trash
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Princess Dove
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Tough Nut
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Mad Robin
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WanderWord
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Sand Whiskers
ListenBook's basic audio filters enhance my listening experience and make it uniquely mine. ListenBook's chapters, controls, and filters have taken my audiobook journey to new heights. I never thought I'd find an app that supports such a wide range of audiobook formats. ListenBook is a true gem! Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to spread the joy. I love the statistics feature. Itβs fun to see how much Iβve listened.
Cereal Killer
I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates into my life, enhancing every moment with stories. π Rekindling my love for stories β this app's accessibility has reignited my passion! ππ An audiobook lover's dream come true! This app's seamless functionality and diverse format support make it my go-to choice for immersive storytelling. ππ§ With its powerful audio downloading features, I can have my favorite audiobooks ready to go, anytime and anywhere.
Y0dler
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DragonBlood
ListenBook's customizable features, from playback speed to audio filters, cater to every audiobook lover's preferences. π Transforming my mundane routine into a captivating journey β thank you, this app! β¨π
Pigeon Woman
I can't get enough of ListenBook's silky-smooth playback and intuitive design. It's my go-to app for both leisurely listening and study sessions. Audiobook heaven! This app has revolutionized the way I enjoy stories. Its sleek design and seamless functionality make it a must-have for book lovers. ππ§ ListenBook is a prime example of user-centered design. It's clear that the developers understand audiobook lovers' needs.
Aqua Diva
I'm addicted to this app's seamless integration with my daily activities. As an audiobook aficionado, this app is a dream come true. Its support for various formats and effortless navigation make it my perfect reading companion. ππ§ ListenBookβs playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
Lady Pomegranate
The extensive audiobook collection for children is a blessing for my little ones. No more worries about compatibility β ListenBook handles numerous formats flawlessly.
East Army
This app has transformed my daily walks into exciting literary adventures. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
Winter Bite
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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