Book description
A Must-Read at The New York Post and BookPage "This terrific book, about loss and family and the weight of history, is probably as close as I'll ever get to buying one of those picturesque Italian villas, and surely a wiser investment." --Jess Walter, author of Beautiful Ruins and The Angel of Rome From the bestselling author of The Last Painting of Sara de Vos, Dominic Smith's Return to Valetto tells of a nearly abandoned Italian village, the family that stayed, and long-buried secrets from World War II. On a hilltop in Umbria sits Valetto. Once a thriving village that survived centuries of earthquakes and landslides and became a hub of resistance and refuge during World War II, it has since been nearly abandoned, as residents sought better lives elsewhere. Only ten remain, including the widows Serafino--three eccentric sisters and their steely centenarian mother--who live quietly in their medieval villa. Then their nephew and grandson, Hugh, a historian, returns. But someone else has arrived before him, laying claim to the cottage where Hugh spent his childhood summers. The unwelcome guest is the captivating and no-nonsense Elisa Tomassi, who asserts that the family patriarch, Aldo Serafino, a resistance fighter whom her own family harbored, gave the cottage to them in gratitude. But like so many threads of history, this revelation unravels a secret--a betrayal, a disappearance, and an unspeakable act of violence--that has affected Valetto across generations. Who will answer for the crimes of the past? Dominic Smith's Return to Valetto is a riveting journey into one family's dark past, a page-turning excavation of the ruins of history, and a probing look at our commitment to justice in a fragile world. It is also a deeply human and transporting testament to the possibility of love and understanding across gaps of all kinds--even time.
DreadSherX
Thanks to this app, I can enjoy the world of literature without missing a beat in my fast-paced life. Audiobook multitasking simplified – this app's ease of use is a true asset. Tone adjustment is so cool. It's like customizing the reader's voice to my liking.
Ginger Chaos
With ListenBook Pro, I can customize the tone of the sound to match my preferences – it's a fantastic touch. ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically adds a visual touch to my audiobook collection. My audiobook collection has never looked better. Thanks to automatic artwork and metadata. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. My recordings sound crystal clear.
RealmRanger
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Mr. Lucky
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Stacker of Wheat
ListenBook's audio filters and controls have turned my listening sessions into immersive experiences. ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features make it easy to keep my content at my fingertips. 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. 📚🎧 ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a unique tool that adds a touch of creativity to my listening experience. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. It enhances the clarity of recordings and makes my listening sessions more enjoyable.
101
This app has given me the joy of reading even when my hands are full. This app has made multitasking a breeze – I can 'read' while I work! ListenBook's commitment to a user-friendly interface and intuitive controls is evident in every aspect of the app. Sharing audiobooks with friends is so easy with AirDrop. It's a great way to spread happiness. I'm amazed by the attention to detail, from automatic metadata extraction to customizable settings.
Video Game Heroine
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The Flying Mouse
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Bom Crossed
ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is an innovative touch that adds a layer of personalization. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection.
Zero Corn
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Tomcat
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ManBreaker
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SWAT Honey
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Gr8 Flick
I'm blown away by the range of non-fiction audiobooks available – so much to learn! I love how this app turns even the dullest tasks into exciting storytelling moments. ListenBook has brought stories back into my life, making every moment a new adventure. This app has made my daily walks a time for both exercise and learning.
Sylvester Eye
Library organization is brilliant. No more cluttered audiobook collection. Noise reduction is magic. I can finally enjoy dictaphone recordings without discomfort. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. My recordings sound crystal clear. ListenBook has streamlined my audiobook experience. It's a must-have app for enthusiasts.
RZR
With ListenBook, I can keep track of my audiobook consumption and explore new content with ease. The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that has a big impact on my listening experience. I love it!
Vortex
I'm amazed at how this app has brought back the joy of reading into my daily routine – thank you! I can't get enough of this app's user-friendly interface – it's a true delight. 🏝️ Basking in the sun while indulging in literary adventures – this app makes outdoor relaxation even better. ☀️📖 Bravo to the creators of this app – they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design have won me over. 📚👏 ListenBook's sleek layout and quick chapter access have made my audiobook journey incredibly enjoyable.
Shamrock
With this app, I can switch seamlessly between my iPhone and iPad, making my reading experience continuous. The layout is not only beautiful but also intuitive. Controls are easy to access.
Blink
I'm rediscovering my love for literature through this app – it's revitalizing. Audiobooks have become a source of inspiration and motivation, thanks to this app. ListenBook's versatile features have made my audiobook experience more enjoyable than ever. 💡 This app has made my daily schedule more interesting – 'reading' on the go! 📱🚶♂️ The app's integration with CarPlay enhances my road trips with immersive audiobook journeys.
Are Ess Tee
Audiobooks have become my companion during long walks, transforming exercise into a pleasure. 🎶📚 The harmony between simplicity and functionality in this app is truly impressive. Audiobooks have never sounded this good! 🎵🎧 The app's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a huge plus.
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