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.
Silver Cup
The seamless integration with my car's audio system is a road trip dream. The book groups feature is a thoughtful addition. It helps me keep my series and related titles together. Beautiful layout and easy access to chapters. Really impressed with ListenBook. Downloading books over WiFi is quick and hassle-free. Very convenient. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. It’s a unique feature.
Darkside Orbit
With ListenBook, I can immerse myself in captivating stories and enriching knowledge, all in one app. Looping playback is my favorite feature. It's perfect for revisiting complex content. ListenBook is my trusted partner for all things audiobooks. It's reliable, intuitive, and user-friendly. The narrator's voice was like butter - smooth, rich, and utterly pleasant to listen to for hours. They handled complex sentences with ease, making even dense material accessible. I never had to rewind because I missed something due to unclear delivery. Perfection!
Stacker of Wheat
The smart recommendation feature keeps surprising me with books I never knew I'd love. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my audio content much more enjoyable in noisy environments. ListenBook is a prime example of user-centered design. It's clear that the developers understand audiobook lovers' needs. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
Swan Mustang
The minimalist interface and intuitive settings make for an amazing user experience. ListenBook Pro has taken my audiobook experience to the next level. No regrets! ListenBook's attention to detail is commendable. Every aspect of the app is well-crafted. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience. I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device.
Broomspun
I can't believe how much time I've gained by listening while cooking and doing chores. This app's playback controls and features make it a breeze to customize my listening experience. 🏃♂️📚 I'm conquering literary marathons with ease, all thanks to this app's intuitive controls and smooth functionality. 📱📖 Adjusting playback speed has revolutionized the way I consume audiobooks. I can cover more ground while maintaining comprehension. What a fantastic listening experience! The narrator brought the characters to life with distinct voices and emotional depth. The pacing was perfect - not too fast to lose details, not too slow to become boring. I particularly appreciated how well the narrator conveyed the atmosphere of key scenes.
The Belgian
Efficiency meets audiobooks – this app's functionality is a true triumph. ListenBook is a must-have for any audiobook enthusiast. It's reliable, efficient, and a pleasure to use. ListenBook has elevated my audiobook experience to new heights. It's a treasure trove of knowledge. The app’s design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
DreamDiver
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear listening in noisy environments. ListenBook's intuitive controls and features have made it my preferred choice for audiobooks. This audiobook app is an absolute lifesaver! It brings my favorite stories to life with unparalleled convenience. With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my workouts and downtime more engaging and insightful. This app has made me realize that there's always time for a good book.
Cardinal Rebel
This app has turned audiobook listening into a daily ritual for me. ListenBook Pro offers amazing value with unlimited audiobook length and noise reduction features. I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily activities more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating.
Nickname Master
ListenBook's sleek design and intuitive controls make it my go-to app for audiobooks. Looping playback has made memorization so much easier. I'm acing my exams! The app’s design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history feature—it’s so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app! Not bad, but not amazing either. The narrator’s voice was pleasant, though some parts felt a bit rushed. The story had its moments, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it over similar titles in the genre.
Fire Queen
The app's compatibility with CarPlay is a dream for road trips. It keeps me entertained. Bookmarks are a lifesaver for my study materials. I can easily revisit important sections. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Neophyte Believer
This app has transformed my daily walks into exciting literary adventures. This app's convenience has transformed my screen time into meaningful reading sessions. Listening stats feature keeps me on track with my audiobook goals. Love it!
Troubadour
The family subscription option is a money-saver – everyone gets to enjoy their favorite books. Audiobooks made simple – this app's functionality is a breath of fresh air. The app is so well-designed. It’s clear the developers put a lot of thought into it. 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!
Sky Herald
This app has turned my daily commute into a source of inspiration and entertainment. Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's functionality is truly impressive. ListenBook’s support for CarPlay and Apple Watch is fantastic. I can listen anywhere. 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.
Swedish Twizz
ListenBook is a must-have for audiobook lovers. The auto-rewind feature ensures I never miss a word. ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
Nice Gnome
I'm hooked on this app's ability to make reading fit into every nook and cranny of my day. 🚶♀️🎧 Walking has never been this productive – exploring new worlds while I exercise! 🏞️💫 Bookmarks have become my study companion. I can easily revisit important passages in my audiobooks.
Lightening Trip
I love that I can download content directly from the internet within the ListenBook app – so handy! I love how this app brings stories to life, even during my morning jogs.
ThickSKN
This app is a must-have for any book lover on the go – it's my daily companion. This app's convenience has turned my daily chores into moments of literary escape. ⭐️ Loving the fact that I can learn and listen at the same time – multitasking made easy! 🧠🎧 Library organization has never been easier thanks to ListenBook. My collection is well-managed. ListenBook's attention to detail is commendable. Every aspect of the app is well-crafted.
Twix Esses
Finally, an app that lets me enjoy my personal audiobooks, lectures, and speeches effortlessly. This app has become my ultimate travel companion, ensuring that I'm always entertained and inspired. 🎶 Swapping background music for the soothing voices of narrators – audiobooks have become my soundtrack for daily life. 🎵📚 ListenBook's user-friendly interface and quick access to chapters enhance my overall listening experience. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magical spell that transports me into the heart of the story.
White Swan
This app's compatibility with various devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I go. 📱 A world of books at my fingertips – this app's user-friendly design makes it a true reading companion. 📚📱
Jester
The ability to switch between different books effortlessly is a major plus. ListenBook has transformed my daily routine into an opportunity to learn, relax, and enjoy. ListenBook has become my constant companion. It's like having a personal audiobook assistant. Looping playback has revolutionized my language learning journey. I'm making rapid progress.
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