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.
Third Moon
I've been able to explore different cultures and perspectives through a diverse range of books. ListenBook is a game-changer – it plays a wide variety of formats without any conversion needed. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. It’s a unique feature.
Spunky Comet
I can't get enough of this app's intuitive design and user-friendly interface. Great app! ListenBook supports so many formats, and the playback is always smooth.
Sleepwalker
The basic audio filters are a game-changer. Adjusting playback speed is a breeze. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. It's like having a personal assistant for my literary adventures.
Father Abbot
I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my daily dose of literature. ListenBook is a prime example of user-centered design. It's clear that the developers understand audiobook lovers' needs. The app is so well-designed. It’s clear the developers put a lot of thought into it. The perfect balance between dramatic reading and natural storytelling. Felt like a friend telling me an amazing story rather than someone just reading words.
ThoughtTrailblazer
ListenBook has made my daily commutes so much more enjoyable. I look forward to listening every day! Auto-rewind feature is very useful. Excellent app!
Prof. Screw
ListenBook Pro offers amazing value with unlimited audiobook length and noise reduction features. Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's functionality is truly impressive. ListenBook Pro has taken my audiobook experience to the next level. No regrets! The sound quality is excellent. It feels like I’m in the story. The app is perfect for people who love to read but don’t have the time.
Mirage
I can't imagine my daily activities without this app – it's my go-to for staying informed and entertained. I love the compatibility with iOS 16. The app runs smoothly and flawlessly. The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze. I love the ability to change the background color. It’s a nice touch.
Classy Luck
The statistics feature on ListenBook helps me track my audiobook consumption – a fantastic way to measure my progress. Looping playback is my favorite feature. It's perfect for revisiting complex content. This was a workmanlike audiobook that did the job without flair. The narration was clear and the pacing appropriate, though the delivery lacked some emotional depth. The production quality was acceptable with no major technical issues.
LoreLoomer
The audio quality is superb. ListenBook enhances my audiobook experience. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
CosPlatoon
This app's convenience has revolutionized the way I experience books. 🏡 Making house chores more enjoyable – audiobooks help me stay engaged while tidying up the living space. 🏠📚 Effortlessly exploring audiobook worlds – this app's functionality is genius. Navigating audiobooks seamlessly – this app's design is top-notch. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has significantly improved the audio quality of my recordings.
Admiral Tot
Effortless and enriching – that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its functionality, from seamless downloads to binaural audio processing, has truly raised the bar. 📱📖 ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback features add versatility to my audiobook listening experience. The range of audio formats supported is incredible. No need to worry about file conversion. I'm amazed by the app's versatility in downloading audio. It accommodates various sources seamlessly.
Goldman
With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual discovery and personal fulfillment. This app's convenience has turned me into an avid audiobook listener. Library organization has never been this easy. My audiobook collection is finally tidy. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work! 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!
Necessary Momentum
The narrator's voices are so captivating, it's like they bring the stories to life. 🚗📚 Turn traffic into a literary escape – this app's functionality keeps me engaged while I'm on the move. 🚗🎧 Effortlessly enjoying audiobook journeys – this app's ease of use is a delight. No more hassle with file conversion. This app handles all formats effortlessly. This audiobook spoiled me for others! The narrator's professional delivery set a high bar - perfect diction, ideal pacing, and emotional authenticity. The recording quality was equally impressive with no distracting artifacts. I finished it far too quickly because I couldn't stop listening.
M8deUp
ListenBook's dedication to excellence shines through in its impeccable audio quality and user-friendly features. Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app is your new best friend. Sharing audiobooks via AirDrop is incredibly convenient. Great feature! Beautiful design and intuitive interface. Very user-friendly. I’ve been using ListenBook for months, and it’s been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesn’t drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Sandbox
ListenBook's dedication to enhancing the audiobook experience has made it my preferred app for listening to content on the go. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple. This audiobook spoiled me for others! The narrator's professional delivery set a high bar - perfect diction, ideal pacing, and emotional authenticity. The recording quality was equally impressive with no distracting artifacts. I finished it far too quickly because I couldn't stop listening. 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.
Firecracker
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I go. ListenBook's sleek design and intuitive controls make it my go-to app for audiobooks. Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a breeze to use. It's an intuitive experience. The app’s design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player. Perfect for repeat listening! The narrator's performance was so rich with detail that I'm sure I'll discover new layers on a second listen. Their interpretation felt authentic to the material while bringing fresh insights. The audio production was pristine from start to finish.
RiddleRover
I love how this app turns even the dullest tasks into exciting storytelling moments. Audiobooks have become a part of my self-care routine, thanks to this app. I love how this app brings stories to life, even during my morning jogs. I'm hooked on this app's ability to make reading fit into every nook and cranny of my day.
Sandbox
Navigating my audiobook library is a breeze – thank you, app developers! Adjustable playback speed and volume control are top-notch. Incredible character voices! Each person felt distinct without being over-the-top. The emotional scenes gave me chills with how well they were delivered.
Demolition Queen
ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to introduce others to the joys of audiobook storytelling. AirDrop sharing makes it easy to share audiobooks. Great feature! The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience. I’m so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app!
WittyWordsmith
Finally, an app that respects my busy lifestyle. Whether I'm commuting or exercising, this app's smooth playback and smart controls keep me engaged. 🏃♀️🎧 Audiobook enthusiasts, celebrate! This app's thoughtful features, like auto-rewind and easy chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our reading cravings. 🎉📚 Navigating through chapters is a breeze with ListenBook. It's easy to jump to specific sections. ListenBook has become my constant companion. It's like having a personal audiobook assistant. Auto-rewind feature is a lifesaver. I never lose my place!
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