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.
Sun Runner
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is fantastic. 💡 Nurturing my curiosity with audiobooks – this app adds a touch of wonder to my daily routines. 📱📖 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!
Stealth
With a vast genre selection, I've broadened my horizons and explored new topics. The ability to adjust the tone of the narrator's voice is a creative touch that adds depth to my listening. This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Sofa King
ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that I can access my content without any limitations. ListenBook has enriched my life with a diverse range of content, all at my fingertips. 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. 🏃♀️🎧
Little Cobra
I never knew my daily walks could be so fulfilling – all thanks to this app. The layout of ListenBook is so beautiful and user-friendly, making it a pleasure to use.
Impulsive Flower
I appreciate how ListenBook offers various methods for downloading audio – it caters to different preferences. The attention to detail is commendable. Artwork and metadata are sorted automatically.
Uncle Buddy
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my life so much easier. ListenBook's chapters, controls, and filters have transformed my listening sessions into immersive journeys. The convenience of downloading audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. I'm amazed by the variety of genres available – there's something for everyone. 🎶 Swapping background music for the soothing voices of narrators – audiobooks have become my soundtrack for daily life. 🎵📚
Palomino
User-friendly brilliance! This app's functionality enhances my audiobook experience. ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that my audiobook collection is always accessible. My audiobook collection has never been more organized. Library management is a breeze. ListenBook has become an essential part of my day, enhancing my commute and allowing me to enjoy audiobooks like never before. The app is well-designed and user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a joy.
RZR
With ListenBook Pro, I can customize the tone of the sound to match my preferences – it's a fantastic touch. With this app, I've found a way to make my daily errands more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. The auto-rewind feature after interruptions is a small thing that makes a big difference. The app’s design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
Father Abbot
Effortlessly managing my audiobook library – this app's design is a triumph. The auto-rewind feature after interruptions is a small thing that makes a big difference. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a unique and fun feature. I can customize the narration to my liking. Drag and drop downloads are genius. It simplifies the entire process.
Murder Matter
Thanks to ListenBook, I've rediscovered the joy of exploring my favorite content on multiple devices. The app's interface is so sleek and modern. It's a joy to use. ListenBook is like a personal audiobook library in my pocket. Organized and easily accessible.
Twister Hero
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I go. ListenBook's audio filters and controls have turned my listening sessions into immersive experiences. This app has made my road trips and flights infinitely more enjoyable. With this app, I've unlocked the secret to reading even on the busiest days.
Married Man
Thanks for making my daily commute to work enjoyable and engaging! ListenBook has transformed my daily rituals into cherished opportunities for personal growth. This app's compatibility with various devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I go. Absolutely loved the narration! The voice actor brought the characters to life with distinct tones and emotions. The production quality was top-notch, with no background noise or distractions. A truly immersive experience!
Papa Smurf
Mastering audiobook navigation – this app's ease of use is commendable. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and quick access to chapters enhance my overall listening experience. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear dictaphone recordings. The app's versatility in audio downloading is impressive. It's a one-stop solution for all my content.
Pitfall
This app has turned my gym sessions into immersive storytelling experiences – time flies by! ListenBook Pro is worth every penny. The unlimited audiobook length is a dream come true. Navigating through chapters is a breeze with ListenBook. It's easy to jump to specific sections.
Sexual Chocolate
ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats means I can listen to all my favorite content without worries. 🚶♂️🌟 Strolling through stories on a lazy afternoon – this app is my relaxation buddy! 🏖️🎧 🏃♀️📚 Running with purpose – audiobooks keep my mind engaged as I conquer my fitness goals. 🏃♀️🎧 Great app for audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook supports a wide range of formats.
Gentle Avenger
Gone are the days of straining my eyes to read – this app lets me 'read' with my ears, anywhere, anytime. Every moment is an adventure with this app by my side. Its intuitive features and diverse format support ensure that my audiobook journey is seamless and exciting. 🌌🎧 ListenBook has become my constant companion. It's like having a personal audiobook assistant. ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a game-changer.
Swerve
I've never been this excited about my daily commute – thank you, audiobooks! I'm addicted to this app's seamless performance and impressive library. This app has become my ultimate travel companion, ensuring that I'm always entertained and inspired. Navigating through chapters is effortless with ListenBook. It's a user-friendly and intuitive experience. This audiobook made my workouts fly by! The engaging narration kept me motivated to keep listening, which meant longer gym sessions. The narrator's energy matched the material perfectly - upbeat when needed, somber when appropriate. A great example of how narration can enhance text.
Leaf Assassin
🔥 Elevating my reading routine to new heights – this app is a real page-turner! 📚🚀 This app is my audiobook haven. With a user-friendly interface and features like audio filters, I'm engrossed in stories like never before. 📖🔊
Disco Thunder
This app has brought back the joy of reading, even when I'm on the move. CarPlay compatibility is a fantastic addition. It enhances my driving experience with seamless audiobook integration. I'm amazed by the attention to detail, from automatic metadata extraction to customizable settings. I’m blown away by how feature-rich ListenBook is. From the customizable themes to the car mode, everything is designed with the user in mind. The app works flawlessly, and I’ve had zero issues with crashes or bugs. Highly recommend!
Indestructible Potato
Audiobooks have turned my quiet moments into imaginative journeys – thank you, app! ListenBook's user-friendly interface and powerful features have rekindled my love for audiobooks. The audio filters and precise controls are fantastic! Tone adjustment adds a personalized touch to the narration, making the audiobook experience even more immersive. Decent narration, predictable story. The voice actor did a good job, but the plot followed a familiar formula. If you’re looking for something new and groundbreaking, this might not be it. This audiobook made my workouts fly by! The engaging narration kept me motivated to keep listening, which meant longer gym sessions. The narrator's energy matched the material perfectly - upbeat when needed, somber when appropriate. A great example of how narration can enhance text.
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