Book description
A TIMES BOOK OF THE YEAR 2024'A fascinating look at the impact of country home-making on the lives and work of Virginia Woolf, Sylvia Townsend Warner and Rosamond Lehmann. It's beautifully written, gorgeously produced, absorbing and full of insight' Sarah Waters, GuardianIn Rural Hours, Harriet Baker tells the story of three very different women, each of whom moved to the countryside and was forever changed by it. We encounter them at quiet moments - pausing to look at an insect on the windowsill; jotting down a recipe; or digging for potatoes, dirt beneath their nails. Slowly, we start to see transformations unfold: Virginia Woolf, Sylvia Townsend Warner, and Rosamond Lehmann emerge before us as the passionate, visionary writers we know them to be. Following long periods of creative uncertainty and private disappointment, each of Baker's subjects is invigorated by new landscapes, and the daily trials and small pleasures of making a home; slowly, they embark on new experiments in form, in feeling and in living that would resonate throughout the rest of their lives. In the country, each woman finds her path: to convalescence and recovery; to sexual and political awakening; and, above all, to personal freedom and creative flourishing. In graceful, fluid prose, Baker vividly recreates these overlooked episodes, revealing how 'rural hours' defined the lives of three pioneering writers. In the end, she shows, their example is an invitation to us all: to recognize the radical and creative potential of rural places, and find new enchantment in the rituals of each day.'Warm, perceptive, eloquent ... Like Baker's protagonists in their countryside boltholes I felt "socketed" by this book. I know I'll return to it again and again' Lauren Elkin'A meditative exploration of renewal, visionariness, grievous loss, and love - cool and passionate, fragile and enduring' David Hayden
Morbid Angel
I love how this app turns even the dullest tasks into exciting storytelling moments. ListenBook's audio filters and controls have turned my listening into a personalized experience. ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to share the joy of captivating stories with friends and family. The app's compatibility with CarPlay has made my road trips so much more enjoyable. This audiobook was neither good nor bad - simply average. The narrator's delivery was professional but uninspired, and the recording quality was clean though not exceptional. It provided satisfactory entertainment without standing out from similar titles.
Hog Butcher
CarPlay compatibility takes my driving experience to a whole new level. Audiobooks on the road have never been better. Easy access to chapters and silky-smooth playback. Love it!
Saint La-Z-Boy
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Bug Blitz
I never thought I'd enjoy audiobooks as much as I do now – all thanks to this app. is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and reliable. ListenBook’s audio filters are great. The app provides a high-quality listening experience. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. 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!
East Army
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Round Kick Boomer
Thanks to ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks without the need for constant synchronization. I've become an audiobook addict, all thanks to this amazing app. I can't imagine a day without this app – it has made my audiobook journey seamless and fulfilling. The tone adjustment feature in ListenBook Pro is a novel addition that allows me to personalize my audiobook experience. Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment enhance the listening experience significantly.
Grinch Cheese
ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is an innovative touch that adds a layer of personalization. Listening statistics motivate me to read more. Excellent feature!
Dallas Burn
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Backstreet
I love how this app's user-friendly interface allows me to navigate through chapters and controls effortlessly. is a time-saver. It's convenient for accessing my content. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile. ListenBook’s playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace. The app is so well-designed. It’s clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Ginger Chaos
Audiobooks have made my workouts more enjoyable, and I'm seeing results! Kudos to the creators for crafting an app that understands audiobook lovers. With smooth playback and thoughtful design, it's a true companion for book enthusiasts. 📚👏 Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is such a fun way to spread joy. Bookmarks have become my study companion. I can easily revisit important passages in my audiobooks. This was an adequate audiobook for casual listening. The narrator maintained a consistent pace and clear diction throughout, though their performance lacked some emotional range. The audio quality was fine with no significant technical distractions.
Delirious Supernova
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Disco Potato
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Athens Fire
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CyberScribe
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Fast FLAK
Kudos for the thoughtfully curated collections – I'm discovering hidden gems! With this app, reading is no longer a task – it's a delightful habit. With this app, I'm experiencing the joy of reading in a whole new light. Looping playback is my favorite feature. It's perfect for revisiting complex content.
Dr. Jam Man
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my content wherever I go. The narrators on this app are truly talented – they bring characters to life. No more hassle with formats – this app ensures my audiobook adventures are smooth, and my favorite tales are just a tap away. Highly recommended! 📚🎧 ListenBook has become an essential part of my daily routine. It's like having a library on my phone! I love the ability to share my progress with friends. It’s a fun feature.
CuriousCoder
Audiobook enjoyment without the hassle – this app's design is a win. ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats is impressive. From MP3 to FLAC, it handles them all flawlessly. ListenBook's dedication to providing an exceptional listening experience shines through in every aspect of the app.
Osprey
Sharing books with friends via AirDrop is so convenient. Thanks, ListenBook! ListenBook is hands down the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The interface is clean, intuitive, and packed with features like customizable playback speed and sleep timers. It supports all formats, which is a huge plus for me. Highly recommend!
Twine X
With ListenBook, I can listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with maximum comfort and convenience. Simplifying audiobook adventures – this app's ease of use is a delight. ListenBook's auto-rewind feature is a thoughtful addition that ensures I never miss a single word. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is an innovative touch that adds a layer of personalization. ListenBook’s audio filters are great. The app provides a high-quality listening experience.
Badger the Burglar
The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a treasure trove of knowledge and entertainment. This app has transformed my daily routines into immersive storytelling experiences. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
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