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
The Final Judgement
ListenBook has made managing and enjoying audiobooks, lectures, and speeches effortless and enjoyable. Audiobook multitasking simplified – this app's functionality is a triumph. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient. ListenBook is a game-changer for audiobook lovers. 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!
Duke Electro
Frequent updates ensure there's always something new and exciting to listen to. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. It transforms the way I enjoy my recordings.
Heaven Sent
This app is a lifesaver! I can now enjoy my favorite books on the go. Download options are versatile, making it easy to get audiobooks from various sources. ListenBook’s audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience. I'm so glad I chose the audiobook version! The narrator added layers of meaning I might have missed reading silently. Their interpretation of the material felt thoughtful and authentic. The recording was technically perfect - no reverb, no peaking, just clean, pleasant audio.
Bleachers
This app has turned long waits into exciting opportunities to dive into a new story. With a vast genre selection, I've broadened my horizons and explored new topics. With ListenBook, I can now listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. The interface is sleek and user-friendly. Makes navigating through chapters a breeze. This was a competent audiobook production with no major flaws. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough and the audio quality was acceptable, though not exceptional. While the performance didn't particularly stand out, it served its purpose adequately for my daily commute.
Achilles Mountain
Noise reduction is magic. I can finally enjoy dictaphone recordings without discomfort. Makes audiobook listening super easy and enjoyable. Thanks, ListenBook! Auto-rewind is a very handy feature. Excellent app.
Sherwood Gladiator
ListenBook's intuitive controls and beautiful layout make my audiobook experience a delightful one. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks from various sources has become effortless. Listening stats motivate me to read more. Great feature!
Mr. Alien
Audiobooks have made my workouts more enjoyable, and I'm seeing results! This app has made my daily routines more meaningful and enjoyable. Automated metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is so organized now. CUE playlist support helps me organize my audiobooks efficiently. It's a great organizational tool.
Prof. Screw
Navigating audiobooks seamlessly – this app's design is top-notch. The ability to adjust playback speed and volume is a game-changer for me. 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.
Swampmasher
🔥 Audiobook enjoyment at the tap of a finger – this app's functionality is a testament to modern convenience. 📱📖 ListenBook has become my gateway to new worlds, allowing me to explore stories, ideas, and knowledge. Playlists and bookmarks are super helpful. Love using ListenBook!
Grave Scuttlebutt
The ListenBook app is a must-have for anyone who loves to learn and be entertained through audiobooks. 🧘♀️☕ Sipping tea and getting lost in stories – the ultimate way to unwind! 🍵📖 Audiobook enthusiasts, celebrate! This app's thoughtful features, like auto-rewind and easy chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our reading cravings. 🎉📚 Looping playback is my secret weapon for language learning. It's revolutionized my approach.
Trick Baron
This app has transformed my long flights into productive and enjoyable experiences. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and precise controls make it a joy to use every day. Binaural audio reduces listening fatigue. Such a great feature! The playback controls are so responsive. No lag at all.
Eye Devil
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my recordings sound clearer than ever. 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.
Sleek Assassin
I'm exploring new genres and authors I wouldn't have considered otherwise. The intuitive interface and seamless navigation make this app a joy to use. This app has made audiobook listening an integral part of my daily routine – it's a habit I cherish. With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my workouts and downtime more engaging and insightful.
Mother Hen
This app has turned my cooking sessions into culinary adventures with a side of stories. ⭐️ Loving the fact that I can learn and listen at the same time – multitasking made easy! 🧠🎧 Automatic metadata extraction keeps my library organized. It's a time-saver! Beautiful design and intuitive interface. Very pleased. I was thoroughly impressed by this audiobook. The combination of engaging content and skilled narration made my daily commute something to look forward to. The narrator's timing and intonation were spot-on, enhancing rather than distracting from the material. Definitely worth a credit!
TeederSmartie
I'm blown away by the range of non-fiction audiobooks available – so much to learn! I can't get enough of this app – it's like having a personal storyteller in my pocket. ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
Tabasco Dracula
💼 Making work hours fly by with captivating stories – a true work-life balance! 💻📖 🌟 Who needs a dull commute when you can embark on literary journeys with this app? 🚗📖 Streamlining audiobook enjoyment – this app's functionality is truly impressive. I can't get enough of ListenBook's silky-smooth playback and intuitive design. It's my go-to app for both leisurely listening and study sessions. 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.
Little Granger
This app has transformed my long flights into productive and enjoyable experiences. I'm addicted to this app – it's like having a library in my pocket. 🏃♂️📚 I'm conquering literary marathons with ease, all thanks to this app's intuitive controls and smooth functionality. 📱📖
ThoughtTrailblazer
The 'Discover' section is a treasure trove for finding hidden literary gems. My commutes to work have transformed into exciting journeys thanks to this app. ListenBook's innovative features, from audio filters to statistics, make it a standout app. ListenBook is like a personal audiobook curator, allowing me to enjoy my favorite speeches and lectures with unmatched comfort and convenience. 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.
RedMouth
I'm hooked on this app's ability to make reading fit into any moment. Chapters make it so easy to pick up where I left off. No more hunting around.
Twine X
Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's ease of use is a game-changer. The app is so well-designed. It’s clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
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