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
MysticMingle
Being able to download audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. ListenBook's commitment to excellence shines through in its powerful features and seamless performance. ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically adds a visual touch to my audiobook collection. My audiobook collection has never looked better. Thanks to automatic artwork and metadata. ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app is packed with useful features.
Vixen
I can now explore books beyond my preferred genre, broadening my reading horizons. This app has brought the magic of books back into my life.
Athens Fire
ListenBook has given me the gift of time – turning daily tasks into moments of inspiration. 📚 Ironing has become a joy with audiobooks – wrinkles are no match for these captivating stories! 👗🎧 Accessing literary treasures has never been this straightforward – thank you, app! ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback features have become indispensable tools in my audiobook learning. ListenBook has become my ultimate audiobook companion. It enhances every listening session.
Hen Skittle
Packed with useful features. My favorite audiobook app! I love the ability to customize the skip buttons. It’s so convenient.
AxelRoad
This app's compatibility with various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks hassle-free. This app's convenience has transformed my screen time into meaningful reading sessions. 🏃♀️📖 Running with purpose – this app keeps my mind engaged as I conquer my fitness goals! 🏃♀️📚 No more limits on the genres I can explore! This app's versatility in downloading and organizing audiobooks ensures I always have a captivating tale at my fingertips. 📖📱 I've recommended this app to all my fellow audiobook enthusiasts. It's a game-changer!
Foot-long Fry
This app's convenience and ease of use have transformed my screen time into productive learning sessions. Seamless audiobook integration – this app's design is remarkable. The voice boost feature is amazing. It makes every word crystal clear. 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! 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.
Cabbie
I can't imagine my audiobook routine without ListenBook's seamless audio player. 🏃♂️📚 Running through chapters, literally! This app keeps me motivated on the track. 🏃♂️📖 Navigating audiobooks effortlessly – this app's functionality is commendable. Effortlessly accessing my favorite audiobooks has become a reality, all thanks to this app's user-centric design and comprehensive format support. A must-download! 📱🎧 The versatility of this app is mind-boggling. It's like a one-stop solution for audiobooks.
Tough Nut
I'm amazed at how this app's narrators bring characters and stories to life. Noise reduction and tone changing are awesome features. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
Handsome
This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. My audiobook collection has never been more organized. Library management is a breeze.
VenusXX
Listening to audiobooks has become my ultimate way to unwind after a long day. Audiobooks have become a part of my self-care routine, thanks to this app. This app has brought storytelling into every corner of my life – it's incredible. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to spread the joy. This audiobook performed its function without excelling. The narrator's delivery was straightforward and easy to follow, though lacking in dramatic flair. The recording quality was decent with only occasional minor inconsistencies in volume. An acceptable but forgettable listening experience.
Osprey
ListenBook's basic audio filters enhance my listening experience and make it uniquely mine. ListenBook's interface is not just aesthetically pleasing; it's also highly functional. Navigating through chapters and controls is a breeze. Downloading over WiFi is quick and efficient. Saves a lot of time. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. 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!
Sexy
ListenBook Pro's sharing features allow me to spread the joy of audiobooks with my friends and family. This app's features, from bookmarking to customizable playback speed, are fantastic. Solid performance, but not outstanding. The narrator did a fine job, though their tone was a bit monotonous at times. The story itself was engaging enough, but I wouldn’t call it unforgettable.
The Shield Toronto
The bookmarking feature ensures I never lose my place in a book – so convenient! ListenBook's beautiful layout and quick access to chapters make every listening session a pleasure. Bookmarking favorite parts of audiobooks is a breeze. It's like having a personalized study guide. The ability to organize my library is a huge plus. Everything is so neat and tidy.
Overrun
Listening to audiobooks has turned mundane tasks into enjoyable experiences. 💪 Juggling tasks while enjoying stories has never been easier – this app's functionality is a multitasking marvel. 💼📖 Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a delightful feature. Sharing is caring!
Morbid Sugar
🚶♀️🎧 Enjoying the great outdoors while immersing myself in fantastic tales – walking never felt this magical! 🏞️📚 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. 🏃♀️🎧
High Heel Goddess
ListenBook's library organization and book groups help me keep my content neatly sorted. With this app, audiobook listening has become an integral part of my daily routines – it's a game-changer. 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!
Alpha
I'm amazed at ListenBook's intuitive interface and precise controls – it's a joy to navigate. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to share stories and connect with friends.
Hella Fella
The ability to switch between devices seamlessly is a game-changer for busy readers. Navigating through chapters is a breeze with ListenBook. It's easy to jump to specific sections. The narration elevated an already good book to greatness! The performer's subtle vocal variations conveyed nuance I might have missed while reading. Their ability to maintain consistent character voices across many hours was impressive. Technical quality was flawless throughout.
InsightfulInk
I'm addicted to this app's curated playlists and recommendations – they're spot on. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats ensures that my audio needs are met. This app is a gift for book lovers who struggle to find reading time. 📚 Turning my phone into a portal of stories – this app's ease of use is remarkable! 📱💫 🚶♀️📖 Exploring stories as I stroll – audiobooks have turned my walks into inspiring journeys of imagination. 🏞️🎧
Morbid Sugar
ListenBook's support for playlists in CUE format is a thoughtful touch I appreciate. I can't get enough of the app's sleek interface and intuitive controls. It's a joy to use!
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