Book description
Imagine sinking into your headphones for a novel that's supposedly about time travel, but feels like your therapist's overpriced meditation app. Emily St. John Mandel, author of Station Eleven, has done it again: crafted a book so quietly brilliant, it makes you question if your own life is just a poorly edited time-loop. The audiobook? A masterclass in deadpan delivery for a plot that's equal parts Doctor Who and The Office-but with more existential dread and fewer staplers.
You follow Edwin, a Victorian-era rebel exiled for ranting at a dinner party, who hears a violin in a forest (because obviously, that's the sound of cosmic chaos). Then there's Olive, a pandemic novelist stranded on a moon colony, whose book-in-a-book contains a passage about exactly the violin scene. And Gaspery, a detective in "Night City" (a place that sounds like a dystopian Airbnb), who's hired to solve... well, time travel, apparently. The whole thing unfurls like a mystery where the clues are just really polite metaphors for "we're all doomed."
Mandel's prose is so calm, you'll think you've been hit with a feather pillow. The New York Times calls it "intellectually playful," but let's be real: it's the literary equivalent of whispering "time is a flat circle" while ignoring the fact that your Wi-Fi's gone out again during the pandemic. The audiobook narrator leans into this perfectly-deadpan, almost bored, as if they're reading a grocery list that happens to involve quantum physics. You'll catch yourself nodding along to lines like, "The universe is a series of unfortunate coincidences," while simultaneously realizing you are the unfortunate coincidence.
And yes, the pandemic novel within the novel? Chef's kiss. It's like Mandel's saying, "Look, we're all stuck in this plague-era time loop, so let's make it about a violin player." The humor here isn't in the book-it's in how we've all been living this plot for the last five years. The moon colony's "artificial beauty"? A direct jab at how we're all trying to curate our perfect lives while chaos (and bad Wi-Fi) eats our reality for breakfast.
But here's the real kicker: Mandel makes you care about this mess. The violin isn't just a plot device-it's the sound of humanity trying to be human despite everything. The audiobook's pacing mirrors this: slow, deliberate, letting the weight of time (and your own existential panic) settle. You'll find yourself pausing it to stare at your ceiling, wondering if your life is just a "time anomaly" caused by a missed train.
So yeah, it's a "bestseller." It's "profound." And honestly? It's the perfect audiobook to listen to while you're also trying to figure out how to order groceries without crying. Because let's face it: if a 1912 violin player and a moon colony can handle time travel, so can you. Just maybe don't write a diatribe at your next dinner party. (Your future self will thank you.)
Apple Nola
The app's stability and reliability make it my go-to choice for audiobooks. I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn even the most mundane tasks into exciting opportunities for learning. My productivity has soared since I started using ListenBook for my study materials. The ability to organize my library is a huge plus. Everything is so neat and tidy.
Mother Hen
This app has brought back the joy of reading, even when I'm on the move. π Indulging in soothing bedtime stories β this app is my nightly retreat into imagination. ππ ListenBook Pro is worth every penny. The unlimited audiobook length is a dream come true. Library organization and book groups make managing my audiobook collection a breeze. WiFi downloads save a lot of time. Great feature!
Night Train
The captivating narrators make each story come alive in a unique way. I can't remember the last time I was this excited about 'reading' books! 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.
Stallion Patton
The narrator's voice in some audiobooks is so soothing, it's like a spa for the ears. Thanks to ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks without the need for constant synchronization. This app has made multitasking a breeze β I can 'read' while I work! ListenBook's attention to detail in design and functionality sets it apart from other audiobook apps. CUE playlist support is a rare gem. Perfect for organizing content efficiently.
Referee
I'm absolutely in love with this app! It's like a library of stories in my pocket. This app has brought stories to life in a way that traditional reading never could. Binaural audio processing reduces listening fatigue. Fantastic feature! 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.
VenusXX
Seamless audiobook integration β this app's design is a true delight. The statistics feature in ListenBook is a valuable tool for monitoring and optimizing my audiobook consumption. The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata keeps my audiobook library organized and visually appealing. A functional audiobook production that met basic requirements. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough to listen to for extended periods, though their performance didn't add much interpretation to the text. The audio engineering was competent without being remarkable.
Y0dler
This app's convenience has transformed my reading habits β it's a game-changer. π± Turning my phone into a portal of endless stories β this app is pure magic! πβ¨ The app's compatibility with CarPlay is a dream for road trips. It keeps me entertained. ListenBook has completely transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. The chapter navigation is seamless, and the statistics feature is a fun way to track my listening progress. The app is stable, fast, and incredibly user-friendly. Five stars! This audiobook kept me company during a long road trip and made the miles disappear! The narrator's engaging performance and the crisp production quality made for an immersive experience. I appreciated how well they balanced drama with clarity - never sacrificing understanding for effect.
Capital F
The range of self-help and personal development audiobooks is truly enriching. Streamlined audiobook integration β this app's usability is truly impressive. ListenBook's player features, including chapters and bookmarks, are invaluable for a seamless experience. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time. 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.
Texas Butterfly
I can't get enough of this app β it's a true game-changer for book lovers. π Ironing has become a joy with audiobooks β wrinkles are no match for these captivating stories! ππ§ Automatic artwork and metadata extraction add a professional touch to my audiobook library. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app.
Red Hot Kevorkian
With this app, I can switch seamlessly between my iPhone and iPad, making my reading experience continuous. π The simplicity and functionality of this app are top-notch. I can start a book with just a tap and immerse myself in the story instantly. π±π I can't believe how easy it is to download audio from various sources. So convenient! My study sessions are more efficient than ever, thanks to the looping playback and bookmark features.
Shady Lady
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook is a fun feature that adds a unique touch to my audiobook experience. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a testament to its innovation. I can't get enough of this app's intuitive controls β it's the perfect way to indulge in audiobooks. Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's elegant design and robust functionality make it a must-have for anyone who loves to listen on the go. π§π±
Duke Electro
This app is a true gift for book lovers β it's like having a personal library wherever I go. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback options have made audiobook revisiting and studying a breeze. ListenBook has changed my audiobook game forever. No more format woes! Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a revelation. It elevates the audio quality to a new level. Great app! ListenBook supports so many formats, and the playback is always smooth.
Alley Fiend
Thanks to ListenBook's extensive statistics, I can track my audiobook consumption and celebrate my progress. I'm hooked on this app's ability to transform my ordinary moments into exciting opportunities for learning. πΆββοΈπ§ Walking has never been this productive β exploring new worlds while I exercise! ποΈπ« Efficiency and ease combined β this app is a must-have for book lovers. The playback history is a great feature. I can easily revisit my favorite parts.
Scratch Man
I'm finally making progress on my reading goals, thanks to this app's convenience. Listening to audiobooks while gardening has made my outdoor time even more relaxing. Seamless integration of audiobooks β this app's ease of use is impressive. ListenBook's controls for looping and shuffling playback have made studying and revisiting content a breeze.
Hella Fella
ListenBook's chapters, controls, and filters have transformed my listening sessions into immersive journeys. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study sessions. I can focus on challenging content.
X-Dew
The offline mode is a lifesaver on flights β I'm never without a good story. My commutes to work have transformed into exciting journeys thanks to this app. π This app is a testament to thoughtful design β its functionality seamlessly blends with my lifestyle, making reading effortless. πβ¨ The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
Prez Dog
I'm blown away by how this app has made my workouts more enjoyable and my mind more active. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and polished.
InsightfulInk
I've become addicted to this app β in the best possible way! I'm amazed at ListenBook's intuitive interface and precise controls β it's a joy to navigate. ListenBook has redefined the way I experience stories, turning every moment into an adventure. Playback speed and volume controls are top-notch. Highly recommend. Love how I can adjust playback speed and audio volume. ListenBook caters to all my needs.
MysticMingle
I'm thrilled to finally have a way to enjoy books while keeping up with my busy schedule. Chapters make navigation a breeze. I can easily pick up where I left off.
ByteBard
I've become the storyteller of my family, sharing the amazing audiobooks I've discovered. πΌ Enhancing work-from-home productivity β audiobooks make even the most routine tasks a delight. π»π Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. It transforms the way I enjoy my recordings. The playback speed control is a game-changer. ListenBook lets me listen at my own pace.
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