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.)
Tin Fox
ListenBook's audio filters have transformed the way I experience audio content – it's a real game-changer. 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.
Star Jammer
ListenBook's commitment to enhancing the audiobook experience is evident in its thoughtful features and design. I love how this app brings stories to life, even during my morning jogs. Savoring audiobooks without complications – this app's design is top-notch. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it an essential companion for my daily commutes and workouts. It's convenience at its finest! 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.
Clover Dragon
The app's recommendations are surprisingly accurate – it's like they know my taste perfectly! This app has brought back the joy of reading, even when I'm on the move. With ListenBook, I've rediscovered my love for audiobooks. The binaural audio processing is a game-changer for comfortable, fatigue-free listening. CUE playlist support is a brilliant feature that allows me to create customized listening experiences for different moods, activities, and moments of the day.
Baked ZD
🎧 An audiobook treasure trove in the palm of my hand – this app is pure convenience! 📚🌟 Audiobook enjoyment redefined – this app's design focuses on the essentials. ListenBook has made my daily commutes enjoyable. No more boredom! Adjustable playback speed is my secret weapon for covering more material in less time. A productivity boost! The app is constantly updated with new features. The developers really care.
Danger Menace
This app is like having a personal library with me wherever I go. ListenBook's extensive statistics feature adds a new level of insight to my audiobook habits. ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary adventures through stories. Efficiency meets audiobooks – this app's functionality is a true winner. I love the auto-rewind feature. It’s great for when I zone out.
Rosie Bird
Streamlined audiobook integration – this app's usability is impressive. ListenBook's detailed statistics feature helps me keep track of my listening habits. It's amazing to see how much I've learned from all those audiobooks!
Atlantic Rim
Audiobooks have become my companion during long walks, transforming exercise into a pleasure. ListenBook's support for various formats means I can explore a wide range of content without limitations. is a breeze. It's incredibly convenient for building my collection. I love the ability to change the background color. It’s a nice touch. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. It’s a fun feature.
Napoleonic Haze
This app's compatibility with different file types means that my entire audiobook collection is at my fingertips. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
PixelPioneer
Audiobooks have brought a new level of enjoyment to my daily workout routine. This app has brought the magic of books back into my life. 💃 Dancing through chores with audiobooks – this app turns cleaning into a lively and literary affair! 🎶📚 With this app, every moment becomes an opportunity to indulge in fantastic stories. The controls, layout, and seamless playback are a reader's dream. 📚🎧 Noise reduction and tone changing are awesome features.
Cross Thread
I can't believe how convenient this app has made my reading experience. 🎙️ This app's user-friendly interface has transformed my daily walks into immersive storytelling sessions. Kudos to the developers! 🚶♀️📖 Automated artwork and metadata extraction keeps my audiobook library visually appealing. ListenBook’s interface is sleek and user-friendly. Finding and playing my audiobooks has never been easier.
Sassy Muffin
This app is a book lover's dream come true – a vast library right at your fingertips. The app is perfect for people who love to read but don’t have the time. Perfect narration for this genre! The voice actor’s tone matched the atmosphere of the book, enhancing the overall experience. No complaints—just a smooth, enjoyable listen from beginning to end.
Pluto
ListenBook's support for playlists in CUE format is a detail-oriented touch I truly appreciate. Thanks to ListenBook's binaural audio processing, my extended listening sessions are fatigue-free. I can't get enough of the smooth playback experience. It's like a symphony for my ears. ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a game-changer. The ability to organize my library is a huge plus. Everything is so neat and tidy.
Kickstart
ListenBook's interface is sleek and user-friendly, making navigation a breeze. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a thoughtful gesture that ListenBook makes seamless. Perfect narration for this genre! The voice actor’s tone matched the atmosphere of the book, enhancing the overall experience. No complaints—just a smooth, enjoyable listen from beginning to end.
Romance Princess
ListenBook has become my constant companion, filling my days with captivating narratives. I can finally listen to all my audiobooks seamlessly with ListenBook. The customizable playback controls and chapter navigation make it a breeze. Automated artwork and metadata extraction add a professional touch to my audiobook collection. I love the ability to change the background color. It’s a nice touch.
Yellow Menace
Say goodbye to cumbersome interfaces – this app's intuitive controls and user-friendly design have elevated my audiobook experience to new heights. 📱🔊 My audiobook collection has never looked better. Thanks to automatic artwork and metadata.
Sugar Man
This app is a blessing for those with busy schedules – it's like time travel through stories. ListenBook has revolutionized my audio experience, making it both personalized and engaging.
Murder Matter
🌟 Say goodbye to boredom during long drives – this app makes road trips fly by! 🚗🎉 💡 Balancing learning and living effortlessly – audiobooks on demand, thanks to this app! 🎧💫 The auto-rewind feature after interruptions is a small thing that makes a big difference. Smooth playback and great sound quality. ListenBook is my new favorite app!
RealmRanger
I used to struggle to find time for books – now, I listen while doing chores! This app's library is a treasure trove – I'm always discovering new favorites. ListenBook has become my trusted companion, making even the busiest days enjoyable. ListenBook's features are a dream come true for anyone who loves to learn on the go. Auto-rewind feature is very useful. Excellent app!
Viceswerve
No more worries about compatibility – ListenBook handles numerous formats flawlessly. Listening to books while doing chores? This app makes it possible!
Bambi Benz
I can't believe how much more I'm 'reading' now, thanks to this app. I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn any moment into a reading opportunity.
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