Audiobook Stand on Zanzibar by John Brunner in the ListenBook app
Want to listen to the audiobook Stand on Zanzibar written by John Brunner
ListenBook is here to help!
In ListenBook you can listen Stand on Zanzibar and any other audiobooks you download from the internet.
ListenBook is the easiest and most convenient app for listening to audiobooks
in MP3, MP4, OPUS, OGG, FLAC, AWB, M4B, M4A, WMA, AAC formats
on your iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad!
Book description
Dear Alex,
I'm writing this on a rainy Thursday, the sort of evening that makes you feel you're listening to a story that lives in the margins of the world. I just finished the audiobook of John Brunner's Stand on Zanzibar and I'm still buzzing from it. I had to call you right away.
First off, Brunner is the sort of writer who came out of a background that reads like a life-story of ambition. Born in Preston Crowmarsh, educated at St Andrew's Prep and Cheltenham College, he'd already penned Galactic Storm at seventeen, even using a pen name Gill Hunt. His early years were steeped in the conventional space-opera pulp that was common in Britain at the time. But he grew, as a writer, into something far more experimental. By the time he released Stand on Zanzibar in 1968, he had already begun to toy with the novel form, drawing on Dos Passos' fragmented structure and Marshall McLuhan's theories of media. The result is a book that feels both a snapshot and a fever dream of a future he could see coming.
The narration of the audiobook is a particular highlight. It's delivered by a voice that can switch from the calm, measured tones of a corporate executive to the hushed intensity of a spy who's about to discover a genetic breakthrough. That duality keeps you on the edge. You hear the ordinary - the hum of an office at General Technics - and then the extraordinary - the political ambition of a company ready to take over a country in Africa. It's all wrapped in that sense that the world is overpopulated, squeezed into hive-living madness, and that the lines between technology and biology are blurrier than ever. The story is told in a way that feels like an echo of Dos Passos' U.S.A. Trilogy - fragmented, rapid, and at times overwhelming, which mirrors the actual content of Brunner's world.
Brunner's personal life, especially the struggles he faced later in his career - his wife's death, his own health decline, his accusations of a publisher conspiracy - gives the book an almost prophetic tone. He was a man ahead of his time, predicting computer viruses with the term "worm" in The Shockwave Rider, and it's clear that his prescience was not merely a narrative flourish. It is, in fact, an integral part of the book's atmosphere. The introduction by David Brin and the collectors' note that's tipped in the edition add a layer of historical context, reminding us that this is not just a piece of fiction but a snapshot of the anxieties of the late sixties.
What makes the audiobook feel like a conversation with an old friend is how the narrator brings the characters to life. Norman Niblock House - the rising executive - is described as someone who is "leading General Technics to the forefront of global domination." And then there's Donald Hogan, the bookish roommate who's secretly a spy. The way the narration moves between their perspectives feels like you're inside their minds, hearing their secrets, their doubts, and the looming threat of a breakthrough in genetic engineering that could change the world - and kill him. It's the kind of intimacy that turns a story into an experience.
The sound design, too, is meticulous. The background noises are subtle but effective: the clatter of a busy office, the distant hum of a mega-computer, the occasional hiss of a drug's psychedelic effect. You almost feel the pressure of the "hive-living madness." The pacing keeps the listener engaged, mirroring the way Brunner's original text was structured - varying chapter lengths, ranging from a single syllable to a full page. That variability keeps you guessing and forces you to stay alert, just as the story's world demands it.
I can't help but think that Brunner's career, with its peaks and dips, is echoed in the book itself. The fact that most of his works had fallen out of print before his death is almost tragic, and yet here, in this audiobook, we're witnessing a resurgence of interest in his work. His earlier novels - The Jagged Orbit, The Sheep Look Up - all form a kind of "Club of Rome Quartet" that examines overpopulation and ecological catastrophe. Stand on Zanzibar sits comfortably within that framework, but it also stands alone as a narrative that could have been published at any time in the last half-century.
All in all, listening to Stand on Zanzibar feels like stepping into a time capsule. It's a warning, a warning, and a piece of art. It reminds us that the future is built on the choices we make today. Brunner's voice is unmistakable, his warnings clear, and the way the audiobook brings it all together is simply brilliant. I could keep talking about it all night, but I'll leave it here, hoping you'll join me in this sonic adventure soon.
With excitement,
Jamie
ListenBook's sleek design and intuitive controls make it my go-to app for audiobooks. ListenBook has enriched my life with a diverse range of content, all at my fingertips. Book groups feature keeps series and related titles together. Neat and tidy!
ListenBook has given me the gift of time – turning daily tasks into moments of inspiration. 🎶📚 Tuning in to the symphony of stories – audiobooks are the soundtrack of my daily routines. 🎵📚 The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
With this app, every moment is an opportunity to dive into a new story. Audiobooks have never been this accessible and enjoyable. This app's compatibility with various formats and its emphasis on user experience have made it an essential tool for me. 📱🔊 Finally, an app that supports a wide range of audio formats! It's a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
I can't imagine my daily routine without ListenBook's intuitive layout and easy-to-access controls. Finally, an app that values usability – navigating and listening is a breeze!
ListenBook's focus on quality and user experience has made it my go-to app for audiobooks and educational content. This app is a must-have for any book lover on the go – it's my daily companion. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has elevated my listening experience. Apple Watch compatibility adds a new level of convenience to my audiobook enjoyment. It's seamless control at my wrist. Flawless support for various audio formats. Highly satisfied.
ListenBook is a true audio treasure! It turns my own audio files into immersive listening experiences. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has never been easier or more convenient. The compatibility with Apple Watch is a huge plus. I can control my audiobooks from my wrist! I love the ability to change the playback pitch. It’s a unique feature. This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
I can't get enough of this app – it's like having a personal storyteller in my pocket. As an audiobook aficionado, this app is a dream come true. Its support for various formats and effortless navigation make it my perfect reading companion. 🌟🎧 ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is fascinating. I can alter the reader's voice to match my mood—what a creative addition! The app never crashes. It’s reliable and stable.
ListenBook's user-friendly interface and quick access to chapters enhance my overall listening experience. My audiobook collection has never looked better. Thank you, ListenBook! is a breeze. It's incredibly convenient for building my collection.
Audiobooks have turned my mundane activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment. The attention to detail is commendable. Artwork and metadata are sorted automatically. I love the ability to change the playback speed. It’s perfect for my needs.
ListenBook's comprehensive format support makes it the ultimate companion for audiobook enthusiasts. Automatic metadata retrieval is a neat touch. My library is well-organized. A reasonable choice for casual listening. The audiobook was well-produced, but the pacing felt uneven in places. I didn’t dislike it, but I also didn’t feel strongly about it one way or another.
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a fun and unique feature I can't get enough of. I'm addicted to this app's seamless performance and impressive library. This app is my secret to staying ahead on my reading list, even during my busiest days. 🎙️ The app's functionality is a true work of art – it enhances the audiobook experience and brings stories to life. 📚🎨 Every moment is a chance to explore new stories with this app. Its intuitive features and compatibility ensure my audiobook journey is seamless. 🌌🎧
With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my downtime more enriching and meaningful. This app has turned my mundane tasks into exciting opportunities for reading. This app's convenience has made my downtime more rewarding and enriching. 📱 Turning my phone into a portal of endless stories – this app is pure magic! 📚✨
Audiobooks made delightful – this app's usability is a breath of fresh air. Audiobook heaven! This app has revolutionized the way I enjoy stories. Its sleek design and seamless functionality make it a must-have for book lovers. 📚🎧 The sound quality is excellent. It feels like I’m in the story.
🚶♀️🎧 Enjoying the great outdoors while immersing myself in fantastic tales – walking never felt this magical! 🏞️📚 This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
🧘♀️☕ Savoring moments of tranquility with a cup of tea and captivating tales! 🍵📖 The app's integration with Apple Watch makes it an indispensable tool for my active lifestyle.
ListenBook's dedication to providing an excellent user experience sets a new standard in audiobook apps. I can't get enough of this app – it's a true game-changer for book lovers.
Savoring audiobooks without complications – this app's design is top-notch. Bookmarks are a fantastic tool for keeping track of important moments. They're a game-changer. ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's an essential tool that enhances every listening session. ListenBook has become my trusted companion for literary adventures. The app's features are exceptional. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
I can't get enough of this app's convenience and the endless possibilities it offers. Audiobooks made convenient – this app's functionality is a true gift. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
ListenBook's integration of artwork and metadata adds a visually appealing touch to my library. Audiobooks on this app have made my workouts more enjoyable and productive. Every moment is a chance to dive into a new adventure with this app. Its smart controls and comprehensive format support ensure that my audiobook journey is a seamless one. 🌌🎧
ListenBook has transformed my listening habits, making them more engaging and enjoyable. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. My recordings sound crystal clear.
Trusted by over 100,000 users across the globe
What is ListenBook?
Why ListenBook?
How does it work?
1
Download audiobooks from any site in any of the supported formats.
2
Add audiobooks to the app using any of the many download methods available.
3
Listen to audiobooks by controlling playback from your phone, headphones, Apple Watch or CarPlay.
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
App for those who love audiobooks
ListenBook has the features you need no matter what you are listening to
Listening to fiction
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
Listening to audio lectures
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
Every day, thousands of people download ListenBook to listen to audiobooks.
Now it's your turn to listen to audiobooks without distraction!
