Book description
A legendary editor's reckoning with the twentieth-century novel and the urgent messages it sends. "How can we live differently?" a young woman urgently demands in Virginia Woolf's novel The Years. The scene is set in the 1930s, war and death are in the air, but the question was asked again and again in the course of a century when things changed fast and changed all the time. The century brought world wars, revolutions, automobiles, movies, and the internet, votes for women, death camps. The century brought questions. Novelists in the twentieth century had a question of their own: how can we write a novel as startling and unforeseen as the world we live in? Again and again they did, transforming the novel as the century remade the world. Imagine the history of the twentieth-century novel recounted with the urgency and intimacy of a novel. That's what Edwin Frank, the legendary editor who has run the New York Review Books publishing imprint since its inception, does in Stranger than Fiction. With penetrating insight and originality, Frank introduces us to books, some famous, some little-known, from the whole course of the century and from around the world. Starting with Dostoevsky's Notes from Underground of 1864, Frank shows how its twitchy, self-undermining, and never-satisfied narrator established a voice that would echo through the coming century. He illuminates the political vision of H.G. Wells's science fiction, Colette and Andre Gide's subversions of traditional gender roles, and Gertrude Stein's untethering of the American sentence. He describes the monumental ambition of books such as Mrs. Dalloway, The Magic Mountain and The Man Without Qualities to rebuild a world of human possibility upon the ruins of World War I and explores how Japan's Natsume Soseki and Nigeria's Chinua Achebe broke open European models to reflect their own, distinct histories and experience. Here too are Vasily Grossman, Anna Banti, and Elsa Morante reckoning in specific ways with the traumas of World War II, while later chapters range from Marguerite Yourcenar and V. S. Naipaul to Gabriel Garc a Marquez and W.G. Sebald. The story as a whole is one of fearless, often reckless exploration, as well as unfathomable desolation. Throughout, we discover the power of the novel to reinvent itself, to find a way for itself, to live differently. Stranger than Fiction offers a new vision of the history and art of the novel and of a dark and dazzling time in whose light and shadow we still stand.SynopsisA Washington Post most anticipated fall bookA legendary editor's reckoning with the twentieth-century novel and the urgent messages it sends. "How can we live differently?" a young woman urgently demands in Virginia Woolf's novel The Years. It is the 1930s, war and death are in the air, but her question was asked again and again in the course of a century where things changed fast and changed all the time. The century brought world wars, revolutions, automobiles, movies, and the internet, votes for women, death camps. The century brought questions. Novelists in the twentieth century had a question of their own: how can we write a novel as startling and unforeseen as the world we live in? Again and again they did, transforming the novel as the century remade the world. Imagine the history of the twentieth-century novel recounted with the urgency and intimacy of a novel. That's what Edwin Frank, the legendary editor who has run the New York Review Books publishing imprint since its inception, does in Stranger than Fiction. With penetrating insight and originality, Frank introduces us to books, some famous, some little-known, from the whole course of the century and from around the world. Starting with Dostoevsky's Notes from Underground of 1864, Frank shows how its twitchy, self-undermining, and never-satisfied narrator established a voice that would echo through the coming century. He illuminates the political vision of H.G. Wells's science fiction, Colette and Andre Gide's subversions of traditional gender roles, and Gertrude Stein's untethering of the American sentence. He describes the monumental ambition of books such as Mrs. Dalloway, The Magic Mountain and The Man Without Qualities to rebuild a world of human possibility upon the ruins of World War I and explores how Japan's Natsume Sōseki and Nigeria's Chinua Achebe broke open European models to reflect their own, distinct histories and experience. Here too are Vasily Grossman, Anna Banti, and Elsa Morante reckoning in specific ways with the traumas of World War II, while later chapters range from Marguerite Yourcenar and V. S. Naipaul to Gabriel Garc a Marquez and W.G. Sebald. The story as a whole is one of fearless, often reckless exploration, as well as unfathomable desolation. Throughout, we discover the power of the novel to reinvent itself, to find a way for itself, to live differently. Stranger than Fiction offers a new vision of the history and art of the novel and of a dark and dazzling time in whose light and shadow we still stand.Synopsis"Convincing, idiosyncratic and often felicitous." --Alexandra Jabobs, The New York Times Book Review "Ambitious, intelligent, and happily unpretentious." --Louis Menand, The New Yorker A Washington Post most anticipated fall bookA legendary editor's reckoning with the twentieth-century novel and the urgent messages it sends. "How can we live differently?" a young woman urgently demands in Virginia Woolf's novel The Years. It is the 1930s, war and death are in the air, but her question was asked again and again in the course of a century where things changed fast and changed all the time. The century brought world wars, revolutions, automobiles, movies, and the internet, votes for women, death camps. The century brought questions. Novelists in the twentieth century had a question of their own: how can we write a novel as startling and unforeseen as the world we live in? Again and again they did, transforming the novel as the century remade the world. Imagine the history of the twentieth-century novel recounted with the urgency and intimacy of a novel. That's what Edwin Frank, the legendary editor who has run the New York Review Books publishing imprint since its inception, does in Stranger than Fiction. With penetrating insight and originality, Frank introduces us to books, some famous, some little-known, from the whole course of the century and from around the world. Starting with Dostoevsky's Notes from Underground of 1864, Frank shows how its twitchy, self-undermining, and never-satisfied narrator established a voice that would echo through the coming century. He illuminates the political vision of H.G. Wells's science fiction, Colette and Andre Gide's subversions of traditional gender roles, and Gertrude Stein's untethering of the American sentence. He describes the monumental ambition of books such as Mrs. Dalloway, The Magic Mountain and The Man Without Qualities to rebuild a world of human possibility upon the ruins of World War I and explores how Japan's Natsume Sōseki and Nigeria's Chinua Achebe broke open European models to reflect their own, distinct histories and experience. Here too are Vasily Grossman, Anna Banti, and Elsa Morante reckoning in specific ways with the traumas of World War II, while later chapters range from Marguerite Yourcenar and V. S. Naipaul to Gabriel Garc a Marquez and W.G. Sebald. The story as a whole is one of fearless, often reckless exploration, as well as unfathomable desolation. Throughout, we discover the power of the novel to reinvent itself, to find a way for itself, to live differently. Stranger than Fiction offers a new vision of the history and art of the novel and of a dark and dazzling time in whose light and shadow we still stand.SynopsisOne of the Washington Post's 50 Best Nonfiction Books of 2024 A New York Times Book Review Editors' Choice "Ambitious, intelligent, and happily unpretentious." --Louis Menand, The New Yorker "Convincing, idiosyncratic and often felicitous." --Alexandra Jabobs, The New York Times Book ReviewA legendary editor's reckoning with the twentieth-century novel and the urgent messages it sends. "How can we live differently?" a young woman urgently demands in Virginia Woolf's novel The Years. It is the 1930s, war and death are in the air, but her question was asked again and again in the course of a century where things changed fast and changed all the time. The century brought world wars, revolutions, automobiles, movies, and the internet, votes for women, death camps. The century brought questions. Novelists in the twentieth century had a question of their own: how can we write a novel as startling and unforeseen as the world we live in? Again and again they did, transforming the novel as the century remade the world. Imagine the history of the twentieth-century novel recounted with the urgency and intimacy of a novel. That's what Edwin Frank, the legendary editor who has run the New York Review Books publishing imprint since its inception, does in Stranger than Fiction. With penetrating insight and originality, Frank introduces us to books, some famous, some little-known, from the whole course of the century and from around the world. Starting with Dostoevsky's Notes from Underground of 1864, Frank shows how its twitchy, self-undermining, and never-satisfied narrator established a voice that would echo through the coming century. He illuminates the political vision of H.G. Wells's science fiction, Colette and Andre Gide's subversions of traditional gender roles, and Gertrude Stein's untethering of the American sentence. He describes the monumental ambition of books such as Mrs. Dalloway, The Magic Mountain and The Man Without Qualities to rebuild a world of human possibility upon the ruins of World War I and explores how Japan's Natsume Sōseki and Nigeria's Chinua Achebe broke open European models to reflect their own, distinct histories and experience. Here too are Vasily Grossman, Anna Banti, and Elsa Morante reckoning in specific ways with the traumas of World War II, while later chapters range from Marguerite Yourcenar and V. S. Naipaul to Gabriel Garc a Marquez and W.G. Sebald. The story as a whole is one of fearless, often reckless exploration, as well as unfathomable desolation. Throughout, we discover the power of the novel to reinvent itself, to find a way for itself, to live differently. Stranger than Fiction offers a new vision of the history and art of the novel and of a dark and dazzling time in whose light and shadow we still stand.
Raggedy Ann
The app's interface is sleek and modern, making it a joy to use. Bookmarking on ListenBook makes it easy to pick up where I left off – no more searching for my spot! Navigating through chapters has never been easier. It's a user-friendly delight. Playlists and bookmarks are super helpful. Love using ListenBook! The ability to organize my library is a huge plus. Everything is so neat and tidy.
Bitmap
Language courses on audiobooks helped me pick up a new language effortlessly. With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual growth and personal enjoyment. The app is perfect for language learners. The playback speed control is a game-changer. The app is perfect for bedtime listening. The sleep timer is a must-have.
Burst Nibbler
I'm addicted to this app's ability to turn mundane moments into opportunities for intellectual growth. Bookmarks are a lifesaver for my study materials. I can easily revisit important sections. AirDrop sharing makes it easy to share audiobooks with friends. ListenBook’s support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
The Shield Toronto
I've never experienced such silky-smooth playback even with high-quality FLAC files. Navigating through chapters is a breeze with ListenBook. It's easy to jump to specific sections.
Danger Menace
Being able to adjust playback speed suits everyone's preferences – a thoughtful feature. The extensive statistics feature on ListenBook helps me track my audiobook consumption habits – so cool! With this app, my audiobook library is organized and accessible, making my reading journey effortless. ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats is impressive. From MP3 to FLAC, it handles them all flawlessly.
RealmRanger
Kudos to the developers for optimizing this app for iOS 16. It runs like a dream on my device. Downloading books over WiFi is quick and hassle-free. Very convenient.
CuriousCraft
I've fallen in love with literature all over again, thanks to this incredible app. The vast selection of titles on this app is a book lover's dream come true. ListenBook Pro takes my experience to the next level. Unlimited audiobook length, noise reduction, and voice tone adjustment? Count me in! Chapters make it so easy to pick up where I left off. No more hunting around. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study routine. It helps me retain information effectively.
Napoleonic Haze
🚗 Long road trips? No problem – this app keeps me entertained mile after mile! 🚙📚 The app is very intuitive. ListenBook makes finding and playing audiobooks simple.
Dora the Destroyer
Effortless audiobook exploration – this app's functionality is a true delight. Bookmarking favorite parts of audiobooks is a breeze. It's like having a personalized study guide.
Preach Man
The compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch sets ListenBook apart from the rest. 🚶♂️🌟 Strolling through stories on a lazy afternoon – this app is my relaxation buddy! 🏖️🎧 Noise reduction feature is magic. Now I can listen to recordings even in noisy settings. ListenBook has all the features I need in an audiobook app. My top choice! ListenBook’s bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
Mirage
No more straining my eyes to read – now I can simply immerse myself in storytelling. Navigating chapters is a breeze with ListenBook. It's a user-friendly and seamless experience. Finally, an app that supports a wide range of audio formats! It's a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. My daily workouts are more enjoyable now, thanks to seamless integration with Apple Watch. 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!
Stick Shift
This app's ease of use has made my daily activities more enjoyable and educational. Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's design focuses on seamless interaction. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a fun way to personalize the listening experience.
Nacho
This app has reignited my love for literature and made it a part of my everyday life. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to spread the joy. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to introduce them to captivating stories. ListenBook’s CarPlay support makes listening in the car a seamless experience.
Sugar Man
Unparalleled support for CarPlay and Apple Watch means I can take my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats ensures that my audio needs are met. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has significantly enhanced my audio quality.
DreamDiver
This app has transformed my daily walks into exciting literary adventures. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. It enhances the clarity of recordings and makes my listening sessions more enjoyable.
Lumberyard
📱 Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's ease of use is a booklover's dream come true! 📚🔥 Kudos to the developers for optimizing this app for iOS 16. It runs like a dream on my device.
Aqua Diva
Audiobook pleasure simplified – this app's design is a true winner. Unlocking a world of literary possibilities, this app's extensive compatibility and user-friendly controls have made audiobook enjoyment an everyday joy. 📱🔊 Finally, an audiobook player that supports all formats! No more converting files.
WanderWord
ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. It's my go-to app for literary adventures. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a bonding experience made easy through AirDrop and sharing options.
Gabriel Dandelion
I'm constantly amazed by the vast selection – there's always something new to discover. Listening to audiobooks has turned mundane tasks into enjoyable experiences. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances my audiobook experience, ensuring I catch every detail. CUE playlist support is a fantastic addition. It helps me organize my audiobooks effortlessly.
Sir Shark
ListenBook's dedication to delivering an exceptional experience is evident in every detail. 🎶📚 Tuning in to the symphony of stories – audiobooks are the soundtrack of my daily routines. 🎵📚
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