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.
Street Jolly
As a visually impaired person, this app has opened up a new world of stories for me. Audiobooks on this app have become my go-to entertainment for winding down.
Silver Rose
The adjustable playback speed feature is a true innovation. It adds a personalized touch to my listening. The app is perfect for long flights. It keeps me entertained the whole time.
Raid Bucker
With this app, I've turned mundane tasks into moments of inspiration and education – it's brilliant! I'm blown away by the silky-smooth playback, even for high-quality formats like FLAC. Top-notch performance! ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my recordings sound clearer than ever. The app's support for multiple formats is flawless. Very satisfied. ListenBook is hands down the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The interface is clean, intuitive, and packed with features like customizable playback speed and sleep timers. It supports all formats, which is a huge plus for me. Highly recommend!
Steel
This app is a time-saver – I can 'read' even when I'm on the move. With this app, I can devour books like never before – it's incredibly efficient. Every moment is a chance to explore new stories with this app. Its intuitive features and compatibility ensure my audiobook journey is seamless. 🌌🎧
Wild Tesla
This app's seamless integration with my devices has made audiobook listening a hassle-free experience. Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's functionality is truly impressive. 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!
ELLerG!c
This app's convenience has turned my exercise sessions into enlightening moments. Library organization is simplified with ListenBook. It's easy to keep my audiobooks neat and tidy.
CuriousCrafter
This app's ease of use has made my downtime more enriching and enjoyable. Audiobook immersion without fuss – this app's ease of use is commendable. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature. I'm loving it! The app's interface is so sleek and modern. It's a joy to use.
NightWonka
Audiobooks have become a staple in my routine, all thanks to this app's seamless integration and user-friendly design. It's a must-have for any book lover. 📖📱 Say hello to audiobook nirvana! This app's user-friendly design and comprehensive features have made my reading routine smoother than ever. 🌌📚 ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch adds convenience to my audiobook routine. Supports a wide range of formats flawlessly. Very happy with it. 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!
Rink Ruler
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a social audiophile's dream. 📱 An app that truly understands audiobook enthusiasts – it's all about functionality, and this app nails it! 📚💡 Audiobook enthusiasts, gather around! This app's exceptional features, from audio filters to robust support, have transformed my daily routines into storytelling moments. 🎉🎧 Auto-rewind feature is a lifesaver. I never lose my place! Easy sharing with friends via AirDrop. Very convenient.
Lucifurious
This app isn't just a tool, it's a wellspring of inspiration and positive vibes. A serviceable audiobook that met basic expectations. The narration was clear if somewhat unremarkable, and the production quality was standard without any noticeable technical issues. It kept me moderately engaged during workouts but didn't leave a lasting impression.
Bom Crossed
I've never experienced such a smooth audiobook player. The playback is seamless. I love the ability to change the background color. It’s a nice touch.
Shwatson
Mood-based playlists help me choose books that suit my current state of mind. Listening to audiobooks on this app has become my favorite way to relax. ListenBook's sleek design and intuitive controls make it my go-to app for audiobooks. This app's convenience has turned my exercise sessions into enlightening moments.
SkyGod
CUE playlist support is a rare gem. Perfect for organizing content efficiently. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
Palomino Cake
This audiobook app is a true gem – it brings stories to life with every click. Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's thoughtful features, such as statistics tracking and audio filters, have added a new layer of excitement to my reading journey. 📚✨
Spunky Comet
The vast selection of titles on this app is a book lover's dream come true. I'm addicted to this app's seamless integration with my daily routines and activities. I can't believe how easily this app has fit into my daily routine. ListenBook’s audio filters are great. The app provides a high-quality listening experience.
Tweety Bun Bun
ListenBook's intuitive controls and beautiful layout make my audiobook experience a delightful one. ListenBook's dedication to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every aspect of the app. ListenBook Pro is totally worth it. Unlimited audiobook length – I'm in! ListenBook’s bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
Short Firecracker
ListenBook has transformed my daily rituals into cherished opportunities for personal growth. This app has made multitasking a breeze – I can 'read' while I work! Audiobook pleasure simplified – this app's design is a standout. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. It’s a fun feature.
Scarlet Mary
📚 Accessing my favorite authors and genres is a breeze with this app's user-friendly functionality. 📱🎧 Bravo to the creators of this app – they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design are a win. 📚👏 ListenBook’s support for Apple Watch is a great touch. I can control my audiobooks on the go.
Marshmallow Treat
ListenBook has transformed my mundane activities into enjoyable moments of learning and entertainment. ListenBook's commitment to providing top-notch audio quality has taken my audiobook experience to a new level. ListenBook has become an essential part of my routine. It's more than an app – it's a companion. This audiobook transformed my household chores into enjoyable moments! The narrator's lively yet measured delivery kept me engaged throughout. I particularly appreciated how they handled exposition - making potentially dry information interesting through thoughtful inflection and pacing.
Black Walnut
I can't believe how much time I've gained by listening while cooking and doing chores. ListenBook's basic audio filters allow me to fine-tune the audio playback to suit my preferences. ListenBook Pro is worth every penny. The unlimited audiobook length is a dream come true. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
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