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 SΕseki 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 SΕseki 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 SΕseki 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.
Risen
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has elevated my listening experience. With this app, I can devour books like never before β it's incredibly efficient. ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically adds a visual touch to my audiobook collection.
Dark Burn
Language courses on audiobooks helped me pick up a new language effortlessly. I love how customizable the playback speed is. It makes listening so much more enjoyable.
Demo
I can't believe how easily this app has fit into my daily routine. π± My secret to staying well-read β this app ensures that I'm never without a book, no matter where I am! ππ± The range of supported formats is impressive. No more converting files! Unlimited audiobook length with ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. I love the auto-bookmark feature. It saves my place automatically.
BuzzBait
This app's customizable features, like playback speed and bookmarks, have transformed my experience. I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my passport to countless stories. πΌ Elevating my work-from-home routine with this app's delightful audiobook selection! π»π The app's performance is remarkable β it's fast, stable, and designed to cater to audiobook enthusiasts. It's a pleasure to use. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun and interactive way to connect.
Osprey
The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a treasure trove of knowledge and entertainment. Savoring audiobooks without complications β this app's design is top-notch. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear dictaphone recordings. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. I can enjoy clear recordings.
Thumb Candy
This app has brought back the joy of reading, even when I'm on the move. I can't thank this app enough for making my audiobook experience exceptional. Its intuitive interface and diverse compatibility are a true game-changer. π±π§ Shuffle playback is a fun feature. It keeps me engaged with my audiobooks. Drag and drop downloads are genius. It simplifies the entire process. ListenBookβs interface is sleek and user-friendly. Finding and playing my audiobooks has never been easier.
Pixie
I've become the go-to storyteller at bedtime with the help of this magical app. With ListenBook, I can keep track of my audiobook consumption and explore new content with ease. Automatic metadata retrieval adds a professional touch to my audiobook collection.
Shwatson
With this app, I can enjoy my favorite stories while traveling, making my journeys more delightful. Effortlessly enjoying audiobook journeys β this app's ease of use is a delight.
Hermopolis
As a language learner, this app has been invaluable in improving my listening skills. Audiobooks have turned my mundane activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment. With this app, reading is no longer a luxury β it's an essential part of my day. Download via WiFi, WebDAV, iTunes β options galore to suit everyone's preferences. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. Itβs a unique feature.
Mrs. Voltage
It's impressive how the app caters to both seasoned readers and newcomers. This app has made my commutes and long drives a source of joy and learning. I can't get enough of this app's convenience β it has turned my audiobook journey into a delightful habit. β° Early mornings have become my favorite time to listen to audiobooks β energizing! π π§
Icy Avenger
This app has become my go-to companion, making my daily routine more exciting and insightful. π₯ Audiobook enjoyment at the tap of a finger β this app's functionality is a testament to modern convenience. π±π
SmartieQuest
I've become an audiobook addict, all thanks to this amazing app. I love how this app brings stories to life, even during my morning jogs. This app has turned my gym sessions into immersive storytelling experiences β time flies by! With this app, reading is no longer a luxury β it's a convenient habit. πΆββοΈπ Strolling through captivating narratives has never been easier β this app's intuitive controls make audiobook listening a delight. π§ποΈ
Scarlet Mary
With this app, reading is no longer a luxury β it's an essential part of my day. The statistics feature in ListenBook provides valuable insights into my audiobook consumption habits.
Fire Feline
Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's thoughtful features, such as auto-rewind and chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our storytelling cravings. ππ ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a unique tool that adds a touch of creativity to my listening experience. Playback speed and volume controls are top-notch. Highly recommend.
Casanova
With ListenBook, I can listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it the perfect companion for any audiobook lover. πββοΈπ Combining exercise and exploration β audiobooks make my runs more exciting! πββοΈπ§ The book groups feature is a thoughtful addition. It helps me keep my series and related titles together.
Brick Mooch
I appreciate the minimal ads β it's all about uninterrupted enjoyment. Kudos to the developers! Audiobook enthusiasts, gather round! This app's remarkable features, including audio filters and compatibility, have transformed my commutes into captivating journeys. ππ§ Navigating through chapters has never been easier. It's a user-friendly delight.
Nibbler
ListenBook has become my trusted companion, guiding me through the realms of imagination. Accessing literary treasures has never been this straightforward β thank you, app! Listening stats motivate me to read more. Great feature!
Kitchen
Finally, an app that turns my daily commute into an adventure through literature. π Rekindling my love for reading β this app has reintroduced me to the joy of books in a whole new way. ππ₯ π Accessing my favorite authors and genres is a breeze with this app's user-friendly functionality. π±π§
Rooster
The sleek design and easy navigation are visually pleasing and user-friendly. This app has reignited my love for literature in the most delightful way. ποΈ Basking in the sun while indulging in literary adventures β this app makes outdoor relaxation even better. βοΈπ
Delicious Wing
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro adds a personal touch to my experience. This app's support for various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks without any limitations. π Transforming long drives into memorable journeys through the magic of audiobooks! ππ Drag and drop downloads directly from my web browser? That's a level of convenience I appreciate.
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