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.
WeldMaster
This app has rekindled my passion for storytelling in the most convenient way. The interface is sleek and user-friendly. Makes navigating through chapters a breeze. ListenBook has made my daily commutes enjoyable. No more boredom! ListenBook has broadened my horizons by introducing me to a diverse range of audiobooks. It's a gateway to endless knowledge, entertainment, and inspiration.
Chew Chew
ListenBook's versatile player features are like having a personal audio assistant – it's that good! I'm on a literary adventure wherever I go, all thanks to this app. Its extensive format support and effortless navigation make audiobook listening a breeze. 🌟📚 Adjusting playback speed has revolutionized the way I learn and enjoy audiobooks. I can adapt the pace to my needs, maximizing comprehension and retention. Elegant design and user-friendly interface. Love it!
Blizzard Vixen
The fact that ListenBook supports a wide range of formats without DRM protection is a huge win. Audiobook listening has never been this easy and convenient – it's like having a personal narrator.
WittyWordsmith
This app's sleek design and intuitive features make it my trusted partner in exploring new narratives. Kudos to the developers for crafting an app that understands readers' needs. The smooth playback and sleek design are pure perfection. 📚👏 ListenBook Pro is totally worth it. Unlimited audiobook length – I'm in! Automatic metadata retrieval adds a professional touch to my audiobook collection. The app's compatibility with CarPlay adds an extra layer of convenience, especially during road trips.
Stud muffin
With ListenBook, I can explore new genres, learn new topics, and enjoy classic literature with ease. I love that ListenBook supports a wide range of formats, making my library diverse. ListenBook's absence of synchronization requirements adds to its convenience and flexibility. ListenBook is like a personal audiobook curator, allowing me to enjoy my favorite speeches and lectures with unmatched comfort and convenience.
Mr. Spy
User-centric audiobook joy – this app's ease of use is a true marvel. The statistics tracking feature is eye-opening. I never realized how much time I spend on audiobooks until now!
Berlin Kamikaze
ListenBook's versatile controls and playback options have made my study sessions more productive and enjoyable. I'm blown away by the attention to detail in every aspect of this app. I'm amazed by the app's compatibility with different audio formats. It's truly versatile. Adjustable playback speed and volume controls are excellent.
ReiGnZ
This app has made me appreciate the art of storytelling even more. Listening to audiobooks while cooking has made meal prep much more enjoyable. ListenBook's integration with AirDrop and sharing options makes it simple to spread the joy of storytelling. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to inspire others to read.
Dez North
Audiobook immersion simplified – this app's ease of use is a true asset. Navigating through my audiobook collection is a breeze – this app's intuitive interface and convenient controls have made my reading journey effortless. 📱📖 Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique touch – it's like having a personalized reading.
Darkside Orbit
I can't believe how much more productive I am – I'm learning and growing while multitasking! 💃 Dancing through chores with audiobooks – this app turns cleaning into a lively and literary affair! 🎶📚 Seamless integration of audiobooks – this app's ease of use is impressive. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising. This app is a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. The ability to adjust skip intervals and playback speed is fantastic. I also love the auto-bookmark feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Worth every penny!
Athena Star
ListenBook's comprehensive support for a wide range of audio formats sets it apart from other audiobook apps. I've listened to hundreds of audiobooks, and this one stands out for its professional quality. The narrator struck the ideal balance between dramatic interpretation and letting the text speak for itself. The audio engineering was superb with consistent volume levels and crystal-clear recording.
The Howling Swede
This app is my audiobook haven. With a user-friendly interface and features like audio filters, I'm engrossed in stories like never before. 📖🔊 The versatility of this app is mind-boggling. It's like a one-stop solution for audiobooks.
QuantumQuill
This app has become my ultimate travel companion, ensuring that I'm always entertained and inspired. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a fun way to experiment with the audiobook experience. ListenBook has become my constant companion. It's like having a personal audiobook assistant. I can’t believe how easy it is to manage my audiobook library with ListenBook. Highly recommended!
Evil Smith
I'm addicted to this app – it's like having a library in my pocket. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magical spell that transports me into the heart of the story. ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's a true companion for all my literary adventures. Packed with useful features. My favorite audiobook app! ListenBook’s bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
Deano
The intuitive interface and seamless navigation make this app a joy to use. ListenBook has made my daily routines more vibrant and exciting with its immersive features. I'm amazed at how this app has turned my errands into exciting reading sessions. 💼 Making work hours fly by with captivating stories – a true work-life balance! 💻📖
Achilles Mountain
ListenBook Pro offers amazing value with unlimited audiobook length and noise reduction features. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch has made my listening experience even more seamless. I never thought I'd find an app that supports such a wide range of audiobook formats. ListenBook is a true gem! ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection.
Spunky Sphinx
Audiobook immersion simplified – this app's ease of use is a true asset. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a unique touch that adds personalization to my audiobook journey.
Waylay Dave
ListenBook's support for various formats means I can explore a wide range of content without limitations. I'm addicted to this app – it's like having a library in my pocket. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to introduce them to captivating stories. As someone who struggles to focus on audiobooks, this kept my attention the whole way through. The narrator's clear diction and expressive delivery were perfect.
Fire Bite
AirDrop and sharing make it easy to spread the audiobook love with friends. Library organization has never been this easy. My audiobook collection is finally tidy. Bookmarks are a fantastic tool for keeping track of important moments. They're a game-changer.
Queen Ginger
Audiobooks have become my escape from reality – a journey into captivating worlds. This app has made reading a part of my lifestyle, no matter where I am. 🧘♀️☕ Sipping tea and getting lost in stories – the ultimate way to unwind! 🍵📖 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. 📚✨ ListenBook’s CarPlay support makes listening in the car a seamless experience.
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