Book description
Ian Buruma's spellbinding account of three near-mythic figures--a Dutch fixer, a Manchu princess, and Himmler's masseur--who may have been con artists and collaborators under Japanese and German rule, or true heroes, or something in between. On the face of it, the three characters in this book seem to have little in common--aside from the fact that each committed wartime acts that led some to see them as national heroes, and others as villains. All three were mythmakers, larger-than-life storytellers, for whom the truth was beside the point. Felix Kersten was a plump Finnish pleasure-seeker who became Heinrich Himmler's indispensable personal masseur--Himmler calling him his "magic Buddha." Kersten presented himself after the war as a resistance hero who convinced Himmler to save countless people from mass murder. Kawashima Yoshiko, a gender-fluid Manchu princess, spied for the Japanese secret police in China, and was mythologized by the Japanese as a heroic combination of Mata Hari and Joan of Arc. Friedrich Weinreb was a Hasidic Jew in Holland who took large amounts of money from fellow Jews in an imaginary scheme to save them from deportation, while in fact betraying some of them to the German secret police. Sentenced after the war as a con artist, he was regarded regarded by supporters as the "Dutch Dreyfus." All three figures have been vilified and mythologized, out of a never-ending need, Ian Buruma argues, to see history, and particularly war, and above all World War II, as a neat story of angels and devils. The Collaborators is a fascinating reconstruction of what in fact we can know about these incredible figures and what will always remain out of reach. What emerges is all the more mesmerizing for being painted in chiaroscuro. In times of life-and-death stakes, the truth quickly gets buried under lies and self-deception. Now, when demagogues abroad and at home are assaulting the truth once more, the stories of the collaborators and their lessons are indispensable.
Stud muffin
Being able to adjust playback speed suits everyone's preferences โ a thoughtful feature. ListenBook's comprehensive support for a wide range of audio formats sets it apart from other audiobook apps. ListenBook's statistics feature is both enlightening and motivating. It's incredible to see the time I've invested in learning through audiobooks.
PixelPilgrim
I can't believe I waited so long to start listening to audiobooks โ this app has converted me! Frequent updates ensure there's always something new and exciting to listen to. I'm amazed by how this app effortlessly turns my daily routines into enjoyable learning sessions. ๐๏ธ Basking in the sun with an audiobook โ relaxation meets storytelling paradise! โ๏ธ๐ My audiobook collection has never been more organized. Library management is a breeze.
Biscuit Meg
With this app, I can switch seamlessly between my iPhone and iPad, making my reading experience continuous. โฐ Waking up to audiobooks โ mornings have never been this magical and inspiring! โ๏ธ๐ง Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become effortless, regardless of the source. Binaural audio processing really works. Less fatigue during long listening sessions. ListenBookโs playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
Feral Mayhem
This app has introduced me to genres I never thought I'd enjoy โ it's eye-opening. I'm blown away by how this app has made my workouts more enjoyable and my mind more active. This app's ease of use has made my long drives educational and enjoyable. A decent listen overall. The narration was clear, though some character voices sounded similar. The story was interesting but had moments where it dragged slightly. Still, it was a good way to pass the time.
Master Jetson
Audiobook multitasking simplified โ this app's functionality is truly commendable. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch adds a new level of convenience to my audiobook journey. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback options are essential for my audiobook enjoyment and study. Shuffle playback is a fun feature. It keeps me engaged with my audiobooks. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is amazing. ListenBook is top-notch.
Badger the Burglar
Finally, an app that lets me organize my audiobooks effortlessly. The library organization and book groups feature make navigation a breeze. ListenBook is a prime example of user-centered design. It's clear that the developers understand audiobook lovers' needs. Packed with useful features. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook app.
THRESHmSTR
The narrator's voices are so engaging, it's like having a personal storytelling session. Audiobook lovers, rejoice! This app's functionality is a game-changer. Seamlessly switch between formats and enjoy a hassle-free reading experience. ๐ฑ๐ง Automatic artwork and metadata extraction add a professional touch to my audiobook library. ListenBook has enriched my life with a world of captivating stories and knowledge. It's not just an app; it's a portal to endless possibilities. Easy access to chapters and silky-smooth playback. Love it!
Juice Petite
ListenBook's thoughtful inclusion of chapters, controls, and filters has enhanced my audiobook experience. With ListenBook, my audio content is organized, accessible, and ready to inspire me. The app's performance is beyond impressive. It's like it's tailor-made for my device. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history featureโitโs so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
Solo Kill
I've become the go-to storyteller at bedtime with the help of this magical app. This app's compatibility with various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks hassle-free. The app's interface is so sleek and modern. It's a joy to use. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. I love the statistics feature. Itโs fun to see how much Iโve listened.
Captain Peroxide
ListenBook's dedication to providing an excellent user experience sets a new standard in audiobook apps. ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features are a dream come true โ no more hassles!
RealmRanger
Noise reduction feature is magic. Now I can listen to recordings even in noisy settings. The app is perfect for people who love to read but donโt have the time. I love the ability to import books from my computer. Itโs so easy. ListenBook has completely transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. The chapter navigation is seamless, and the statistics feature is a fun way to track my listening progress. The app is stable, fast, and incredibly user-friendly. Five stars!
Frosty Snazz
๐ง This app has changed my reading game! Now I can 'read' while I work โ genius! ๐๐ผ ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback features have become indispensable tools in my audiobook learning. Looping playback is an invaluable study tool. It helps me absorb complex information effortlessly. Looping playback is an invaluable tool for my study sessions. It helps me grasp complex concepts. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
Shade Nightman
This app has turned my daily commute into a source of inspiration and entertainment. ๐๐ Transforming traffic jams into opportunities for literary exploration โ this app keeps me engaged on the road! ๐๐ง
Cereal Killer
Thanks to ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks without the need for constant synchronization. This app has made long flights and road trips so much more enjoyable. ๐งโโ๏ธ Finding zen through storytelling โ this app makes meditation even more calming. ๐งโโ๏ธ๐ง Beautiful design and intuitive interface. Very user-friendly. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
Marshmallow Treat
๐๐ Falling asleep to audiobooks has never been easier โ this app's soothing voices ๐ด๐ง The interface is sleek and intuitive, making my audiobook experience a joy. The perfect balance between dramatic reading and natural storytelling. Felt like a friend telling me an amazing story rather than someone just reading words.
Shy Warrior
Listening to audiobooks has become my guilt-free indulgence, and I love it. The statistics feature on ListenBook helps me track my audiobook consumption โ a fantastic way to measure my progress. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a true blessing for enjoying clear audio even in noisy environments. Looping playback has revolutionized my study sessions. I'm learning faster than ever. Downloading over WiFi is quick and efficient. Saves a lot of time.
Natural Mess
This app's efficient downloading process ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks whenever and wherever. User-friendly audiobook experience โ this app's design is a standout. ListenBook's player features, including chapters and bookmarks, are invaluable for a seamless experience. I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device.
Opulent Gamer
ListenBook's dedication to enhancing the audiobook experience has made it my preferred app for listening to content on the go. ListenBook's versatility and user-friendly interface make it a must-have for audiobook lovers. I'm hooked on this app's sleek design and seamless performance โ it's a must-have for any reader. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
Phoenix Sparrow
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a true blessing for enjoying clear audio even in noisy environments. ๐ผ Boosting productivity at work with an audiobook in the background โ love it! ๐ป๐ง Navigating audiobooks seamlessly โ this app's design is a true winner. ListenBookโs interface is clean and intuitive. Itโs a joy to use.
VisionVortex
ListenBook is my daily companion, turning mundane tasks into exciting audio adventures. This app's convenience has transformed my screen time into meaningful reading sessions. Efficient audiobook enjoyment โ this app's functionality is a revelation. Finally, an app that caters to audiobook enthusiasts like me. The diverse format support and user-friendly design are a game-changer. ๐ฑ๐ Automatic artwork and metadata retrieval is a time-saver. My library looks fantastic.
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