Book description
Imagine slipping into a cozy armchair with a cup of tea, the gentle rustle of period fabrics and the distant clatter of a passing train filling your ears. That's the magic of The Cranford Companion audiobook, where Sue Birtwistle and Susie Conklin invite you not just to read about the beloved 1840s world of Cranford, but to step right into its heart. This isn't a dry companion piece; it's a warm, unhurried conversation, perfectly suited to the slow, thoughtful pace of Elizabeth Gaskell's stories and the award-winning TV adaptation they bring to life.
You'll feel the creak of Miss Matty's front door as the narrators guide you through Cranford's bustling streets, sharing the fascinating how behind bringing this world to screen. They reveal the meticulous research-how the production team recreated the very texture of 1840s life, from the precise cut of a bonnet to the way light fell on the village green. You'll hear the sound of history, not just read about it, as they describe the careful crafting of costumes, the authentic landscapes, and the subtle details that make Cranford feel utterly real. It's like having the costume designer and set director sit down beside you, sharing their passion with the same gentle warmth that defines Cranford itself.
What makes this audiobook truly special is how it captures the spirit of the original stories. You don't just learn about the railway threatening Cranford's way of life-you feel the quiet tension, the love for tradition, the same charm that made Gaskell's work endure. The narration is perfectly pitched, intimate and inviting, making you lean in as if sharing secrets over tea with a friend. It's the perfect companion for anyone who's ever been enchanted by Cranford's gentle rhythms, offering deep insights without ever feeling like a lecture. You'll come away not only understanding the show's magic but feeling the same sense of comfort and connection that made Cranford a beloved classic. It's a celebration of detail, care, and the enduring power of a community, delivered with the same quiet grace that makes the original stories so timeless. You'll want to listen again, just to soak in every whispered detail.
JesterZilla
Adjustable playback speed is a brilliant feature. It adds a layer of customization to my audiobook enjoyment. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction makes sure that background distractions don't interfere with my listening. I’ve been using ListenBook for months, and it’s been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesn’t drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend! A functional audiobook production that met basic requirements. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough to listen to for extended periods, though their performance didn't add much interpretation to the text. The audio engineering was competent without being remarkable. The narrator's voice took some getting used to - a bit nasal at first - but I grew to like it after a few chapters. Their pacing was excellent throughout.
All Natural
ListenBook has become my go-to app for all things audio – from lectures to speeches, it's got it all. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magical spell that transports me into the heart of the story. This audiobook made my workouts fly by! The engaging narration kept me motivated to keep listening, which meant longer gym sessions. The narrator's energy matched the material perfectly - upbeat when needed, somber when appropriate. A great example of how narration can enhance text.
Electric Player
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my audio content much more enjoyable in noisy environments. This app's features, from bookmarking to customizable playback speed, are fantastic. Audiobooks on this app have made me look forward to my long commutes. The ability to adjust the tone of the narrator's voice is a creative touch that adds depth to my listening. The app’s design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
Eerie Mizzen
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook is a fantastic way to spread the joy of listening. Audiobooks have turned my quiet moments into imaginative journeys – thank you, app! ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use.
Fiend Oblivion
🎧 My daily chores just got an upgrade! Thanks to this app, I can dive into captivating stories while cooking and cleaning. 📚🍳 The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my audiobook library. Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a joy to use. It's a seamless experience.
Nickname Master
It's like having a personal library that fits in my pocket – truly amazing! Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. It transforms the way I enjoy my recordings.
Scare Stone
ListenBook's seamless audio player has turned my listening sessions into moments of pure delight. With ListenBook, my audio content is organized, accessible, and ready to inspire me. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
Murder Cherry
ListenBook has transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. It's an indispensable part of my routine. The listening stats feature is awesome. I can track my audiobook habits effortlessly. ListenBook is a game-changer for audiobook lovers. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history feature—it’s so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
Serendipity
ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind. 💪 Crushing workouts while devouring books – this app makes fitness fun and educational! 🏋️♀️🎉 Navigating through chapters is a breeze. It's like having a personal reading guide.
Bruh
The 'Explore' feature has introduced me to authors I might never have discovered otherwise. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to curate customized listening sessions, whether for study, relaxation, or entertainment. I love the quick access to settings. It makes tweaking the app so easy. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Whipsaw
I'm grateful for this app, as it allows me to keep up with my reading even while multitasking. Adjustable playback speed is a brilliant feature. It adds a layer of customization to my audiobook enjoyment. Looping playback is an invaluable tool for my study sessions. It helps me grasp complex concepts. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
Cereal Killer
Audiobooks have become my companion during long walks, transforming exercise into a pleasure. 🎉 An app that turns house chores into exciting adventures – count me in! 🧹📖 Revolutionizing the way I enjoy stories – this app's seamless playback and intuitive controls make it a must-have for every book enthusiast. 📱🎧 ListenBook is a prime example of user-centered design. It's clear that the developers understand audiobook lovers' needs. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer for immersive listening in any environment.
Scarlet Mary
ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. ListenBook's features are a bookworm's dream come true – from chapters to bookmarks, it's got everything. I love how this app brings stories to life, even during my morning jogs. With this app, audiobook listening has become a convenient and enjoyable part of my everyday life.
Plegasus
Unlocking a world of literary wonders – this app's extensive format support and user-centric approach have rekindled my love for books. 📱🔊 ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats is impressive. From MP3 to FLAC, it handles them all flawlessly. ListenBook’s support for Apple Watch is a great touch. I can control my audiobooks on the go.
RedMouth
This app has rekindled my passion for literature in a whole new way. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to spread the joy of storytelling. A fun feature! I love the statistics feature. It’s fun to see how much I’ve listened.
Marine Dre
The ListenBook app has made my daily routines more enriching, allowing me to learn while on the go. ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length feature is fantastic.
Jack Cassidy
With ListenBook, I can immerse myself in captivating stories and enriching knowledge, all in one app. Automatic artwork and metadata extraction keep my audiobook library organized and visually appealing. Great app! ListenBook supports so many formats, and the playback is always smooth.
Bowler
The narrators have a way of bringing characters to life – it's a unique experience. I'm amazed by ListenBook's dedication to quality – it's evident in every feature. With this app, I'm discovering the joy of reading during my commutes.
Jigsaw
This app has turned long waits into exciting opportunities to dive into a new story. ListenBook's customizable audio filters allow me to personalize my listening experience – a fantastic feature. Kudos to the developers for optimizing this app for iOS 16. It runs like a dream on my device. is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and reliable. This was an adequate audiobook for casual listening. The narrator maintained a consistent pace and clear diction throughout, though their performance lacked some emotional range. The audio quality was fine with no significant technical distractions.
Broomspun
ListenBook has become my go-to app for all things audio – from lectures to speeches, it's got it all. Audiobooks have turned my quiet moments into imaginative journeys – thank you, app! Audiobooks made convenient – this app's functionality is a true gift.
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