Book description
Thomas Hardy (2nd June 1840 - 11th January 1928), celebrated poet and writer, was born in a modest thatched cottage near Dorchester in the West country, to a builder father. His mother came from a line of intelligent, lively and ambitious women so ensured her son had the best formal education available for their modest means although this ended when he was 16. He became a draughtsman specialising in the building of churches was able to give it up to be a full time writer and poet with the publication of Far From the Madding Crown which became a bestseller and like much of his work was serialised. His writing reflects his passionate beliefs for social reform and exposes the hypocrisy of the rules of the Victorian age which constrained many freedoms with convention and restricted the transcending of class boundaries. His novels are almost entirely set in rural Wessex which although fictional is clearly rooted in the SW counties of England where he was born and lived most of his life. Hardy's writing caused controversy in his lifetime but despite this he was highly praised and showered with honorary doctorates from many universities, a knighthood, which he refused and in 1910 the prestigious Order of the Merit. The relationship between man and trees is a recurrent theme in Hardy's work and here in The Woodlanders it is explored in depth with the characters being fellow inhabitants with the trees and their struggles interconnected with the trees. Set in the familiar Dorset landscape this novel follows the fortunes of Giles Winterbourne, a good hearted native of the area who works as a yeoman. His childhood sweetheart Grace Melbury has been away to private school and stayed on as a governess. On her return Giles' love for her is challenged by rival, Edred Fitzpierrs, a young and dashing doctor who wins her hand in marriage. This match is an unhappy one and affects the woodland community in this extraordinary novel.
Mud Finger
Quick access to chapters is a blessing. No more scrolling through endless content. 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.
New Cycle
ListenBook's library organization and book groups help me keep my content neatly sorted. The sound quality is excellent. It feels like I’m in the story.
MuseMaster
ListenBook's dedication to excellence shines through in its impeccable audio quality and user-friendly features. 🚗 Turning road trips into unforgettable adventures – audiobooks keep me entertained on the journey! 🚗📖 Finally, an app that respects my busy lifestyle. Whether I'm commuting or exercising, this app's smooth playback and smart controls keep me engaged. 🏃♀️🎧
Tornado Maker
The app's recommendations are surprisingly accurate – it's like they know my taste perfectly! This app has made my road trips and flights infinitely more enjoyable. Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's functionality is truly impressive. ListenBook is a prime example of user-centered design. It's clear that the developers understand audiobook lovers' needs. Listened to this on a road trip and it made the hours fly by. Even my passengers who weren't following along commented on how nice the narrator's voice was.
InsightfulInk
This app's efficient downloading process ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks whenever and wherever. The statistics tracking is a nice touch. ListenBook helps me keep track of my audiobook habits. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
Goatee Shield
I love that I can switch between devices seamlessly and continue where I left off. I'm addicted to this app's seamless integration with my daily routines and activities. Adjusting the tone of the voice is so innovative. It's like personalizing the narration. ListenBook's versatility with various audio formats means I can enjoy audiobooks from multiple sources effortlessly.
Chicago Blackout
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Twitch
I'm amazed at how this app's features cater to audiobook enthusiasts' every need. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. They help me keep related titles together for a seamless experience.
Cooger
The extensive statistics feature on ListenBook helps me track my audiobook consumption habits – so cool! I love how this app fits seamlessly into my daily routine. The versatility of this app is mind-boggling. It's like a one-stop solution for audiobooks.
Digital Equinox
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Lord Theus
I've never been this excited about my daily commute – thank you, audiobooks! With this app, I've found a way to make long flights and road trips more enjoyable and enlightening. Effortlessly exploring audiobook worlds – this app's functionality is genius. ListenBook's intuitive layout and quick access to chapters make audiobook navigation a breeze.
Father Abbot
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Fast Draw
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Dangle
I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend! Perfect for both first-time listeners and audiobook veterans! The narrator's warm, inviting tone made this an incredibly comfortable listening experience. I particularly appreciated how well they handled dialogue - each character felt distinct without being cartoonish. The pacing kept me engaged throughout.
Prone
The captivating narrators make each story come alive in a unique way. ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind. With this app, reading is no longer a luxury – it's an essential part of my day. Love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting.
Patton Digger
Efficiency meets audiobooks – this app's functionality is a true winner. Looping playback helps me focus on challenging content and grasp complex concepts. A study must-have! 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.
Chasm Face
I'm able to catch up on my reading list even during the busiest days. This app has made my road trips and flights infinitely more enjoyable. ListenBook has made managing and enjoying audiobooks a seamless and delightful experience. 🎧 This app has changed my reading game! Now I can 'read' while I work – genius! 📚💼 Library organization and book groups make managing my audiobook collection a breeze.
Opulent Gamer
The app's layout is clean and intuitive, making it a pleasure to navigate. The selection of classics is a treasure trove for literature enthusiasts. ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can acquire new content in a way that suits me best. I'm amazed at ListenBook's intuitive interface and precise controls – it's a joy to navigate.
Mr. 44
I'm grateful for this app, as it allows me to keep up with my reading even while multitasking. I'm hooked on this app's ability to make every moment a reading moment. Effortless audiobook exploration – this app's functionality is a true delight.
Zesty Dragon
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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