Book description
In 2020, Olivia Laing began to restore an eighteenth-century walled garden in Suffolk, an overgrown Eden of unusual plants. The work brought to light a crucial question for our age: Who gets to live in paradise, and how can we share it while there's still time? Moving between real and imagined gardens, from Milton's Paradise Lost to John Clare's enclosure elegies, from a wartime sanctuary in Italy to a grotesque aristocratic pleasure ground funded by slavery, Laing interrogates the sometimes shocking cost of making paradise on earth.But the story of the garden doesn't always enact larger patterns of privilege and exclusion. It's also a place of rebel outposts and communal dreams. From the improbable queer utopia conjured by Derek Jarman on the beach at Dungeness to the fertile vision of a common Eden propagated by William Morris, new modes of living can and have been attempted amidst the flower beds, experiments that could prove vital in the coming era of climate change. The result is a humming, glowing tapestry, a beautiful and exacting account of the abundant pleasures and possibilities of gardens: not as a place to hide from the world but as a site of encounter and discovery, bee-loud and pollen-laden.
About the Author
Olivia Laing is a widely acclaimed writer and critic. She's the author of seven books, including The Lonely City, Funny Weather and Everybody. Her first novel, Crudo, was a Sunday Times top ten bestseller and won the 2019 James Tait Memorial Prize. Her work has been translated into twenty-one languages and in 2018 she was awarded a Windham-Campbell Prize for non-fiction. She lives in Suffolk, UK.
Cool Law Topping
Thanks to ListenBook's automatic extraction of artwork and metadata, my library looks organized and appealing. ListenBook has made my daily routines more vibrant and exciting with its immersive features. I can't get enough of this app – it's like having a personal storyteller in my pocket. 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!
Eight Patrol
ListenBook's commitment to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every detail. With this app, I can dive into captivating narratives while cooking, cleaning, or commuting – pure magic! ⭐️ A round of applause for an app that prioritizes functionality – I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and other tasks. 👏🎧 Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is such a fun way to spread joy.
Frosty Squid
This app's convenience has turned me into an avid audiobook listener. Every moment is a chance to dive into a new adventure with this app. Its smart controls and comprehensive format support ensure that my audiobook journey is a seamless one. 🌌🎧
Little Granger
Automated artwork and metadata retrieval add a professional touch to my audiobook library. The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze. The perfect balance between dramatic reading and natural storytelling. Felt like a friend telling me an amazing story rather than someone just reading words.
Red Pepper
ListenBook has made me fall in love with audiobooks all over again – it's a must-have app. ListenBook's controls for looping and shuffling playback have made studying and revisiting content a breeze.
Alley Frog
The 'Explore' feature has introduced me to authors I might never have discovered otherwise. The narrators on this app are truly talented – they bring characters to life. Looping playback is my favorite feature. It's perfect for revisiting complex content. ListenBook is a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. It's reliable, versatile, and a pleasure to use. Adjustable playback speed is my secret weapon for covering more material in less time. A productivity boost!
Sugar Man
ListenBook's clean interface and organized layout make it a pleasure to browse through my audiobooks. 🎶 Music? Nah, I prefer immersing myself in captivating stories with this app! 🎶📖 ListenBook's comprehensive format support makes it the ultimate companion for audiobook enthusiasts. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to connect with fellow book lovers. Packed with useful features. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook app.
Sneaky Lady
Audiobook listening has never been this easy and convenient – it's like having a personal narrator. ListenBook's statistics feature is both enlightening and motivating. It's incredible to see the time I've invested in learning through audiobooks. Flawless support for various audio formats. Very happy with it. ListenBook’s audio filters are great. The app provides a high-quality listening experience.
Trash Master
The app's design is sleek and modern – it's a pleasure to navigate. ListenBook's extensive format support makes it the ultimate audiobook app for any audiobook lover. I love the auto-rewind feature. ListenBook always picks up right where I left off. 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!
ThoughtTraveler
I'm amazed at how this app has expanded my reading horizons. ListenBook's dedication to delivering a top-notch experience is evident in every detail. I'm amazed at how this app has turned my errands into exciting reading sessions. 🏃♂️📚 Running through chapters, literally! This app keeps me motivated on the track. 🏃♂️📖
Double Eerie
ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. Easy access to chapters and silky-smooth playback. Love it!
Tough Nut
I'm impressed by how much more I'm learning through audiobooks compared to traditional reading. The controls on ListenBook are intuitive and user-friendly, making it a joy to navigate through my audiobooks. I'm amazed by the variety of genres available – there's something for everyone. This app has reignited my love for literature and made it a part of my everyday life. 🛌 Drifting into dreamland with enchanting audiobooks – bedtime has become a gateway to imagination. 🌙📚
Snake Eyes
ListenBook's sleek design and easy chapter access make navigation a breeze. This app's sleek design and intuitive navigation have made audiobook listening a seamless experience. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature streamlines the process of adding new content to my library. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
Lincoln Rider
This app isn't just a tool, it's a wellspring of inspiration and positive vibes. I'm amazed by how this app effortlessly turns my daily routines into enjoyable learning sessions. Noise reduction and tone changing are awesome features. ListenBook’s audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience.
Lady Pomegranate
Mood-based playlists help me choose books that suit my current state of mind. I can't believe how much more I'm 'reading' now, all thanks to this app. Navigating audiobooks seamlessly – this app's design is top-notch. Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats! Flawless playback.
Wildcat Appaloosa
ListenBook's customizable features, from playback speed to audio filters, cater to every audiobook lover's preferences. This audiobook performed its function without excelling. The narrator's delivery was straightforward and easy to follow, though lacking in dramatic flair. The recording quality was decent with only occasional minor inconsistencies in volume. An acceptable but forgettable listening experience.
DragonBlood
This app has made me appreciate the art of storytelling even more. 🎉 Rekindling my love for stories – this app's accessibility has reignited my passion! 📖🚀 Say goodbye to monotony – this app's diverse format compatibility and intuitive controls have turned every moment into a thrilling audiobook experience. 📱🔊 ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is an innovative touch that adds a layer of personalization. The app's performance is nothing short of impressive – smooth, responsive, and designed with audiobook lovers in mind.
Chapstick
Looping playback of a single track helps me master difficult concepts. So helpful! ListenBook has streamlined my audiobook experience. It's a must-have app for enthusiasts.
Pompeii Unicorn
This app's dedication to providing high-quality narration has made all the difference. I love how this app's user-friendly interface allows me to navigate through chapters and controls effortlessly. I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily routines more enjoyable and intellectually fulfilling.
HedgeH0g2
ListenBook has reignited my love for storytelling and learning, one audio file at a time. ListenBook makes organizing my audiobooks simple. The app is very user-friendly.
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