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.
Deano
I'm constantly amazed by the vast selection β there's always something new to discover. π Elevating everyday moments β this app adds an extra layer of magic to every aspect of my day. πβ¨ Chapters make it so easy to pick up where I left off. No more hunting around.
ButterQuest
Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a revelation. It elevates the audio quality to a new level. I love the car mode. Itβs so convenient for listening while driving.
Capital F
ListenBook's dedication to excellence shines through in its impeccable audio quality and user-friendly features. ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a testament to the app's commitment to audio quality. Navigating chapters is a breeze with ListenBook. It's a user-friendly and seamless experience. Love the silky-smooth playback and easy-to-use interface. ListenBook is the best! Not bad, but not amazing either. The narratorβs voice was pleasant, though some parts felt a bit rushed. The story had its moments, but I wouldnβt necessarily recommend it over similar titles in the genre.
Stick Shift
This app is my travel companion β making long journeys enjoyable and insightful. π Bedtime stories for adults? Yes, please! This app is a dream come true. ππ π₯ Streamlined functionality that's music to my ears β audiobook enjoyment has reached a new level of convenience. π΅π 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. πββοΈπ§ I love the auto-bookmark feature. It saves my place automatically.
Delirium
This app has made my downtime so much more productive and enjoyable. Effortless audiobook exploration β this app's design is a reader's dream. Organization made easy! This app's efficient management of my audiobook collection ensures I'm always engrossed in a captivating tale. ππ±
LyRz
π Simplifying my reading routine β this app's user-friendly design ensures I'm always in sync with my favorite stories. πβ¨ No more converting files β this app effortlessly handles various formats, saving me time and effort. This was a competent audiobook production with no major flaws. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough and the audio quality was acceptable, though not exceptional. While the performance didn't particularly stand out, it served its purpose adequately for my daily commute.
ManBreaker
Audiobooks have turned road trips into unforgettable journeys of imagination. π Adding excitement to each day β this app ensures that every moment is an opportunity to explore new stories. ππ I can't get enough of the binaural audio processing. It's like a breath of fresh air for my ears. ListenBook has transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. It's an indispensable part of my routine. Auto-rewind is incredibly helpful. Excellent functionality.
Uncle Psycho
The app's customization options allow me to tailor the listening experience to my liking. This app has reignited my passion for reading, and I'm forever grateful. The Looping playback and Shuffle features on ListenBook help me customize my listening sessions to my liking. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook is a fun feature that adds a unique touch to my audiobook experience. ListenBook has become my ultimate audiobook companion. It enhances every listening session.
Nessie Pork
I'm impressed by how this app seamlessly syncs across my devices. The intuitive chapter navigation and quick access to controls make my audiobook experience seamless. ListenBook has changed the way I listen to audiobooks. The app is so easy to use.
Coma Stalk
I've become a more empathetic listener and reader, thanks to the power of audiobooks. ListenBook has redefined my audiobook journey, making it more enjoyable and convenient than ever before. ListenBook has elevated my audiobook experience to new heights. It's a treasure trove of knowledge.
Killer Merlot
With ListenBook, I can now listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. π§ Carrying a world of literature in my headphones β this app's convenience is truly remarkable. ππ« Savoring audiobooks without fuss β this app's design is impressive. The statistics feature is a fantastic addition β knowing how much time I spend on audiobooks is eye-opening, and ListenBook makes tracking it a breeze. As someone who listens to audiobooks daily, I can confidently say ListenBook is the best player out there. The sleep timer and auto-rewind features are lifesavers, and the sound quality is exceptional. Thank you for such a great app!
ThreadTraveler
I'm addicted to this app β it's like having a library in my pocket. I'm hooked on this app's ability to make every moment a reading moment. Looping playback has revolutionized my language learning journey. I'm making rapid progress. I love the ability to change the background color. Itβs a nice touch.
Impulsive Flower
ListenBook has transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. It's an indispensable part of my routine. Looping playback has transformed my study sessions. It's an invaluable tool for retaining information.
Mother Night
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I always have access to my favorite content. Accessing literary treasures has never been this straightforward β thank you, app! Audiobook excellence simplified β this app's functionality is a true delight. Simplifying my audiobook experience β this app's design is a game-changer.
Pixy Mox
The app's interface is sleek and modern, making it a joy to use. I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my constant source of books. ποΈπ§ Soaking up the sun while indulging in beach reads β this app is my ultimate relaxation companion. ποΈπ The app's performance is exceptional, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted audiobook experience. It's clear that it's designed with audiobook enthusiasts in mind.
Murder Cherry
ListenBook's interface is sleek and user-friendly, making navigation a breeze. ListenBook has made audiobook listening more convenient and enjoyable than ever before. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback features add versatility to my audiobook listening experience.
Bazooka Har-de-har
This app has brought the magic of books back into my life. Audiobook multitasking simplified β this app's ease of use is a true asset. Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats! Flawless playback. Automated metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is so organized now. The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that has a big impact on my listening experience. I love it!
Iron Jesus
ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a game-changer. I can now focus on the story even in noisy environments. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. Itβs a unique feature.
Kawaii Red
CUE playlist support is a rare gem. Perfect for organizing content efficiently. Adjusting playback speed has transformed the way I consume audiobooks. I can tailor the pacing to match my learning style and preferences. ListenBookβs audio filters are great. The app provides a high-quality listening experience.
D-Hog-Day
I can finally tackle my reading list while stuck in traffic β what a win! I can't believe how easily this app has fit into my daily routine. π§ My daily chores just got an upgrade! Thanks to this app, I can dive into captivating stories while cooking and cleaning. ππ³
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