Book description
LONGLISTED FOR THE BOOKER PRIZEINTERNATIONAL BESTSELLERFrom the bestselling author of The Garden of Evening Mists, a spellbinding novel about love and betrayal, colonialism and revolution, storytelling and redemption. The year is 1921. Lesley Hamlyn and her husband, Robert, a lawyer and war veteran, are living at Cassowary House on the Straits Settlement of Penang. When "Willie" Somerset Maugham, a famed writer and old friend of Robert's, arrives for an extended visit with his secretary Gerald, the pair threatens a rift that could alter more lives than one. Maugham, one of the great novelists of his day, is beleaguered: Having long hidden his homosexuality, his unhappy and expensive marriage of convenience becomes unbearable after he loses his savings-and the freedom to travel with Gerald. His career deflating, his health failing, Maugham arrives at Cassowary House in desperate need of a subject for his next book. Lesley, too, is enduring a marriage more duplicitous than it first appears. Maugham suspects an affair, and, learning of Lesley's past connection to the Chinese revolutionary, Dr. Sun Yat Sen, decides to probe deeper. But as their friendship grows and Lesley confides in him about life in the Straits, Maugham discovers a far more surprising tale than he imagined, one that involves not only war and scandal but the trial of an Englishwoman charged with murder. It is, to Maugham, a story worthy of fiction. A mesmerizingly beautiful novel based on real events, The House of Doors traces the fault lines of race, gender, sexuality, and power under empire, and dives deep into the complicated nature of love and friendship in its shadow.
Chip Queen
I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my daily dose of literary magic. ListenBook has become an integral part of my daily routine. Its compatibility with Apple Watch and CarPlay makes it the ultimate companion for various activities. The user-friendly interface and smooth navigation make this app a pleasure to use daily.
B@d B0y
I'm blown away by how this app has revolutionized my reading experience. πΆπ My new soundtrack? Audiobooks, of course! This app makes every day musical. π§πΆ The auto-rewind feature after interruptions is a small thing that makes a big difference. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to share stories and connect with friends. The subtle background music at key moments enhanced the experience without being distracting. More audiobooks should use this technique when appropriate!
IdeaAlchemy
Thanks to ListenBook, I'm now exploring different genres and formats I never thought I would. ππ Embarking on literary journeys even with my eyes closed β bedtime stories have taken a new form with this app! π΄π§ Tone adjustment is such a unique feature. It's like customizing the narrator's voice. ListenBook has become my go-to app for exploring a diverse range of audiobooks. It offers a wide array of features that cater to different preferences and needs. ListenBook makes my commute enjoyable. The audio filters really enhance the listening experience.
Undergrad
As a language learner, this app has been invaluable in improving my listening skills. I can't imagine my daily routine without ListenBook's intuitive layout and easy-to-access controls.
Good-lookinβ
ListenBook's audio filters have transformed the way I experience audio content β it's a real game-changer. I'm grateful for this app's ability to fit seamlessly into my lifestyle, making learning a part of my day. Audiobooks made convenient β this app's functionality is impressive. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. It enhances the audio quality and ensures that I can immerse myself fully in the content.
Stallion Patton
The narrator's voices are so captivating, it's like they bring the stories to life. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. My recordings sound crystal clear. Navigating through chapters has never been easier. It's a user-friendly delight. I've listened to hundreds of audiobooks, and this one stands out for its professional quality. The narrator struck the ideal balance between dramatic interpretation and letting the text speak for itself. The audio engineering was superb with consistent volume levels and crystal-clear recording.
Vagabond Warrior
Audiobooks made accessible and enjoyable β this app's design is a triumph. This app is a game-changer for audiobook lovers! The interface is clean and easy to use.
Predator
I appreciate how ListenBook offers various methods for downloading audio β it caters to different preferences. This app's convenience has made reading a consistent part of my life. Audiobooks anytime, anywhere β this app's functionality is a reader's delight. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
SpellTansy
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances my immersion in every audiobook, regardless of surroundings. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay is a huge plus during long drives. The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that has a big impact on my listening experience. I love it! The app's compatibility with Apple Watch elevates my workouts, making them more engaging and productive.
Impulse
I'm amazed at how this app has made reading a seamless part of my life. This app is my audiobook haven. With a user-friendly interface and features like audio filters, I'm engrossed in stories like never before. ππ From novels to speeches, this app's versatility in playing different formats has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary listening sessions. π±π ListenBook's statistics feature is eye-opening. I had no idea how much time I spent immersed in audiobooks until I started using it. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a revelation. It eliminates distractions and enhances the clarity of recordings, resulting in a more immersive experience.
Grotas
The narrator's voice in some audiobooks is so soothing, it's like a spa for the ears. The ease of downloading content via WiFi, WebDAV, and more has made ListenBook my audiobook hub. The range of supported formats is impressive. No more converting files! Great for both casual listening and studying. The audio filters are a nice touch. Packed with useful features. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook app.
Roadblock
The bookmark feature is a lifesaver β no more losing my place in the story! I'm amazed at how this app has made my workouts more motivating and my audiobooks more accessible. I never thought I'd find an app that supports such a wide range of audiobook formats. ListenBook is a true gem! ListenBook's customizable audio filters add a new dimension to my audiobook enjoyment. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magical spell that transports me into the heart of the story.
DARK HQ
π‘ This app's convenience is a blessing β I can squeeze in reading time between managing household tasks! π±π©βπ³ Auto-rewind feature is extremely helpful. Great functionality. This was a workmanlike audiobook that did the job without flair. The narration was clear and the pacing appropriate, though the delivery lacked some emotional depth. The production quality was acceptable with no major technical issues.
Alley Frog
I'm no longer missing out on great stories β this app fits perfectly into my lifestyle. Tone adjustment adds a unique touch to my listening experience. I'm hooked! Unlimited length audiobooks with ListenBook Pro are a huge plus! Flawless support for various audio formats. Very happy with it. The appβs design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
Jo Jo Spooky
I never thought I'd enjoy audiobooks as much as I do now β all thanks to this app. ListenBook is my daily companion, turning mundane tasks into exciting audio adventures. The app is perfect for people who love to read but donβt have the time. Iβve been using ListenBook for months, and itβs been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesnβt drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Old Man Winter
ListenBook Pro is worth every penny. The unlimited audiobook length is a dream come true. The app's compatibility with CarPlay enhances my driving experience. Audiobooks on the road have never been better.
Mauve Cactus
Seamless audiobook integration β this app's functionality is a true gem. Download options are plenty β I can get my audiobooks from various sources hassle-free. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. It's like having virtual bookshelves! This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark featureβit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Fennel Dove
π‘ This app has made my daily schedule more interesting β 'reading' on the go! π±πΆββοΈ πͺ Doubling the impact of my workouts β exercising and exploring stories, all thanks to this app! πͺπ§ Tone adjustment is such a unique feature. It's like customizing the narrator's voice.
Flotsams54
π± An app that respects my time and delivers on functionality β audiobook listening has never been this effortless. ππ Organization made easy! This app's efficient management of my audiobook collection ensures I'm always engrossed in a captivating tale. ππ± The app's performance is beyond impressive. It's like it's tailor-made for my device.
Old Regret
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has elevated my listening experience. With this app, I can switch seamlessly between my iPhone and iPad, making my reading experience continuous. ListenBook's support for playlists in the CUE format makes organizing and enjoying audiobook series a delightful experience. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction ensures that my listening experience remains clear and enjoyable. Listening stats motivate me to read more. Great feature!
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