Book description
A spellbinding work of history that reads like a Cold War spy thriller--about the U.S.-sanctioned plot to assassinate the democratically elected leader of the newly independent Congo "This is one of the best books I have read in years . . . gripping, full of colorful characters, and strange plot twists." --Fareed Zakaria, CNN host It was supposed to be a moment of great optimism, a cause for jubilation. The Congo was at last being set free from Belgium--one of seventeen countries to gain independence in 1960 from ruling European powers. At the helm as prime minister was charismatic nationalist Patrice Lumumba. Just days after the handover, however, the Congo's new army mutinied, Belgian forces intervened, and Lumumba turned to the United Nations for help in saving his newborn nation from what the press was already calling "the Congo crisis." Dag Hammarskjöld, the tidy Swede serving as UN secretary-general, quickly arranged the organization's biggest peacekeeping mission in history. But chaos was still spreading. Frustrated with the fecklessness of the UN and spurned by the United States, Lumumba then approached the Soviets for help--an appeal that set off alarm bells at the CIA. To forestall the spread of Communism in Africa, the CIA sent word to its station chief in the Congo, Larry Devlin: Lumumba had to go. Within a year, everything would unravel. The CIA plot to murder Lumumba would fizzle out, but he would be deposed in a CIA-backed coup, transferred to enemy territory in a CIA-approved operation, and shot dead by Congolese assassins. Hammarskjöld, too, would die, in a mysterious plane crash en route to negotiate a cease-fire with the Congo's rebellious southeast. And a young, ambitious military officer named Joseph Mobutu, who had once sworn fealty to Lumumba, would seize power with U.S. help and misrule the country for more than three decades. For the Congolese people, the events of 1960-61 represented the opening chapter of a long horror story. For the U.S. government, however, they provided a playbook for future interventions.
CyberScribe
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Preach Man
ListenBook's intuitive design and thoughtful features have made my audiobook experience delightful. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
Blister
Audiobooks have become my favorite workout companions, making exercise a breeze. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections. 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!
Plum Moon
The voice actors are incredible – they make the characters come alive. ListenBook has become my go-to app for all things audio – from lectures to speeches, it's got it all. ListenBook's extensive library and user-friendly interface have made it my go-to app. This app's user-friendly layout and quick access to controls have made audiobook listening a breeze. ListenBook’s CarPlay support makes listening in the car a seamless experience.
Blistered Outlaw
This app has rekindled my passion for literature in a whole new way. With this app, I'm experiencing the joy of reading in a whole new light. ListenBook has made my daily commutes enjoyable. No more boredom! Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats. It's a dream come true for audiophiles like me.
Bones
I've become a more empathetic listener and reader, thanks to the power of audiobooks. ListenBook is my go-to companion for immersive audiobook experiences. The ease of use and extensive format support make it a must-have!
JesterZilla
I can't thank this app enough for making my audiobook experience so effortless. From downloading to playback, it's a true companion for book lovers. 📚💫 The chapter navigation is a lifesaver. It makes finding my place so easy.
FearLeSS
The fact that ListenBook doesn't just play, but enhances audio quality, is truly remarkable. The interface is clean and intuitive. I was up and running in seconds. is a time-saver. It's convenient for accessing my content. ListenBook has redefined how I enjoy audiobooks. It's an essential tool for my literary pursuits. This audiobook exceeded all my expectations! The narrator's ability to convey emotion through voice alone was remarkable. I laughed, I gasped, I might have even teared up at points - all because of the incredible vocal performance. The story came alive in a way reading alone couldn't achieve.
Gbbledgoodk
I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my daily dose of literature. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay is a major convenience during road trips. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
Apple Nola
I love how this app fits seamlessly into my daily routine. Effortlessly accessing my favorite audiobooks has become a reality, all thanks to this app's user-centric design and comprehensive format support. A must-download! 📱🎧 ListenBook's customizable audio filters are a game-changer for tailoring my audiobook playback. With ListenBook Pro, I can enjoy super long audiobooks. It's fantastic! A middle-of-the-road audiobook that neither impressed nor disappointed. The narrator's voice was agreeable enough for extended listening, though their character differentiation could have been stronger. The production met basic industry standards without any standout qualities.
Terror Master
Audiobook enjoyment has never been this convenient. This app's sleek design and efficient organization ensure that every story is accessible and enjoyable. 📚👌 Beautiful layout and easy access to chapters. Really impressed with ListenBook. The app is so well-designed. It’s clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
VisionVoyager
I'm absolutely in love with this app! It's like a library of stories in my pocket. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fantastic way to introduce them to captivating stories.
Sienna Princess
I'm grateful for this app, as it allows me to keep up with my reading even while multitasking. 👩🍳 Turning cooking sessions into culinary adventures, complete with intriguing tales! 🍳🎧
Spoiler Betty
As an audiobook aficionado, this app is a dream come true. Its support for various formats and effortless navigation make it my perfect reading companion. 🌟🎧 My house has never been cleaner! I kept finding chores to do just to keep listening. The narrator's energy matched the tone of the book perfectly.
Bad Badminton
The app's customization options allow me to tailor the listening experience to my liking. This app has made audiobook listening an integral part of my daily routine – it's a habit I cherish. Bookmarks are a lifesaver for study materials. I never lose my place again. Binaural audio processing is a game-changer – my ears stay comfortable during long listening sessions. Tone adjustment adds a new layer of personalization to my audiobook experience. It's like having the narrator tailor the voice to my preferences.
Grave Digger
No more worries about compatibility – ListenBook handles numerous formats flawlessly. With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual growth and personal enjoyment. 💼 Boosting productivity at work with an audiobook in the background – love it! 💻🎧 Bookmarks are a fantastic organizational tool. They help me keep track of important moments in my audiobooks. I love the ability to change the playback speed. It’s perfect for my needs.
Mule Lock
It's like having a personal library that fits in my pocket – truly amazing! I'm impressed by ListenBook's commitment to providing a silky-smooth playback experience. I love how easy it is to download audiobooks with ListenBook. The app is incredibly convenient.
Taz Ringer
The audio filters in ListenBook allow me to customize my listening experience. Speed up or slow down playback—it's all up to me! Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a joy to use. It's a seamless experience. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising. 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! It was fine. The narrator did an adequate job but nothing about the performance particularly stood out to me. Got me through my commute though.
Lady Killer
🚶♀️🎧 Strolling through captivating narratives while I take my daily walks – pure bliss! 🏞️📚 The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting.
Fuzzy Rainbow
ListenBook's support for various formats ensures that no audiobook is out of reach. 🚶♂️🌟 Embracing audiobooks as my companions during leisurely walks – nature and narratives, a perfect match! 🚶♂️🎧 ListenBook has transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is a game-changer! Automatic artwork and metadata extraction add a professional touch to my audiobook library. Supports all audio formats I use without issues. Very happy.
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