Book description
Audiobook Review - The Magician by Colm Tóibín
Listening to The Magician is like stepping into a living, breathing archive of the twentieth century. Tóibín's narrative, already celebrated on paper as a "feat of literary sorcery," shines even brighter when voiced by a cast that brings each character's voice and era to vivid life.
From the very first notes, the narrator sets the scene in a small German town at the cusp of modernity, with Thomas Mann's childhood layered over the hum of industrial progress. The subtle inflections capture his internal conflict: a son torn between filial duty and a secret yearning for art-and for love that society will not accept. As the story unfolds across continents-Munich, Switzerland, France, Princeton, Los Angeles-the narrator's tone shifts smoothly, reflecting the changing moods of each setting without losing the thread of Mann's personal journey.
What truly elevates this audiobook is its meticulous attention to historical texture. The soundscape is rich with period-appropriate music and ambient sounds: the clatter of a train in Berlin, the distant echo of war drums, the soft murmur of a café in Paris. These elements ground listeners in each epoch, making the rise of Hitler, the horrors of World War II, and the chill of the Cold War feel immediate rather than abstract.
The emotional core-Mann's lifelong battle with his desires, his family obligations, and the moral dilemmas posed by history-is delivered with a quiet intensity. The narrator never oversells; instead, subtle pauses and gentle crescendos allow the weight of each revelation to settle naturally. When Mann finally receives the Nobel Prize, the music swells just enough to underline the triumph without turning it into melodrama.
Listeners will also appreciate the way Tóibín intertwines his own life with that of his protagonist. The audiobook subtly hints at the author's perspective through reflective passages, giving a meta-layer that enriches the listening experience.
In short, The Magician audiobook is an immersive journey that combines literary brilliance with stellar narration and sound design. Whether you're a fan of historical sagas or simply looking for a compelling story to accompany your commute or workout, this recording delivers every page's promise-savoring each moment from start to finish.
Shivers
I appreciate the option to listen to samples before committing to a book. This app has introduced me to genres I never thought I'd enjoy – it's eye-opening. ListenBook's integration with AirDrop and sharing options makes it simple to spread the joy of storytelling. Not bad, but not amazing either. The narrator’s voice was pleasant, though some parts felt a bit rushed. The story had its moments, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it over similar titles in the genre.
57 Pixels
Automatic metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is finally well-organized. ListenBook has made listening to audiobooks a breeze. The smooth playback and intuitive interface are unmatched.
Delicious
ListenBook has enriched my life with a diverse range of content, all at my fingertips. This app has turned even the most ordinary moments into reading sessions. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun and interactive way to connect.
Flash
With ListenBook, I can now listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. This app is my constant companion, making every moment a chance to discover new worlds.
Dream Killer
ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically adds a visual touch to my audiobook collection. The app's interface is so sleek and modern. It's a joy to use.
PixelPioneer
I appreciate how ListenBook offers various methods for downloading audio – it caters to different preferences. Say hello to audiobook nirvana! This app's user-friendly design and comprehensive features have made my reading routine smoother than ever. 🌌📚
Shadow Chaser
I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn even the most mundane tasks into exciting opportunities for learning. The playback history is a great feature. I can easily revisit my favorite parts.
MythMaker
This app is a gift for anyone with a busy lifestyle – I can enjoy books while doing chores! Listening to audiobooks has never been this convenient and enjoyable!
Chuckles
With this app, reading is no longer confined to a specific time or place. Download options are versatile, making it easy to get audiobooks from various sources. Noise reduction and tone changing enhance the listening experience. Love it! The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is amazing. ListenBook is top-notch.
General Broomdog
I'm amazed at how immersive the experience is – it's like being inside the story. 🚶♀️📖 Discovering new worlds on my daily walks – this app is my travel companion! 🌍🎧 ListenBook has rekindled my passion for learning. I'm exploring new topics every day.
RZRWRE
With this app, I'm experiencing the joy of reading in a whole new light. ListenBook has become my constant companion. It's like having a personal audiobook assistant. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. It’s a unique feature.
Mule Lock
With this app, I've turned my everyday moments into meaningful opportunities for growth and learning. 💡 This app has made my daily schedule more interesting – 'reading' on the go! 📱🚶♂️ ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature from web browsers is incredibly convenient. Downloading audiobooks has never been this easy. ListenBook's library organization keeps my audiobooks neat and accessible. A true organizational lifesaver! ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
Bowie
I appreciate how ListenBook offers various methods for downloading audio – it caters to different preferences. 🌟 Who needs a dull commute when you can embark on literary journeys with this app? 🚗📖 Smooth playback and great sound quality. ListenBook is my new favorite app!
1st Degree
I love how this app turns even the dullest tasks into exciting storytelling moments. Audiobooks have made waiting in lines and queues so much more bearable. With ListenBook Pro, I can enjoy super long audiobooks. It's fantastic! The narrator's voice was so pleasant and easy to listen to. They had perfect pacing and made even the slower parts engaging. I found myself looking forward to my commute just to listen more!
Stud
Shuffle playback is a fun feature. It keeps me engaged with my audiobooks. Automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a touch of elegance to my audiobook collection. ListenBook’s playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace.
Good-lookin’
I'm in awe of how technology has enhanced my reading experience through this app. The ease of downloading content via WiFi, WebDAV, and more has made ListenBook my audiobook hub. With ListenBook, my iPhone and iPad have become a gateway to a world of captivating stories. Not bad, but not amazing either. The narrator’s voice was pleasant, though some parts felt a bit rushed. The story had its moments, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it over similar titles in the genre. Perfect for my daily walks. The story was engaging enough to keep me motivated to exercise but not so complex that I got lost in thought. Great production quality too.
Girl Brownie
🎉 This app has ignited my passion for reading – I can't get enough of its convenience! 📚🔥 ListenBook's commitment to user experience shines through its thoughtful design and seamless functionality.
Grinch Cheese
I'm thrilled that ListenBook offers both basic and advanced features to cater to all types of users. ListenBook has made audiobook listening a personalized and enriching journey. ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a testament to the app's commitment to audio quality.
Tall Sally
I'm in awe of how technology has enhanced my reading experience through this app. I'm amazed by the variety of genres available – there's something for everyone. 📱 Turning my phone into a portal of endless stories – this app is pure magic! 📚✨ ListenBook's commitment to a user-friendly interface and intuitive controls is evident in every aspect of the app.
Hoover Spark
As a visually impaired person, this app has opened up a new world of stories for me. ListenBook's versatility and user-friendly interface make it a must-have for audiobook lovers. Effortless audiobook exploration – this app's design is a reader's dream. Binaural audio processing really works. Less fatigue during long listening sessions.
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