Book description
WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR FICTION FINALIST - REESE'S BOOK CLUB PICK - NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLER - The author of award-winning Hamnet brings the world of Renaissance Italy to jewel-bright life in this unforgettable fictional portrait of the captivating young duchess Lucrezia de' Medici as she makes her way in a troubled court. "I could not stop reading this incredible true story." --Reese Witherspoon (Reese's Book Club Pick) "O'Farrell pulls out little threads of historical detail to weave this story of a precocious girl sensitive to the contradictions of her station...You may know the history, and you may think you know what's coming, but don't be so sure." --The Washington Post Florence, the 1550s. Lucrezia, third daughter of the grand duke, is comfortable with her obscure place in the palazzo: free to wonder at its treasures, observe its clandestine workings, and devote herself to her own artistic pursuits. But when her older sister dies on the eve of her wedding to the ruler of Ferrara, Modena and Reggio, Lucrezia is thrust unwittingly into the limelight: the duke is quick to request her hand in marriage, and her father just as quick to accept on her behalf. Having barely left girlhood behind, Lucrezia must now enter an unfamiliar court whose customs are opaque and where her arrival is not universally welcomed. Perhaps most mystifying of all is her new husband himself, Alfonso. Is he the playful sophisticate he appeared to be before their wedding, the aesthete happiest in the company of artists and musicians, or the ruthless politician before whom even his formidable sisters seem to tremble? As Lucrezia sits in constricting finery for a painting intended to preserve her image for centuries to come, one thing becomes worryingly clear. In the court's eyes, she has one duty: to provide the heir who will shore up the future of the Ferranese dynasty. Until then, for all of her rank and nobility, the new duchess's future hangs entirely in the balance. Full of the beauty and emotion with which she illuminated the Shakespearean canvas of Hamnet, Maggie O'Farrell turns her talents to Renaissance Italy in an extraordinary portrait of a resilient young woman's battle for her very survival.
InsightfulInk
I'm hooked on this app's ability to make reading fit into any moment. This app's convenience has turned my daily chores into moments of literary escape. Finally, an app that understands the power of CUE playlists. Perfect for organizing. Solid performance overall though some character voices sounded too similar. I occasionally got confused about who was speaking in dialogue-heavy scenes.
Bleeker
ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback features add versatility to my audiobook listening experience. The ability to adjust the tone of the narrator's voice is a creative touch that adds depth to my listening.
Fist Wizard
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Guncap Slingbad
The ease of downloading content via WiFi, WebDAV, and more has made ListenBook my audiobook hub. Audiobooks on this app have made my workouts more enjoyable and productive. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection.
Mr. Alien
This app has turned even the most ordinary moments into reading sessions. I can't believe how seamless the integration with Apple Watch is. My workouts just got better. 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.
Demand Chopper
Streamlining audiobook enjoyment – this app's functionality is truly impressive. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature streamlines the process of adding new content to my library. Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that sets this app apart. The app is so reliable. I’ve never had any issues with it. 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!
RiddleRover
ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats is impressive. From MP3 to FLAC, it handles them all flawlessly. Highly engaging! The combination of a well-written story and skilled narration made this audiobook hard to pause. I finished it much faster than I expected because I just couldn’t stop listening.
Blizzard Vixen
ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an indispensable tool for my audiobook enjoyment. I can't get enough of ListenBook's silky-smooth playback and intuitive design. It's my go-to app for both leisurely listening and study sessions. The book groups feature is a thoughtful addition. It helps me keep my series and related titles together. The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze.
CuriousCrafter
With ListenBook, I can effortlessly manage and organize my audiobook library. ListenBook's comprehensive support for a wide range of audio formats sets it apart from other audiobook apps. The ListenBook app has made my daily routines more enriching, allowing me to learn while on the go. This app's ease of use has made reading an integral part of my everyday life.
Free Ham
The narrator's voices are so soothing – a perfect way to unwind after a stressful day. ListenBook has made me fall in love with my audio content all over again – it's a must-have. The app's versatility in audio downloading is impressive. It's a one-stop solution for all my content. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. It’s a fun feature.
MeeP
User-centric audiobook joy – this app's ease of use is impressive. Downloading over WiFi saves so much time. Very efficient.
Gr8 Flick
Looping playback has revolutionized my study sessions. I'm learning faster than ever. The app’s design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player. 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!
The Shield Toronto
I'm amazed at how effortlessly this app has made reading a constant in my life. I can't believe how easy it is to download audio from various sources. So convenient!
Sexy
I can't believe how much more productive I am – I'm learning and growing while multitasking! ListenBook has turned my daily routines into audiobook-driven journeys of imagination. This app's compatibility with different file types means that my entire audiobook collection is at my fingertips. The auto-rewind feature after interruptions is a small thing that makes a big difference.
Alley Frog
The narrators' voices on this app are so soothing – it's my relaxation therapy. I'm amazed by ListenBook's dedication to quality – it's evident in every feature. This app's seamless integration with my devices has made audiobook listening a hassle-free experience. ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a game-changer. I can now focus on the story even in noisy environments. With ListenBook Pro, long audiobooks are no problem. I love it!
Guncap Slingbad
This app has enriched my daily routine with the joy of stories and knowledge. This app's user-friendly controls and sleek design have made audiobook listening a truly immersive journey. Navigating audiobooks with ease – this app's functionality is a standout. Elegant design and easy-to-use interface. Very happy with ListenBook. What a delightful listening experience! The narrator's timing was impeccable, knowing exactly when to pause for effect or let the words flow. Their character voices were distinct yet natural - no over-the-top accents or distracting vocal tics. The audio quality was consistently excellent.
ThoughtTraveler
I've been able to tackle my reading list like never before, thanks to this app. ListenBook's sleek interface and precise controls make it a joy to use during my daily listening sessions. ListenBook's support for binaural audio processing is a thoughtful touch that reduces listening fatigue. ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's an essential tool that enhances every listening session. An average audiobook experience. Nothing was wrong with it—the narration was fine, and the story was okay—but nothing particularly stood out. It served its purpose as entertainment during my commute.
Bitmap
It's impressive how the app caters to both seasoned readers and newcomers. This app's support for various formats and genres ensures that there's always something new to explore. Unlocking a world of literary possibilities, this app's extensive compatibility and user-friendly controls have made audiobook enjoyment an everyday joy. 📱🔊 My audiobook collection has never been more organized. Library management is a breeze.
Troublemasher
I can't thank the developers enough for constantly updating and improving the app. This app has turned my gym sessions into immersive storytelling experiences – time flies by! I love the ability to share my progress with friends. It’s a fun feature.
FireBerry
This app has made waiting in lines and queues an opportunity for exploration and enjoyment. Listening stats feature keeps me motivated to read more. Love it! 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.
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