Book description
Translated by Oonagh StranskyChildren can be cruel, and children can love as passionately as adults, more so at times. When these two facts combine and ignite the imagination of Italy’s greatest contemporary novelist, extraordinary, unexpected things can come of it. Like this seemingly simply novel that bellies remarkable psychological depths and infinite degrees of enchantment. Imagine a child, a daydreamer, one of those boys who is always gazing out windows. His adoring grandmother, busy in the kitchen, keeps an eye on him. The child stares at a balcony on the opposite building, watching a black-haired girl as she dances a reckless, dangerous dance. He is in love. And a love like this can push a child to extremes. He can become an explorer or a cabin boy, a cowboy or castaway; he can fight duels to the death, or even master unfamiliar languages. His grandmother has told him about the entrance to the underworld, and he knows the story of Orpheus’s failed rescue mission. Stupid man, the boy thinks. He could do better, he could bring that dark-haired up from the underground. If only he had the chance. She tells him about the entrance to the underworld, engraving indelible images in her nephew’s mind. An irresistible book, as sharp as the swords of fantasy hidden under the bed, as precious as a family jewel, in which the discovery of love and the discovery of death follow each other, marking the end of childhood.The moment during childhood in which both love and death are revealed is portrayed to perfection in this latest novel by the Strega Prize-winning Italian novelist, Domenico Starnone, whose books are sharp as tacks, quick to read, and impossible to forget.
Preach Man
With ListenBook, I can enjoy my own audio content with unparalleled ease and comfort. Audiobook adventures simplified – this app's functionality is a revelation. Bookmarks are a fantastic organizational tool. They help me keep track of important moments in my audiobooks.
Ex0tic
This app has turned my daily commute into a source of inspiration and entertainment. Audiobooks on demand? Yes, please! With this app's robust features, I'm always just a tap away from immersing myself in captivating narratives. 📚📱 I can finally listen to all my audiobooks seamlessly with ListenBook. The customizable playback controls and chapter navigation make it a breeze. The app is worth every penny. It’s packed with features and works flawlessly. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Unleashed
Savoring audiobooks without fuss – this app's design is impressive. Audiobooks have never been this accessible and enjoyable. This app's compatibility with various formats and its emphasis on user experience have made it an essential tool for me. 📱🔊 Unlocking a world of literary possibilities, this app's extensive compatibility and user-friendly controls have made audiobook enjoyment an everyday joy. 📱🔊 ListenBook has completely elevated my audiobook experience. It's an integral part of my daily routine. Easy access to chapters and silky-smooth playback. Love it!
Bug Fire
👩🍳 Turning cooking sessions into culinary adventures, complete with intriguing tales! 🍳🎧 Organization made easy! This app's efficient management of my audiobook collection ensures I'm always engrossed in a captivating tale. 📖📱 The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app.
Spooky Electric
Audiobooks have made my commutes so much more enjoyable, and I'm always excited to listen. Mood-based playlists help me choose books that suit my current state of mind. ListenBook's drag and drop downloads from web browsers are a time-saving feature I can't live without.
DZE
The ListenBook app has become an indispensable part of my daily routine, helping me learn and relax simultaneously. 🎧 Making housework more enjoyable – audiobooks turn mundane chores into moments of discovery. 🧹📚 ListenBook has made my daily commutes enjoyable. No more boredom!
Jigsaw
ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature streamlines the process of adding new content to my library. Tone adjustment is such an innovative feature. It adds a personal touch to narration.
Dropkick
ListenBook's dedication to enhancing the audiobook experience has made it my preferred app for listening to content on the go. Savoring audiobooks without fuss – this app's design is impressive. ListenBook’s bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
Berry Succubus
This app is like having a personal library with me wherever I go. Bookmarks are a lifesaver for my study materials. I can easily revisit important sections.
Steel
I love that I can switch between fiction and non-fiction effortlessly. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I am. ListenBook has transformed my daily rituals into cherished opportunities for personal growth. Audiobook excellence made simple – this app's functionality is a true asset.
Z-Boy
Being able to download audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats ensures I never miss out on any audio gem. 🧘♀️☕ Sipping tea and getting lost in stories – the ultimate way to unwind! 🍵📖 🚗📚 Turn traffic into a literary escape – this app's functionality keeps me engaged while I'm on the move. 🚗🎧 🏃♀️🌟 Experiencing stories while staying active – this app's functionality enhances my walks and runs like never before. 🎧🏞️
ByteBard
I'm constantly amazed by the variety of genres – there's something for everyone. The ability to switch between different books effortlessly is a major plus. Listening stats feature keeps me motivated to read more. Love it!
Overrun
With this app, I've turned my everyday moments into meaningful opportunities for growth and learning. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch adds a new level of convenience to my audiobook journey. is a breeze. It's incredibly convenient for building my collection. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient. The app is so responsive. It never lags or freezes.
Mr. Lucky
Tone adjustment is such a unique feature. It's like customizing the narrator's voice. I love the bookmarking feature. ListenBook makes it easy to pick up where I left off. 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.
Trash Sling
This app has ignited my passion for reading once again – but in a modern, convenient way. Easy chapter navigation and beautiful design make this app stand out. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app. 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 feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Snow Pharaoh
⏰ Maximizing my time with efficient features – this app's functionality lets me dive into stories even in the busiest moments. 📚⏳ ListenBook's customizable audio filters add a new dimension to my audiobook enjoyment. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch adds a new level of convenience to my audiobook journey.
Clover Dragon
The fact that ListenBook doesn't just play, but enhances audio quality, is truly remarkable. This app's compatibility with different file types means that my entire audiobook collection is at my fingertips. 📱 My pocket-sized library – this app makes reading accessible anytime, anywhere! 📚📱
SunnySnap
This app has broadened my literary horizons, introducing me to new authors. No more worries about compatibility – ListenBook handles numerous formats flawlessly. ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app is packed with useful features. I love the quick access to settings. It makes tweaking the app so easy.
Mad Rascal
This app has turned my household chores into moments of intellectual growth. I'm amazed at how this app has made reading fit into every aspect of my life. 🚶♀️📖 Walking my way through exciting narratives – this app makes exercise more fun! 🏞️🎧 This app is my audiobook haven. With a user-friendly interface and features like audio filters, I'm engrossed in stories like never before. 📖🔊 ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances the audio quality to an impressive degree.
Silver Cup
This app's convenience has made reading a consistent part of my life. Flawless support for various audio formats. Highly satisfied.
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