Book description
The Silence - An Audiobook Review
Don DeLillo's The Silence is a masterclass in how an audiobook can elevate the text to another level of intimacy and immediacy. From the opening line, the narrator (a seasoned voice actor with a subtle, resonant tone) invites listeners into a Manhattan apartment on Super Bowl Sunday 2022, where five strangers-two retired physics professors, a former student, a couple arriving from Paris, and an unnamed observer-are about to share dinner and conversation that will unravel the very fabric of their digital lives.
The performance is impeccable. Each character's cadence reflects their background: the professor's measured, almost scientific speech; the young man's restless, quick turns; the Parisian guest's slight French inflection-all woven together by a narrator who knows when to let silence speak louder than words. The sound design is minimal yet effective-soft creaks of an old apartment, distant traffic, the faint hum of a city that never sleeps-allowing DeLillo's prose to take center stage.
DeLillo's language itself feels like a living organism in audio form. His sentences-long, layered, and sometimes elliptical-are broken up naturally by the actor's pauses, giving listeners time to absorb the weight of each idea. The sudden rupture that severs everyone from their digital connections is rendered with an almost palpable dread; the quiet that follows is not just silence but a presence that hangs over the room, mirroring the novel's meditation on what it means to be human in a hyper-connected world.
The book's themes-alienation, collective loss, and the search for meaning amid chaos-are amplified by the auditory experience. You can almost taste the bourbon, feel the chill of the Chilean telescope's data, and sense the gravity of Einstein's manuscript as it floats through the air. The narrator's gentle emphasis on key phrases turns abstract concepts into tangible sensations.
In short, The Silence audiobook is a brilliant, astonishing masterpiece that doesn't just tell you what DeLillo wants you to think; it makes you feel it. Whether you're a long-time fan of his work or new to his literary universe, this listening experience will leave you reflecting on the fragility and resilience of our shared humanity long after the final word fades.
Alley Fiend
ListenBookβs support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
Zod
ListenBook's commitment to excellence shines through in its powerful features and seamless performance. The app is perfect for language learners. The playback speed control is a game-changer. An average audiobook experience. Nothing was wrong with itβthe narration was fine, and the story was okayβbut nothing particularly stood out. It served its purpose as entertainment during my commute.
M8deUp
ListenBook's beautiful layout and quick access to chapters make navigation effortless. I'm amazed at how this app's narrators bring characters and stories to life. I'm in awe of how this app has made reading a part of my busy life. The sleep timer is a lifesaver. I fall asleep listening to my books every night.
Devine Melon
ποΈπ§ Packing for vacation just got better β this app is my getaway entertainment! π΄π Finally, an app that lets me enjoy audiobooks without worrying about file formats!
Tea Kettle
ListenBook's versatility with various audio formats means I can enjoy audiobooks from multiple sources effortlessly. ListenBook's attention to detail is commendable. Every aspect of the app is well-crafted. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks seamlessly. Very convenient.
White Dragon
I'm impressed by ListenBook's dedication to providing a comfortable listening experience. ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to introduce others to the joys of audiobook storytelling. With its powerful audio downloading features, I can have my favorite audiobooks ready to go, anytime and anywhere.
Gothic Gucci
πΌ Making work hours enjoyable β audiobooks turn my tasks into learning opportunities and moments of joy. π»π Kudos to the developers for optimizing this app for iOS 16. It runs like a dream on my device.
RealmRanger
I can't believe I waited so long to start listening to audiobooks β this app has converted me! With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual exploration and personal growth. I'm hooked on this app's ability to make reading fit into any moment. π Transforming long drives into memorable journeys through the magic of audiobooks! ππ
Dr. Cocktail
I'm impressed by how much more I'm learning through audiobooks compared to traditional reading. Chapters make it so easy to pick up where I left off. No more hunting around.
Chew Chew
ListenBook's versatile controls and playback options have made my study sessions more productive and enjoyable. I love the compatibility with iOS 16. The app runs smoothly and flawlessly. Binaural audio processing is amazing. Reduced my listening fatigue significantly.
Uluru Walker
ListenBook's innovative features, from audio filters to statistics, make it a standout app. I'm amazed at how this app has brought back the joy of reading into my daily routine β thank you! I'm amazed at how this app has made reading a seamless part of my life. 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! This audiobook made my workouts fly by! The engaging narration kept me motivated to keep listening, which meant longer gym sessions. The narrator's energy matched the material perfectly - upbeat when needed, somber when appropriate. A great example of how narration can enhance text.
Evil Smith
ListenBook has become my trusted companion, making even the busiest days enjoyable. This app's support for various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks without any hassle. ListenBook is like a personal audiobook curator, allowing me to enjoy my favorite speeches and lectures with unmatched comfort and convenience.
Guillotine Trigger
Thanks to ListenBook's automatic extraction of artwork and metadata, my library looks organized and appealing. π Embracing reading in the digital age β this app makes accessing books a seamless and enjoyable experience. π±π Looping playback has revolutionized my language learning journey. I'm making rapid progress. Easy chapter access and smooth playback. Love this app! Listening to audiobooks has never been this enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook!
Tootsie Killer
Background play feature lets me multitask while enjoying a book β brilliant! πΆββοΈπ Walking my way through exciting narratives β this app makes exercise more fun! ποΈπ§ π§ Making housework more enjoyable β audiobooks turn mundane chores into moments of discovery. π§Ήπ Downloading audiobooks is a breeze, thanks to the variety of options available.
Spitfire
Audiobooks have become my bedtime companions, soothing me into a peaceful sleep. I've rediscovered my love for reading, all thanks to this app's convenience. π Long road trips? No problem β this app keeps me entertained mile after mile! ππ Effortlessly switching between stories β this app's ease of use is impressive.
Prof. Screw
With this app, reading is no longer a luxury β it's an essential part of my day. Seamless audiobook integration β this app's functionality is a technological marvel. Say goodbye to boring commutes β this app's immersive audio experience and intuitive controls have transformed my daily journeys. ππ The tone adjustment feature in ListenBook Pro is a novel addition that allows me to personalize my audiobook experience. I'm blown away by the silky-smooth playback, even for high-quality formats like FLAC. Top-notch performance!
Manly
The sound quality is outstanding β it's like having a movie theater in my ears! With ListenBook Pro, I'm no longer limited by audiobook length. It's a liberating experience! Bookmarks are a lifesaver for my study materials. I can easily revisit important sections. Elegant design and user-friendly interface. Love it!
Digital Moonshine
ListenBook has turned my everyday moments into extraordinary journeys of imagination. Adjusting the tone of the voice is genius. It's like having a customizable audiobook narrator. WiFi downloads save a lot of time. Great feature!
Killer Curio
ListenBook is my go-to companion for immersive audiobook experiences. The ease of use and extensive format support make it a must-have! Supports all my playlists and bookmarks perfectly. Very convenient. I love the ability to change the playback speed. Itβs perfect for my needs.
Twix Esses
The app's features, like the sleep timer, make it clear that it's designed with readers in mind. This app has rekindled my love for literature, and I'm spreading the word to everyone I know. ListenBook's audio filters allow me to customize the audio playback to suit my preferences perfectly. Flawless support for various audio formats. Highly satisfied. ListenBookβs playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
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