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.
Petite Flurry
I've become the go-to storyteller at bedtime with the help of this magical app. ListenBook's clean interface and organized layout make it a pleasure to browse through my audiobooks. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a great way to spread the joy of reading. I love the variety of themes available. It makes the app feel personalized.
Houston Rocket
I'm amazed by ListenBook's dedication to quality – it's evident in every feature. This app has made waiting in lines and queues an opportunity for exploration and enjoyment. Every moment is an adventure with this app by my side. Its intuitive features and diverse format support ensure that my audiobook journey is seamless and exciting. 🌌🎧 Elegant design and easy-to-use interface. Very happy with ListenBook. The chapter navigation is a lifesaver. It makes finding my place so easy.
Wild Tesla
Sharing audiobooks with friends is a great way to connect over stories. The compatibility with Apple Watch is a huge plus. I can control my audiobooks from my wrist! Sharing audiobooks with friends is a bonding experience made easy through AirDrop and sharing options. The import process is seamless. I had no trouble adding my audiobooks. I love the statistics feature. It’s fun to see how much I’ve listened.
Queen Ginger
Audiobooks have become my companion during long walks, transforming exercise into a pleasure. I'm hooked on ListenBook's silky-smooth playback, making my audio sessions truly enjoyable. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
Rooster
With this app, audiobook listening has become an integral part of my daily routines – it's a game-changer. 💃 Dancing to the rhythm of stories while I dance through house chores – pure joy! 💃📖 Auto-rewind is a brilliant feature. Never lose track of where I left off. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting.
Killer Merlot
ListenBook's beautiful layout and quick access to chapters make every listening session a pleasure. 🧘♂️ Finding zen through storytelling – this app makes meditation even more calming. 🧘♂️🎧 ListenBook is a prime example of user-centered design. It's clear that the developers understand audiobook lovers' needs. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is an innovative touch that adds a layer of personalization.
Avenge Paws
Thank you for making literature more accessible, enjoyable, and immersive. This app is a game-changer! ListenBook's user-friendly audio filters and controls have made my audiobook sessions more interactive and engaging. 📚 Farewell, boredom during ironing sessions – audiobooks make it a breeze! 👗🎧 Downloading audio from network devices is a brilliant feature. It's incredibly convenient.
Pearl Girl
With this app, I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and real life. ListenBook Pro takes my experience to the next level. Unlimited audiobook length, noise reduction, and voice tone adjustment? Count me in! Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a revelation. It enhances the audio quality and makes listening comfortable. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a revelation. It eliminates distractions and enhances the clarity of recordings, resulting in a more immersive experience.
Ladysmith
Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a breeze to use. It's an intuitive experience. The intuitive chapter navigation and quick access to controls make my audiobook experience seamless. Decent narration, predictable story. The voice actor did a good job, but the plot followed a familiar formula. If you’re looking for something new and groundbreaking, this might not be it. This was my first audiobook in this genre and I'm hooked! The performance brought the story to life in a way reading never could. Already downloaded another by the same narrator.
Snapdragon
ListenBook's commitment to delivering an exceptional audiobook experience is evident in its thoughtful features and design. ListenBook's customizable audio filters add a new dimension to my audiobook enjoyment. I love the ability to change the playback speed. It’s perfect for my needs. Middle-of-the-road experience. The audiobook was fine—good narration, decent story—but it didn’t leave a lasting impression. If you’re looking for something low-commitment, this works.
Gamer Bean
This app has made my downtime so much more productive and enjoyable. 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!
Natural Mess
ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary adventures through stories. 🚶♀️🎧 Walking has never been this productive – exploring new worlds while I exercise! 🏞️💫 The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze.
Sherwood Gladiator
The ability to listen to books while multitasking is a game-changer for me. ListenBook has enriched my life with a diverse range of content, all at my fingertips. This app has become my go-to companion, making my daily routine more exciting and insightful. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and quick access to chapters enhance my overall listening experience. 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!
Pocket Muzzie
ListenBook's compatibility with various formats means I can now enjoy all my favorite audiobooks in one place. I'm blown away by how this app has made my workouts more enjoyable and my mind more active. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night.
Slinger
💡 This app has made my daily schedule more interesting – 'reading' on the go! 📱🚶♂️ 💃 Dancing through chores with audiobooks – this app turns cleaning into a lively and literary affair! 🎶📚 ListenBook has redefined how I enjoy audiobooks. It's an essential tool for my literary pursuits.
Star Sword
Audiobooks have become my preferred way to unwind – and this app is my partner in crime. This app is a true gift for book lovers – it's like having a personal library wherever I go. ListenBook's features are a bookworm's dream come true – from chapters to bookmarks, it's got everything. I'm blown away by how this app has revolutionized my reading experience. I can't get enough of this app – it's a true game-changer for book lovers.
Eerie
I'm in awe of how this app has brought new dimensions to my reading experience. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. It's like the app knows what I need.
Blackfire
The sound quality is outstanding – it's like having a movie theater in my ears! ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. Kudos to the developers for crafting an app that understands readers' needs. The smooth playback and sleek design are pure perfection. 📚👏 Looping playback is a study aid sent from heaven. It's helping me ace my exams! ListenBook Pro is worth every penny. Unlimited audiobook length? Count me in!
Shady Prairie
This app has transformed my screen time into valuable learning and entertainment. Kudos to the developers for optimizing this app for iOS 16. It runs like a dream on my device.
Toe
I can't get enough of this app's convenience and the endless possibilities it offers. ListenBook’s CarPlay support makes listening in the car a seamless experience. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
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