Book description
Through the early twentieth century, the British Government locked away over 50,000 innocent people. Their 'crimes'? Being poor and unyielding. This is their story.A HISTORY TODAY BOOK OF THE YEAR'Staggering... Wise's book bristles with injustices.' Sunday Telegraph, *By 1950, an estimated 50,000 people had been deemed 'defective' by the British government and detained indefinitely under the 1913 Mental Deficiency Act. Their 'crimes' were various: women with children born out of wedlock; rebellious teenagers caught shoplifting; those with epilepsy, hearing impairments and chronic illnesses who had struggled in school; and many who were simply 'different'.Forcibly removed from their families and confined to a shadow world of specialist facilities in the countryside, they were hidden away and forgotten - out of sight, out of mind.Through painstaking archival research, award-winning historian Sarah Wise shines a light on this shameful chapter. Piecing together the lives irrevocably changed by this devastating legislation, The Undesirables provides a compelling study of how early twentieth-century attitudes to class, gender and disability resulted in a nationwide scandal - and how they continue to shape social policy to this day.'The heartrending stories Sarah Wise has unearthed beggar belief... beautifully researched and truly compelling.' Catherine Bailey, author of Black Diamonds
Mad Irishman
I've discovered authors I'd never heard of before, and now they're among my favorites. With ListenBook, I can immerse myself in captivating stories and enriching knowledge, all in one convenient app. This app's compatibility with various devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I go. 🔥 Simplifying my reading routine – the app's functionality ensures I'm always one click away from literary adventures. 📚🔗 I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device.
PixelPioneer
The chapters feature on ListenBook enhances my audiobook exploration – it's like flipping through pages. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and seamless playback have made it my go-to app. Gone are the days of fumbling with different formats – this app's comprehensive support ensures I can enjoy any audiobook without a hitch. 🎉🔊 Great for listening to a variety of content. Highly recommend! I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
Midnight Rider
Audiobooks on this app have made my daily walks a time of reflection and inspiration. Audiobooks on this app have expanded my horizons and introduced me to new ideas. ListenBook has made my commutes more enjoyable, transforming them into learning sessions. Effortlessly exploring new worlds – this app's design is user-centric and efficient.
Soda Delirium
Audiobook multitasking made easy – this app's functionality is top-notch. The app is perfect for long commutes. It keeps me entertained for hours.
Pinball Wizard
Audiobooks on this app have made me look forward to my long commutes. ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use.
London Fox
It's impressive how the app caters to both seasoned readers and newcomers. With this app, reading is no longer a luxury – it's an essential part of my day.
Master Jetson
I've never been this excited about my daily commute – thank you, audiobooks! This app has made reading a part of my lifestyle, no matter where I am. This app's ease of use has made reading more accessible and enjoyable than ever before. I’m so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app!
Bad Bond
With ListenBook, I can now enjoy my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. The compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch sets ListenBook apart from the rest. 💪 Crushing workouts while devouring books – this app makes fitness fun and educational! 🏋️♀️🎉 ListenBook has become my constant companion. It's like having a personal audiobook assistant.
High Beam
The app's reliability and ease of use make it a true gem in the world of audiobooks. Audiobooks have become my escape from reality – a journey into captivating worlds. This app's sleek design and intuitive navigation have made audiobook listening a seamless experience. The detailed listening stats are fantastic. Helps me keep track of my progress.
Cuff Queen
This app is a book lover's dream come true – a vast library right at your fingertips. Streamlined audiobook integration – this app's usability is impressive. Unlimited audiobook length with ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
Devine Melon
💡 Enriching my daily routines with wisdom and wonder – thank you, this app! 📱📖 Bookmarks are a lifesaver for my study materials. I can easily revisit important sections. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature that adds a personal touch.
Frosty Squid
This app has turned my daily commute into a source of inspiration and entertainment. ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats makes it a versatile and essential app for audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook's features are a bookworm's dream come true – from chapters to bookmarks, it's got everything. 🎉 Unlocking the door to imagination – this app is my key to endless stories and endless possibilities. 📚🔑 ListenBook has become my constant companion. It's like having a personal audiobook assistant.
StorySculptor
This app has ignited my passion for reading once again – but in a modern, convenient way. ListenBook's dedication to excellence shines through in its impeccable audio quality and user-friendly features. 🔥 Elevating my reading routine to new heights – this app is a real page-turner! 📚🚀 🔥 Simplifying my reading routine – the app's functionality ensures I'm always one click away from literary adventures. 📚🔗 The app’s design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
ReiGnZ
The auto-rewind feature after interruptions is a small thing that makes a big difference. CUE playlist support is a rare gem. Perfect for organizing content efficiently.
Darkside Orbit
This app is a gift for anyone with a busy lifestyle – I can enjoy books while doing chores! No more straining my eyes – this app lets me 'read' with my ears!
Trick Baron
The 'Discover' section is a treasure trove for finding hidden literary gems. This app is a game-changer for anyone who's always on the go – it's like carrying a library in my pocket. Savoring stories has never been this smooth – this app's functionality is genius.
CZR
ListenBook has enriched my life with a world of captivating stories and knowledge. It's not just an app; it's a portal to endless possibilities. Perfect for repeat listening! The narrator's performance was so rich with detail that I'm sure I'll discover new layers on a second listen. Their interpretation felt authentic to the material while bringing fresh insights. The audio production was pristine from start to finish.
Berlin Kamikaze
ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback features have become indispensable tools in my audiobook learning. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to curate themed listening sessions, creating a dynamic and engaging audiobook experience. The app is perfect for language learners. The playback speed control is a game-changer.
Short Firecracker
ListenBook's sleek layout and quick chapter access have made my audiobook journey incredibly enjoyable. is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and reliable. ListenBook has made managing my audiobook collection a breeze. Library organization is top-notch. Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment are excellent additions. ListenBook’s support for CarPlay and Apple Watch is fantastic. I can listen anywhere.
RedFeet
The drag-and-drop download feature on ListenBook is incredibly convenient – no more complicated processes. ListenBook is a game-changer for audiobook lovers. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history feature—it’s so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
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