Book description
Andrievs Radvilis is a former jockey on the Riga trotting track whose solitary retirement is interrupted when a young journalist comes to interview him about his career. Their meeting leads to a journey of reminiscence across Latvia, never straying far from the mighty Daugava river, which flows through the story as Radvilis recalls his early life. The weeks leading up to the fateful date of 25 March 1949, when Stalin launched his deportation campaign in Soviet Latvia, form the main historical backdrop of this novel. As an independent-minded man who would not engage with Stalinism nor compromise with the truth, Radvilis is imprisoned and blacklisted. Bitter experience of war, love and politics lead him to trust horses more than people.
Inga Ābele was born in Riga in 1972. She studied biology at the University of Latvia, and worked for three years as a trainer on a horse-breeding farm. Her work shows evidence of her rigorous scientific training, balanced with her deep understanding of human motives. Ābele’s prose works are the product of thorough research; she is fascinated by the little-known by-ways of Latvian history and its more unsung heroes.
Read an extract here.
Pinup Diva
This app makes traffic jams a breeze – time flies by while I'm engrossed in a story. I'm blown away by ListenBook's ability to play diverse formats flawlessly – it's a game-changer. This app's user-friendly layout and quick access to controls have made audiobook listening a breeze. Downloading audio from network devices is a brilliant feature. It's incredibly convenient. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to jump between sections.
Cujo
I'm constantly amazed by the variety of genres – there's something for everyone. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch has streamlined my multitasking. I'm in awe of this app's ability to make reading so accessible and convenient. CUE playlist support helps me organize my audiobooks efficiently. It's a great organizational tool.
Bowie
ListenBook's extensive library and user-friendly interface have made it my go-to app. 🎉 This app's functionality is a masterpiece – it seamlessly integrates audiobooks into my daily routine. 📚🎨
Suicide Jockey
Precise controls on ListenBook give me complete command over my audio playback. This app is a treasure trove of knowledge, entertainment, and imagination.
Flashpoint
Audiobooks on this app have expanded my horizons and introduced me to new ideas. The app's compatibility with CarPlay is a dream for road trips. It keeps me entertained.
Freaky Ratbuster
ListenBook's user-friendly interface and quick controls make it my preferred choice for audiobook enjoyment. With support for various formats, I can finally listen to my diverse audiobook collection.
Winter Underdog
🌟 Who needs a dull commute when you can embark on literary journeys with this app? 🚗📖 ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically adds a visual touch to my audiobook collection.
Hella Fella
I love how this app makes even the most mundane tasks exciting with audio stories. I'm amazed at how this app has seamlessly integrated reading into my daily rhythm. Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's ease of use is a game-changer. Audiobooks made accessible – this app's ease of use is a true blessing. Sharing books with friends via AirDrop is so convenient. Thanks, ListenBook!
Crash Override
This app has turned even my mundane tasks into exciting learning opportunities. ListenBook's commitment to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every detail. With this app, I can read anytime, anywhere – it's a reader's dream come true. Has every feature I need. My top choice for audiobooks! 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!
Greek Rifle
Audiobook enthusiasts, celebrate! This app's thoughtful features, like auto-rewind and easy chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our reading cravings. 🎉📚 Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature that adds a personal touch.
SkyGod
The statistics feature is a fantastic addition – knowing how much time I spend on audiobooks is eye-opening, and ListenBook makes tracking it a breeze. Looping playback is my favorite study tool. It's a game-changer for mastering challenging content. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a revelation. It elevates the audio quality, providing a clear and immersive listening experience that enhances my enjoyment. A functional audiobook production that met basic requirements. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough to listen to for extended periods, though their performance didn't add much interpretation to the text. The audio engineering was competent without being remarkable.
Killer Merlot
ListenBook has completely changed my audiobook experience – it's like having a personal audio library. With this app, I've turned mundane chores into exciting opportunities for intellectual growth. ListenBook's commitment to a seamless user experience is evident in its sleek design and intuitive controls.
Mud Pie Man
I'm amazed at how this app has brought back the joy of reading into my daily routine – thank you! Effortlessly enjoying audiobook journeys – this app's ease of use is a winner.
Apple Nola
⭐️ Loving the fact that I can learn and listen at the same time – multitasking made easy! 🧠🎧 🌟 Transforming laundry time into a journey through fantastic stories – thank you, this app! 👚📖 🏃♂️📚 Combining exercise and exploration – this app keeps me motivated on my daily jogs! 🏃♂️📖 I'm blown away by the attention to detail in every aspect of this app. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a wonderful way to spread the love of literature.
Scarlet Mary
Audiobooks have become my favorite workout companions, making exercise a breeze. The audio filters to adjust playback speed and volume are a fantastic addition for customizing my experience. This was a workmanlike audiobook that did the job without flair. The narration was clear and the pacing appropriate, though the delivery lacked some emotional depth. The production quality was acceptable with no major technical issues.
Switch
ListenBook's audio filters have transformed the way I experience audio content – it's a real game-changer. Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment are simply amazing.
Dandelion
🏝️🎧 Soaking up the sun while indulging in beach reads – this app is my ultimate relaxation companion. 🏖️📚 I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to jump between sections.
Lady Fantastic
Being able to customize the listening duration is perfect for quick breaks. I can't imagine my daily activities without this app – it's my go-to for staying informed and entertained. 🎉 My audiobook haven – this app is like a door to endless adventures and knowledge! 📚🔑 🎧 Finally, an app that understands my need for convenience and ease of use! Audiobooks have never been this accessible. 📚📱 The app's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch enhances my listening experience on the go.
Feline Devil
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration is a brilliant touch. Absolutely love this app! It's made my daily commute so much more enjoyable.
360
This app has made me appreciate the art of storytelling even more. This app has given me the joy of reading even when my hands are full. The audio filters in ListenBook allow me to customize my listening experience. Speed up or slow down playback—it's all up to me! The playback speed control is a game-changer. ListenBook lets me listen at my own pace.
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