Book description
Thomas Hardy (2nd June 1840 – 11th January 1928), celebrated poet and writer, was born in a modest thatched cottage near Dorchester in the West country, to a builder father. His mother came from a line of intelligent, lively and ambitious women so ensured her son had the best formal education available for their modest means although this ended when he was 16. He became a draughtsman specialising in the building of churches was able to give it up to be a full time writer and poet with the publication of Far From the Madding Crown which became a bestseller and like much of his work was serialised. His writing reflects his passionate beliefs for social reform and exposes the hypocrisy of the rules of the Victorian age which constrained many freedoms with convention and restricted the transcending of class boundaries. His novels are almost entirely set in rural Wessex which although fictional is clearly rooted in the SW counties of England where he was born and lived most of his life. Hardy’s writing caused controversy in his lifetime but despite this he was highly praised and showered with honorary doctorates from many universities, a knighthood, which he refused and in 1910 the prestigious Order of the Merit. Jude the Obscure is ”the sort of man who was born to ache a good deal.” He is desperate to study at Christminster, the fictionalised Oxford University, and whilst self educated to a sufficient standard, his humble rural background prevents admission. Furthermore, he is distracted by the sensual Arabella and falls in love with the educated. emancipated new woman, Sue creating as Hardy states “a deadly war waged between flesh and spirit”. Whilst doomed love and unfulfilled ambition are the dominant themes, the frank criticism of marriage and fearless exploration of sexuality caused so much protest for its supposed indecency and the ensuing bitter criticism, made this Hardy’s final novel and many agree also his finest. The novel continues to inspire the modern mind as the recent film directed by Michael Winterbottom and starring Christopher Eccleston and Kate Winslet as Jude and Sue attests.
Uncle Psycho
This app has rekindled my love for literature, and I'm spreading the word to everyone I know. This app has reignited my love for literature and made it a part of my everyday life. I'm amazed at how this app has made reading fit into every aspect of my life. I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my passport to countless stories. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval add a professional touch to my carefully curated audiobook collection.
Bourbon Mirage
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AlertXis
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Sun Runner
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Raid Bucker
ListenBook's integration of artwork and metadata adds a visually appealing touch to my library. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a novel feature that allows for a personalized listening experience. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
Gov Skull
My child has also fallen in love with audiobooks, all thanks to the app's kid-friendly collection. I'm addicted to this app – it's like having a library in my pocket. The app's ability to handle various audio formats is impressive. No more file conversions!
BoomerBox
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ManBreaker
I love the compatibility with iOS 16. The app runs smoothly and flawlessly. The ability to organize my library is a huge plus. Everything is so neat and tidy. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
ThickSKN
Audiobooks have never been this accessible – this app is a true innovation. Audiobook immersion simplified – this app's ease of use is a true asset. Effortlessly managing my audiobook library – this app's design is commendable. Effortless and enriching – that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its smooth interface and thoughtful features have set the bar high for audiobook enjoyment. 📱📖
RawSkills
📱 It's like having a personal audiobook library at my fingertips! This app's functionality is a dream come true for book lovers. 📚🔥 Looping playback is a study aid sent from heaven. It's helping me ace my exams!
Noise Toy
I used to struggle to find time for books – now, I listen while doing chores! ⭐️ This app's functionality is a symphony of efficiency – I'm savoring stories with ease, even on the busiest days. 🎶📖 The app is so intuitive. I didn’t even need to read the instructions.
Achilles Mountain
The narrator's voices are so captivating, it's like they bring the stories to life. 💼 Balancing responsibilities with relaxation – audiobooks make even mundane tasks feel like an escape. 💻📖 Audiobook excellence made simple – this app's functionality is a true asset. Effortless audiobook exploration – this app's functionality is remarkable.
CodeExia
Audiobook enthusiasts, gather around! This app's exceptional features, from audio filters to robust support, have transformed my daily routines into storytelling moments. 🎉🎧 Apple Watch compatibility enhances my audiobook experience. It's a convenient way to control playback.
Mosquit-No
This app makes traffic jams a breeze – time flies by while I'm engrossed in a story. Audiobooks have become a source of inspiration and motivation, thanks to this app. Seamless audiobook integration – this app's functionality is a true gem. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. It enhances the audio quality and ensures that I can immerse myself fully in the content.
Eight Patrol
This app is a true gift for book lovers – it's like having a personal library wherever I go. 🚶♀️🎧 Strolling through captivating narratives while I take my daily walks – pure bliss! 🏞️📚 Audiobook pleasure simplified – this app's design is a standout. The variety of supported formats means I can enjoy audiobooks from different sources hassle-free.
SmartieQuest
This app's compatibility with various devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I go. ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a game-changer. I can now focus on the story even in noisy environments. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
Mr. Alien
I've been able to tackle my reading list like never before, thanks to this app. ListenBook's clean interface and organized layout make it a pleasure to browse through my audiobooks. This app has turned my gym sessions into immersive storytelling experiences – time flies by! 🌟 Transforming laundry time into a journey through fantastic stories – thank you, this app! 👚📖 The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Manimal
I'm grateful for this app, as it allows me to keep up with my reading even while multitasking. ListenBook has made my daily activities more interesting and meaningful – I'm hooked! I can't get enough of this app's intuitive design – it's like a personal library right at my fingertips. With this app, I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and real life. 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.
Suicide Jockey
ListenBook has made my daily activities more interesting and meaningful – I'm hooked! 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! One of the best audiobooks I’ve heard! The story was compelling, and the narrator’s delivery added depth to every scene. I found myself looking for excuses to listen just a little longer. Will definitely revisit this one! Decent audiobook but I think I would have enjoyed reading it more. Some of the more subtle humor didn't quite land in the audio format.
VenusLion
Automatic metadata extraction keeps my library organized. It's a time-saver! ListenBook has transformed my daily commute. I look forward to my journeys with this app by my side. I love the ability to change the playback speed. It’s perfect for my needs.
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