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.
Pop Bee
I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates with my daily routine. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections. The app is perfect for people who love to read but don’t have the time.
Coma Stalk
The chapters feature on ListenBook enhances my audiobook exploration – it's like flipping through pages. ListenBook is a true audio treasure! It turns my own audio files into immersive listening experiences. I love how this app fits seamlessly into my daily routine. This app's convenience has made me fall in love with audiobooks all over again. Noise reduction in ListenBook Pro ensures crystal-clear playback even in noisy environments.
WonderWords
I'm enjoying books I never thought I'd be interested in – all thanks to this app. Listening to audiobooks has become my ultimate way to unwind after a long day. I'm addicted to this app – it's a non-stop journey through captivating tales. This app's customizable features, like playback speed and bookmarks, have transformed my experience.
Palomino Cake
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Bleeker
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Skittle Mine
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Mud Eye
This app has brought back the joy of reading, even when I'm on the move. This app is my constant companion, making every moment a chance to discover new worlds. is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and efficient. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice adds a layer of personalization that I never knew I needed. I love the auto-rewind feature. It’s great for when I zone out.
Gothic Gucci
I can't remember the last time I was this excited about 'reading' books! The audio filters on ListenBook enhance the sound quality, making every listening session a treat for my ears. An audiobook lover's dream come true! This app's seamless functionality and diverse format support make it my go-to choice for immersive storytelling. 📚🎧
Viceswerve
Effortlessly enjoying audiobooks on the go – kudos to this app's functionality. Audiobooks made convenient – this app's functionality is a true gift.
PixelPathfinder
With this app, my audiobook library is organized and accessible, making my reading journey effortless. ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically adds a visual touch to my audiobook collection. ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's an essential tool that enhances every listening session. The detailed listening stats are fantastic. Helps me keep track of my progress.
Overrun
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Bearded Angler
ListenBook's support for chapters and bookmarks ensures that I never lose my place in a story. This app has made my workouts and chores so much more enjoyable. I'm amazed by the variety of genres available – there's something for everyone. Audiobooks have turned my quiet moments into imaginative journeys – thank you, app! The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices.
Tangerine
This app's customizable features, from playback speed to filters, are fantastic. User-centric audiobook joy – this app's ease of use is impressive. Auto-rewind is incredibly helpful. Excellent functionality. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. I love the statistics feature. It’s fun to see how much I’ve listened.
Magenta
Audiobooks have never been this engaging – this app takes them to the next level. This app has made my downtime so much more productive and enjoyable.
Lucky Martian
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Lime
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Murmur
The sheer variety of genres available ensures there's something for everyone. Looping playback is my favorite feature. It's perfect for revisiting complex content. ListenBook has become my workout buddy. It keeps me entertained and motivated during exercise. ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length feature is fantastic.
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Avenge Paws
Book groups help me keep series together and navigate my collection more efficiently. A great feature! Adjusting the tone of the voice is genius. It's like having a customizable audiobook narrator. Listening stats keep me motivated to read more. Great addition!
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