Book description
New York Times bestselling author Carol Edgarian delivers "an all-encompassing and enthralling" (Oprah Daily) novel featuring an unforgettable heroine coming of age in the aftermath of catastrophe, and her quest for love and reinvention. Meet Vera Johnson, fifteen-year-old illegitimate daughter of Rose, notorious proprietor of San Francisco's most legendary bordello. Vera has grown up straddling two worlds--the madam's alluring sphere, replete with tickets to the opera, surly henchmen, and scant morality, and the quiet domestic life of the family paid to raise her. On the morning of the great quake, Vera's worlds collide. As the city burns and looters vie with the injured, orphaned, and starving, Vera and her guileless sister, Pie, are cast adrift. Disregarding societal norms and prejudices, Vera begins to imagine a new kind of life. She collaborates with Tan, her former rival, and forges an unlikely family of survivors, navigating through the disaster together. "A character-driven novel about family, power, and loyalty, (San Francisco Chronicle), Vera brings to life legendary characters--tenor Enrico Caruso, indicted mayor Eugene Schmitz and boss Abe Ruef, tabloid celebrity Alma Spreckels. This "brilliantly conceived and beautifully realized" (Booklist, starred review) tale of improbable outcomes and alliances takes hold from the first page, with remarkable scenes of devastation, renewal, and joy. Vera celebrates the audacious fortitude of its young heroine, who discovers an unexpected strength in unprecedented times.
New York Times bestselling author Carol Edgarian delivers an astonishing feat of imagination, a grand adventure set in 1906 San Francisco—a city leveled by quake and fire—featuring an indomitable heroine coming of age in the aftermath of catastrophe and her quest for love and reinvention. Meet Vera Johnson, the uncommonly resourceful fifteen-year-old illegitimate daughter of Rose, notorious proprietor of San Francisco’s most legendary bordello and ally to the city’s corrupt politicians. Vera has grown up straddling two worlds—the madam’s alluring sphere, replete with tickets to the opera, surly henchmen, and scant morality, and the violent, debt ridden domestic life of the family paid to raise her. On the morning of the great quake, Vera’s worlds collide. As the shattered city burns and looters vie with the injured, orphaned, and starving, Vera and her guileless sister, Pie, are cast adrift. Vera disregards societal norms and prejudices and begins to imagine a new kind of life. She collaborates with Tan, her former rival, and forges an unlikely family of survivors. Together they navigate their way beyond disaster. In Vera, Carol Edgarian creates a cinematic, deeply entertaining world, in which honor and fates are tested; notions of sex, class, and justice are turned upside down; and love is hard-won. A ravishing, heartbreaking, and profound affirmation of youth and tenacity, Vera’s story brings to life legendary characters—tenor Enrico Caruso, indicted mayor Eugene Schmitz and boss Abe Ruef, tabloid celebrity Alma Spreckels—as well as an unforgettable cast that includes Vera’s young lover, Bobby, protector of the city’s tribe of orphans, and three generations of a Chinese family competing and conspiring with Vera. This richly imagined, timely tale of improbable outcomes and alliances takes hold from the first page, gifting readers with remarkable scenes of devastation, renewal, and joy. Told with unflinching candor and wit, Vera celebrates the audacious fortitude of its young heroine and marks a stunning achievement by an inventive and generous writer.
Chip Queen
Audiobook excellence made simple – this app's functionality is a true asset. I can't thank this app enough for making my audiobook experience so effortless. From downloading to playback, it's a true companion for book lovers. 📚💫 Drag and drop downloads are so convenient. No more messing around with complicated steps. I love the ability to change the font size. It makes reading the titles so easy.
Versace-Cat
Thanks to ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks without the need for constant synchronization. ListenBook has made managing and enjoying audiobooks, lectures, and speeches effortless and enjoyable. I can't get enough of this app's convenience and the endless possibilities it offers.
Acid Gosling
Kudos for the thoughtfully curated collections – I'm discovering hidden gems! This app has transformed my daily routine into moments of literary delight.
Lady Peach
📱 No more lugging around heavy books – this app brings the library to my phone! 📚📱 The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
Red Pepper
I've never been so excited about my daily commute – thanks to this app. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy. This app's sleek design and effortless controls have made audiobook listening an immersive experience. I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn even the most mundane tasks into exciting opportunities for learning. 💡 This app has made my daily schedule more interesting – 'reading' on the go! 📱🚶♂️
Shade Nightman
Audiobook enthusiasts, gather around! This app's exceptional features, from audio filters to robust support, have transformed my daily routines into storytelling moments. 🎉🎧 Automated artwork and metadata extraction make my audiobook library look neat and professional.
BloodEater
ListenBook's support for various formats means I can explore a wide range of content without limitations. This app's seamless integration with my devices has made audiobook listening a hassle-free experience. The statistics feature in ListenBook adds an element of self-awareness to my audiobook consumption. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a great way to connect over stories.
Drop Stone
This app is a time-saver – I can 'read' even when I'm on the move. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances my audiobook experience, ensuring I catch every detail. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. It's like getting a clear, immersive listening experience. My daily workouts are more enjoyable now, thanks to seamless integration with Apple Watch.
King Panther
ListenBook's chapters, controls, and filters have transformed my listening sessions into immersive journeys. Packed with useful features. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook app.
xFRST
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy. Automatic metadata retrieval is a neat touch. My library is well-organized.
Heavenly Connection
This app is my secret to staying ahead on my reading list, even during my busiest days. The user-friendly interface and precise controls make listening to audiobooks an absolute delight. Tone adjustment adds a personalized touch to the narration, making the audiobook experience even more immersive.
Pink Stream
This app's convenience has revolutionized the way I experience books. This app has transformed my daily routine into moments of literary delight. 📱 My secret to staying well-read – this app ensures that I'm never without a book, no matter where I am! 📚📱 The app’s design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
Back Bett
📱 An app that truly understands audiobook enthusiasts – it's all about functionality, and this app nails it! 📚💡 ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay is a major convenience during road trips.
Alpha
I appreciate how ListenBook offers various methods for downloading audio – it caters to different preferences. ListenBook's audio filters are a fantastic addition, enhancing the sound quality of my audio files. 🚶♂️🌟 Strolling through stories on a lazy afternoon – this app is my relaxation buddy! 🏖️🎧 I love the ability to import books from my computer. It’s so easy. An acceptable audiobook that met basic expectations. No complaints about quality but nothing remarkable either. Would listen to this narrator again but wouldn't seek them out.
Poppin Loot
I'm able to enjoy books in a whole new way – while cooking, working out, or even gardening. Simplifying my audiobook experience – this app's design is remarkable. Looping playback is a fantastic study tool. It helps me focus and retain information effectively. The intuitive interface and efficient navigation make this app a pleasure to use every day. Downloading audiobooks over WiFi is super easy. Saves time.
MuseMaster
I love that I can enjoy audiobooks while cooking elaborate meals in the kitchen. The family subscription option is a money-saver – everyone gets to enjoy their favorite books. The app is perfect for multitasking. I can listen while doing other things. 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.
Zesty Dragon
🎧 Navigating through narratives has never been simpler – this app's functionality enhances my audiobook journey. 📚💫 Supports all my playlists and bookmarks perfectly. I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device. The app is worth every penny. It’s packed with features and works flawlessly.
Darkside Orbit
I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily routines more enjoyable and intellectually fulfilling. This app has brought back the joy of reading, no matter how busy I am. Navigating audiobooks seamlessly – this app's design is top-notch.
Kitchen
I'm rediscovering my love for literature through this app – it's revitalizing. This app is a gift for book lovers who struggle to find reading time. 🎧 Carrying a world of literature in my headphones – this app's convenience is truly remarkable. 📚💫
Freeway
📱 Carrying stories wherever I go – this app's convenience allows me to indulge my love for reading on the move. 📚🛍️ 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!
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