Book description
Imagine hearing Vita Sackville-West's extraordinary life whispered directly into your ear. That's the magic of Victoria Glendinning's Vita as an audiobook. This isn't just a biography; it's an intimate, almost unsettlingly close encounter with a woman who refused to be confined - by marriage, motherhood, or the expectations of her time. Glendinning, a master storyteller, doesn't just tell you about Vita's fierce intellect, her dazzling literary output, or her creation of the legendary Sissinghurst gardens. She makes you feel the tension in every secret affair, the ache of her complex bond with Violet Trefusis, the quiet rebellion simmering beneath her role as Harold Nicolson's wife and mother.
The audiobook format is perfect for this. You hear the weight in Glendinning's voice as she unpacks Vita's 'passionate, secretive character' - the way she navigated a life that was 'absorbing and disturbing' all at once. You feel the strain of her choices, the brilliance of her achievements, and the profound loneliness that often accompanied them. The narration draws you into the heart of the Sissinghurst gardens, the salons of Bloomsbury, the private letters - making the historical distance vanish. You're not just learning about Virginia Woolf's friendship or Vita's unpublicised loves; you're hearing the echoes of those conversations, the unspoken tensions.
What makes this audiobook so compelling is how it captures Vita's sheer vitality. Glendinning doesn't shy from the messy, contradictory parts - the mistakes, the strains, the sheer force of a woman determined to be 'more than just a married woman and mother'. You'll find yourself leaning in, captivated, as the narrator guides you through the decades from Knole's grandeur to the quiet intensity of Sissinghurst. It's a profound portrait of a woman who lived fiercely, loved deeply (and sometimes dangerously), and left an indelible mark on literature and landscape. This isn't just a great biography; it's a deeply human story, beautifully rendered for the ear, that will stay with you long after the final chapter fades. You won't just learn about Vita Sackville-West; you'll feel her vibrant, complicated, utterly unforgettable presence.
Toe
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my daily activities more seamless and convenient. This app is a gift for book lovers who struggle to find reading time.
SubWoof330
ππ Transforming traffic jams into opportunities for literary exploration β this app keeps me engaged on the road! ππ§ Supports extensive playlists and bookmarks. Very user-friendly.
Bang Shift
ListenBook's compatibility with playlists and CUE files is a great addition for those who love organized listening. ListenBook has brought a whole new level of convenience and enjoyment to my audiobook experience. My study sessions are more efficient than ever, thanks to the looping playback and bookmark features. Iβm 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!
Low Menace
With ListenBook, I can explore new genres, learn new topics, and enjoy classic literature with ease. I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily routines more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. πΆπ Tuning in to the symphony of stories β audiobooks are the soundtrack of my daily routines. π΅π Accessing literary treasures has never been this straightforward β thank you, app!
Dangle
ListenBook's commitment to providing a high-quality audiobook experience is truly commendable. This app is a blessing for those with busy schedules β it's like time travel through stories. Mastering audiobook navigation β this app's ease of use is commendable. Adjusting playback speed has revolutionized the way I learn and enjoy audiobooks. I can adapt the pace to my needs, maximizing comprehension and retention.
Pockets
Listening stats motivate me to read more. Great feature! Flawless support for various audio formats. Highly satisfied.
Tweety Bun Bun
Savoring audiobooks without complications β this app's design is top-notch. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
Carrot Joker
π§ This app has changed my reading game! Now I can 'read' while I work β genius! ππΌ Adjusting the tone of the voice is so innovative. It's like personalizing the narration.
Flashpoint
I'm impressed by the app's performance β it's stable, fast, and tailored for audiobook enthusiasts. I love the auto-rewind feature. Itβs great for when I zone out.
57 Pixels
The offline mode is a lifesaver on flights β I'm never without a good story. I'm thrilled to finally have a way to enjoy books while keeping up with my busy schedule. Audiobook immersion without complications β this app's ease of use is commendable. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun and interactive way to bond over stories. The playback history is a great feature. I can easily revisit my favorite parts.
MindfulMingle
π± Accessing my favorite stories has never been this straightforward β this app's functionality is a bookworm's dream come true. ππ« ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has transformed the audio quality. It's crystal clear now.
Kazami of Truth
ListenBook has reignited my love for storytelling and learning, one audio file at a time. Library organization is simplified with ListenBook. It's easy to keep my audiobooks neat and tidy. Listening statistics are a great motivator. Love this feature! ListenBook makes my commute enjoyable. The audio filters really enhance the listening experience.
RoarSweetie
ListenBook has enriched my life with a diverse range of content, all at my fingertips. ListenBook's audio filters have given me the power to tailor my listening experience to my preferences. ListenBook has elevated my audiobook experience to new heights. It's a treasure trove of knowledge. The app is worth every penny. Itβs packed with features and works flawlessly.
Cowboy Booter
Listening to audiobooks has never been this enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook! ListenBookβs playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches. 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.
Mad Robin
I'm addicted to this app's curated playlists and recommendations β they're spot on. Audiobook enjoyment redefined β this app's design focuses on the essentials. ListenBook is my trusted partner for all things audiobooks. It's reliable, intuitive, and user-friendly.
Miss Mustard
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay enhances my daily commute, making it a productive and enjoyable experience. Not bad, but not amazing either. The narratorβs voice was pleasant, though some parts felt a bit rushed. The story had its moments, but I wouldnβt necessarily recommend it over similar titles in the genre.
Snout Pixie
π± An entire library at my fingertips β this app is a book lover's dream come true! ππ 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.
Bruh
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has elevated my listening experience. Effortlessly enjoying audiobooks on the go β kudos to this app's functionality. This app has transformed my daily commute into a captivating journey of knowledge and entertainment.
MythMaker
ListenBook has reignited my love for storytelling and learning, one audio file at a time. β° Waking up to audiobooks β mornings have never been this magical and inspiring! βοΈπ§ Quick access to chapters and smooth playback. Fantastic app!
Pepper Legs
I'm amazed by the variety of genres available β there's something for everyone. πΆββοΈπ± I'm exploring new worlds while on the move, all thanks to this app's seamless functionality. ποΈπ Library organization and book groups make managing my audiobook collection a breeze. The interface is sleek and intuitive, making my audiobook experience a joy.
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