Book description
We Spread - A Quiet Tension That Echoes in the Mind
Iain Reid's We Spread is a masterful blend of quiet dread and tender introspection, delivered with the same razor-sharp clarity that made his earlier works "evocative" and "spine-tingling." In this audiobook, Reid invites listeners into the life of Penny, an elderly artist who finds herself in a long-term care facility after a series of mishaps. The narration is subtle yet compelling, allowing the story's slow burn to unfold with each carefully chosen word.
From the very first chapter, the soundscape shifts from the familiar clatter of everyday living to a more intimate and unsettling atmosphere. Penny's routine-painting, watching birds through her window, sharing meals with residents-initially feels almost idyllic. But as the days blur together, Reid's spare prose begins to hint at something darker lurking beneath the surface. The narrator's tone captures this transition perfectly: a gentle calm that gradually gives way to an undercurrent of unease.
What makes We Spread truly compelling is its exploration of aging, memory, and identity without resorting to melodrama. Reid asks whether Penny's confusion stems from the natural decline of old age or from something more sinister within the facility. The answer never arrives in a tidy conclusion; instead, listeners are left pondering the fragile line between reality and perception-a hallmark of Reid's psychological suspense.
The audiobook's pacing is deliberate, mirroring the slow erosion of time that Penny experiences. Each scene is punctuated by thoughtful pauses, allowing the audience to feel the weight of her isolation and the subtle shifts in her surroundings. The narration's clear diction ensures that even the most nuanced emotions-Penny's fleeting moments of hope, her growing distrust-are conveyed with precision.
Reid also deftly weaves themes of art, productivity, and community into the narrative. Penny's return to painting becomes a lifeline, a way to anchor herself amid the disorientation. Yet the act of creation is not merely therapeutic; it subtly foreshadows the larger mysteries at play, suggesting that the creative process can both heal and expose hidden truths.
In sum, We Spread is an exquisite audiobook that balances compassion with uncanny suspense. Reid's storytelling-characterized by spare, hypnotic prose-creates a haunting atmosphere that lingers long after the final word. Whether you're drawn to psychological thrillers or thoughtful meditations on aging, this book offers a unique and deeply engaging listening experience that will keep you turning pages-and ears-until the last echo fades.
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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