Book description
How did a loner destined for a niche domestic audience become one of the most famous writers alive? A "fascinating" look at the "business of bringing a best-selling novelist to a global audience" (The Atlantic)―and a "rigorous" exploration of the role of translators and editors in the creation of literary culture (The Paris Review). Thirty years ago, when Haruki Murakami's works were first being translated, they were part of a series of pocket-size English-learning guides released only in Japan. Today his books can be read in fifty languages and have won prizes and sold millions of copies globally. How did a loner destined for a niche domestic audience become one of the most famous writers alive? This book tells one key part of the story. Its cast includes an expat trained in art history who never intended to become a translator; a Chinese American ex-academic who never planned to work as an editor; and other publishing professionals in New York, London, and Tokyo who together introduced a pop-inflected, unexpected Japanese voice to the wider literary world. David Karashima synthesizes research, correspondence, and interviews with dozens of individuals-including Murakami himself-to examine how countless behind-the-scenes choices over the course of many years worked to build an internationally celebrated author's persona and oeuvre. His careful look inside the making of the "Murakami Industry" uncovers larger questions: What role do translators and editors play in framing their writers' texts? What does it mean to translate and edit "for a market"? How does Japanese culture get packaged and exported for the West?
NexusNinja
The narrators have a way of bringing characters to life – it's a unique experience. ListenBook has revolutionized my audio experience, making it both personalized and engaging. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a fascinating way to add a personal touch to my audiobook journey. ListenBook is my constant companion during workouts. The controls are so easy to use.
Moonflower
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Fire Queen
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Cougar Fuzz
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Nacho
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Toy Peep
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FlyGuardX
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Fatsy Bear
The diverse range of narrators adds a new layer of depth to each story. I don't have strong feelings about this one either way. The narration was competent but forgettable. The story itself was more engaging than the performance.
Corny
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Spider Fuji
Binaural audio processing on ListenBook is a thoughtful addition that keeps my ears comfortable during extended listening sessions. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay is a major convenience during road trips. Organizing my audiobook library has never been easier. The app keeps everything tidy. A decent listen overall. The narration was clear, though some character voices sounded similar. The story was interesting but had moments where it dragged slightly. Still, it was a good way to pass the time.
Seattle Jay
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Prof. Screw
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PP Dubs
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Racy Lady
Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. My recordings sound crystal clear. Great app for audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook supports a wide range of formats.
InfinityInsight
This app's playback controls and features make it a breeze to customize my listening experience. Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's elegant design and robust functionality make it a must-have for anyone who loves to listen on the go. 🎧📱 Gone are the days of struggling with formats. Thanks to this app, my audiobook journey is a breeze, and every tale is a tap away. Highly recommended! 📚🎧 Looping playback has revolutionized my language learning journey. I'm making rapid progress. Binaural audio processing reduces listening fatigue. Fantastic feature!
Mr. 44
Automatic metadata retrieval adds a professional touch to my audiobook collection. I love how customizable the playback speed is. It makes listening so much more enjoyable. Perfect narration for this genre! The voice actor’s tone matched the atmosphere of the book, enhancing the overall experience. No complaints—just a smooth, enjoyable listen from beginning to end.
Titanium Ladybug
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Cumulo
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FlyGuardX
I can't imagine my audiobook routine without ListenBook's intuitive and user-friendly design. This app has introduced me to genres I never thought I'd enjoy – it's eye-opening. ListenBook's dedication to providing an exceptional listening experience shines through in every aspect of the app. I'm blown away by the attention to detail in every aspect of this app.
Fl00d
Unwinding with a good audiobook has become my favorite self-care ritual. This audiobook app is a true gem – it brings stories to life with every click. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature. I'm loving it!
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