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Wicked
- The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West
- Narrated by: John McDonough
- Length: 19 hrs and 42 mins
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Summary
Elphaba is born with green skin, a precocious mind, and a talent for magic. An outcast throughout her childhood in Munchkinland, she finally begins to feel as though she fits in when she enters the University in the Emerald City. While she hones her skills, she discovers that Oz isn't the Utopia it seems. She sets out to protect its unwanted creatures, becoming known as the Wicked Witch along the way.
Narrator John McDonough draws you in to Maguire's magical world of witches and talking animals, making it possible to believe in a land somewhere over the rainbow.
Critic reviews
"McDonough's excellent portrayals of Elphaba's outspoken, gravel-voiced nanny, Glinda's snobbish friends, and the wide-eyed, soft-spoken Dorothy make this excursion to Oz worthwhile." ( Publishers Weekly)
What listeners say about Wicked
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- Jo S
- 22-09-24
Weird & indulgent
I stuck with this, thinking it might improve. Alas, no… it was so self indulgent at times and pompous. Certain elements were obscure and disjointed and so difficult to follow the narrative. Also it was almost impossible to feel any connection with the characters. I think it may have helped to have been narrated by a female voice rather than the ponderous way this was delivered.
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- mimi
- 01-07-22
Still one of my absolute faves.
I've listened more times than I can remember now and each time I spot something I've missed. the narration is fab. the storyline speaks to my soul. Just brilliant 👏
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- JB
- 28-10-24
A beautiful imagination that leaves further intrigue
Such a beautiful retelling, a perspective even, that leaves the listener/reader asking more questions to no answers. I look forward to hearing the rest of the series!
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- Amazon Customer
- 27-03-21
great story
much darker than the musical but it was extremely enjoyable and i would recommend it
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- Bentley wilde
- 07-11-22
Disregard what others say about the narration
John McDonough does a fantastic job of not only the narration but also the depth and variances of each character. Galinda/Glinda sounds vastly different to Elphaba. Boq and Fieyero are easy to tell apart etc.
The book itself is of course brilliantly written. If you enjoy the show, you’ll love the book although be warned there are plenty of differences and is a lot darker (I’d recommend doing research on potential triggers if you’re so affected) but if you’re prepared for a darker story with so much depth and lore into the “wonderful” world of Oz, then pick this title up.
I would recommend this book to anybody interested in fantasy although I would also venture to say that anybody interested in politics, semantics, philosophy or even religious arguments would enjoy this title as it has very interesting views on matters that can easily be translated into our own, slightly less magical, lives
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- Mark Channing
- 15-09-22
So slow. So long
Having seen the musical multiple times I decided to read the source text. At first it was fascinating the differences and extension to the story universe. But after getting ⅓ of the way through it still feels like the story is yet to start. It’s verbose and the narration is a drudge. Such a shame. It’s a book I want to have read, not one I want to read.
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- Claire T.
- 18-07-19
Definitely not for children
Not at all what I expected, but a detailed, shocking story of Oz.
I haven’t seen the musical but I imagine there’s not a lot of this book in a family show.
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- Amazon Customer
- 07-05-21
Great listen
Puts a totally different light on the original story, just begs the question" who was really Wicked ?????? " it's up to you to decide !!!!!!
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- Alex Baines
- 25-09-24
Not as expected - which is a good thing!
Surprisingly darker, different to what the musical shows and makes me want to explore the rest of the series, at least the sequel.
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- Mrs A H Wheatley
- 10-05-23
Overall it’s a good story
It’s a good story. However it is a little slow in places. The narrative is good. It’s interesting to hear the story behind the musical.
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