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  • Wicked

  • The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West
  • By: Gregory Maguire
  • Narrated by: John McDonough
  • Length: 19 hrs and 42 mins
  • 4.0 out of 5 stars (364 ratings)

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Wicked

By: Gregory Maguire
Narrated by: John McDonough
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Summary

Heralded as an instant classic of fantasy literature, Maguire has written a wonderfully imaginative retelling of The Wizard of Oz told from the Wicked Witch's point of view. More than just a fairy tale for adults, Wicked is a meditation on the nature of good and evil.

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.

©1995 Gregory Maguire (P)2000 Recorded Books, LLC
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Critic reviews

"A staggering feat of wordcraft." ( Los Angeles Times)
"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

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars

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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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

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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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

great story

much darker than the musical but it was extremely enjoyable and i would recommend it

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

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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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

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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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

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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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

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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