The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

By: L. Frank Baum

Narrated by: Anne Hathaway

Length: 3 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

Audie Award Nominee, Solo Narration - Female, 2013

One of the best-known stories in American culture, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz has stirred the imagination of young and old alike for over 100 years. Academy Award-winning actress Anne Hathaway (Rachel Getting Married, Alice in Wonderland, The Dark Knight Rises) lends her voice to this uniquely American fairy tale.

Follow the adventures of young Dorothy Gale and her dog Toto as they get swept away into the magical land of Oz , where they encounter characters and places you may remember from the movie - and several more that never made it to the big screen - on an unforgettable journey to the Emerald City.

“It’s such a wonderful book and I was so happy to be a part of bringing it to life”, Ms. Hathaway said. “There are a lot of great voices in it. The more fun you have with it, the sillier and the more free you get with it, the better it is because it’s a story that can handle it. It’s amazing to be able to discover something new about something you feel you know so well.”

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Public Domain (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Anne Hathaway is nothing short of masterful in her narration of Baum’s beloved classic.... As narrator, she is lithe yet precise; her voice sounds lilting or emphatic, as the story details require. In character, she is spectacular. Each character is filled with personality - a light-voiced Witch of the North; a brusque soldier at Oz’s palace; a monotone, robot-like Oz; and a usually cheerful and genuine Dorothy. The variety enriches the listening experience. Yes, one may know the story well, but Hathaway makes this recording a definitive one.” (AudioFile)

The Wonderful World of Oz

I had never read the books but only saw the movie. Both myself and my six year old daughter. At first she didn't care for it because it didn't follow the movie, but then I explained how the book is the "real" story and the movie is the "Hollywood version" of it. She then listened with new ears and loved the true story and cannot wait for the next books and the new adventures!

Hathaway nails it!

This isn't my favorite book on the world, but Hathaway's voice acting more than makes up for it. I was thoroughly entertained and listened to the entire book in one sitting.

Classic Story and Excellent Narration

Anne Hathaway is a perfect pairing for this book. We listened on a family road trip and now my girls are hooked. They have listened over and over again.

Lots of Fun!

Where does The Wonderful Wizard of Oz rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I'd say this book is in the top 75% of all those I've listened to. It's fun and a nice reminder of one of the greatest joys of my childhood! I lived to watch this every year when it was televised! Judy Garland's performance is renowned, of course. Listen to her rendition of "Over the Rainbow" on YouTube and then begin your journey to Oz!

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz?

I'll always cherish EVERY moment involving the Scarecrow - he is, indeed, the one "I miss most of all"!

Which character – as performed by Anne Hathaway – was your favorite?

I thought she made a very believable Dorothy. Dorothy is one of the first, true female heroes. She is polite and feminine, yet very determined and brave - a girl ahead of her time.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It's ALWAYS makes me laugh and cry!

Any additional comments?

Get it, just for the fun of it!

Give Anne Hathaway an award

I had never read this book, even as a child. Of course, like everyone, I'm very family with the film. I liked the book much better than the movies! The characters are much more developed and endearing. Anne Hathaway was incredible! She had a fun, distinctive voice for every character- and there were A LOT of characters! It was like being read to by a loved one. She even put great enthusiasm into reading the narrative. I am looking forward to listening to this again with my daughter when she gets a bit older.

A classic, beautifully performed

Anne Hathaway does a superb job at recreating the characters and bringing this story to life.

An excellent book

Would you listen to The Wonderful Wizard of Oz again? Why?

Yes, it was very entertaining.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz?

When the wizard was fulfilling his promises to the lion, the scarecrow and the tin man.

Which character – as performed by Anne Hathaway – was your favorite?

Dorothy

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

"Churned" into a magic land.

Any additional comments?

The book is very entertaining and very suitable for children.

Never got through on my own..

What did you love best about The Wonderful Wizard of Oz?

It is a true fable. Most people never understand that fairy tales and fables were not all happy go lucky but could be violent and have dark topics in them. This is no exception like when the Tin Man cuts wolves heads off.

Have you listened to any of Anne Hathaway’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Just her movies and this is great honestly, she does a different voice for everyone

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No but I enjoyed it.

Any additional comments?

This is a great audio book and Anne Hathaway is great with her reading. Wish she did more books I was interested in.

The Best narrative so far

Would you listen to The Wonderful Wizard of Oz again? Why?

The story is good and the performance of Ann Hathway is breath taking

What does Anne Hathaway bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Several voices and perfect voice

Anne Hathaway is incredible

Anne Hathaway was an incredible narrator. Having never read the book before, I felt like the story dragged a bit especially towards the end, but Anne kept it interesting and engaging throughout. Her character voices were distinct without being obnoxious and her inflections and intonations were perfect. I would love to hear more narrations from her.