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

Publisher's 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

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)

Wickedly performed

What did you like best about Wicked? What did you like least?

The voice actor was fantastic - he did a great job with all the different characters. I thought that the story didn't hold together very well - it could have used some editing - like the weird gratuitous sex club scene, what the heck was that about? The story started off really well - and just lost steam. I'm not interested in reading the follow-on stories.

What about John McDonough’s performance did you like?

He was great - all the characters were very well done.

Could you see Wicked being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

No.

Thrills but weird

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Yes only because it is interesting to have a different perspective

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

It was not at all predictable. That I liked. Was able to make some connections with the original story.

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

No

Do you think Wicked needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

It has several

Any additional comments?

It was a far stretch from the original story but very entertaining.

Worth listening to over and over

Narrator was great. Have listened to this book many times. I notice new things every time I listen to it.

Good but not Great

I enjoyed the first section very much, towards the middle of the second the story got be a bit draggy. By the third I had kept playing the selection, but not really listening. I can't bring my self to listen to the end with Dorothy. I grew attached to Alfaba (sp) and didn't want to see her die, she's not the villian any longer.

Identifying with the Wicked Witch of the West

I'm in love with her! I see so much of me in her. I've still about 20 minutes until the end of the book, and even though I know how the story ends according to the movie, I'm hoping for a surprise twist wherein the Witch comes out victorious!

This book had me hooked from go.

Surprising story

Well written. I didn't expect to enjoy it and I didn't expect the drama, romance, and violence. There was satire too, along the lines of Animal Farm. I'm glad I listened - this is a good one!

Wickedly Great!!

I love the way this story unfolds. It makes me want to re-watch the movie with new eyes. Glenda the good witch… what a crock!

A whole new look at the wicked witch.

Our writer really dove into the characters in the story we all know and love. Great imagination was necessary to present the witch to us in this form. To give the reader a look into who she was and where she came from,,and why.
When I was a child I would watch the movie and be afraid of her, now I will see it in a whole new light. If your in love with "Wizard of OZ " then you may not want to taint that. This story will. For me it was in a good way. Some die hard fans may feel like the story has taken out the magic in the movie.
All in all. A good read..

just finished Wicked

loved it easy listdn interesting perspective and great audio. I will do another. I recommend ATW

Two sides to every story

Wicked is a clever and captivating story as well as a thought provoking social commentary. Juxtapositioning the witch as the unlikely hero and the wizard as the politically motivated villian illustrates that there are two sides to every story.