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)

Interesting Spin...

A bit of history of the well known Oz.. but VERY little... subtly tied to Dorothy, the Tin Man, the Lion and Scarecrow and of course, the Emerald City and the Wizard. This book has a hint of the obscure land of Oz where different cultures co-exist, magic is an accepted talent, and the land is ruled by religious zealots, religious heresy, and fear. The awful green child grows to become a beautiful independent thinking, strong-willed young woman. The well-known beautiful Glenda, her ex-roommate during her college days at a University where 'animals' are both Professors and barnyard pets.

An interesting suggestion that the 'wicked witch' was not wicked at all and simply assumed the role that whispers thrust upon her during her quest to do the righteous thing confessing to her murdered lover's widow. A touch of sex, rebellion, mysticism and destiny. Not at all like the Broadway musical by the same name...a bit unnerving but a must finish ending.

Almost nothing in common with play

First, there probably should be a disclaimer. Except that the book is called Wicked and is about the Wicked Witch, that is were most simularities end between this and the play. I loved the play. The book was just too long and just ends. It does give some good background, but it jumps and then you have to catch up. The play is PG at best, but this book should be rated R. Just be careful if reading to young children, Language and Sexual themes. If you want Wicked the play, I can't recommend this book. If you want really detail information about thoughts and politics and religion (lots of religion) then you may enjoy this book.

Like Harry Potter but more for Adults

Comparing this to Harry Potter, it lacks the intense battles that Harry Potter has usually at the climax and falls more into the realm of how people really act. Because there is this strange persuasion towards reality, that I found very welcome in a novel of fantasy, you begin to understand the characters and believe in the world the author has created. I think this novel can stand alone as being a great listen without having to be propped up by the popularity of The Wizard of Oz and I actually was very taken in by the 'Wicked Witch' throughout the book. She's a tragic character, sort of a hero in a way. This was not what I was expecting and I was happily surprised. I'd recommend it for the casual fantasy reader who demands a little more reality from the fantasy genre to make them believable.

Interesting

This was a really great book to have read to me and my first ever audio book experience! I really enjoyed it. I think the narrator was wonderful and the story was intense. I really could feel Elphaba's emotions, especially her loneliness. She really got to me. I always knew she was misunderstood, even if a bit of a grump. Galinda was a priss and a snot who only became human briefly. NessaRose was just plain weird. I couldn't get her at all. Liir was a whimp of a boy. The Emporer of Oz was a meglomaniac if I ever saw one, and I enjoyed his dialouge. I loved Nanny and Chistery the winged monkey. Overall, it's good to know Elphaba had love with her pain in life. Who cares about Galinda and her pretty dresses! I have a new outlook on an old favorite now.

Addictive Fantasy

Somewhere along the line, I must have become a Wicked addict! After weeks of longing for and making time in my car to listen to as much of this book as my trips could squeeze in, I finished the book this morning and am left wanting more! What a journey! What an escape! Narrator John McDonough is superb and writer Gregory Maguire's masterful tale took me far away from my worries in North Pittsburgh. My boss had recommended the book to me over a year ago and my only regret is not having listened sooner!
Every once in a while, the author would throw in a curse word or reference to a bodily function that seemed out of place or unnecessary. A minor point, however, in a story full of beautifully crafted characters and wonderful adventures, with just enough familiarity to add fun and curiosity. Thank you for the escape and a "drug" that caused no harm or negative side effects. Give me more!

Connecting the dots of The Wizard of OZ

The story was written to bring the reader an understanding of how the witches became the witches before Dorthy showed up in Oz! The description of locations, people, and events was phenomenal and it keeps you wanting more! I was actually hoping Dorthy didn't get to Oz just so I could read more about wicked witch!

Unexpected

I enjoyed this retelling. Oz has always fascinated me. The morality questions were delightful too!

great alternative telling of the tale

I have read the physical book a number of times but the audio book is even more enjoyable it is well read and I suggest that you read it and listen to it yourself thank you.

entertaining and a different type of story.

Would you consider the audio edition of Wicked to be better than the print version?

i never read the print version.

Who was your favorite character and why?

elfy

What about John McDonough’s performance did you like?

he did a great job.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

in about three sittings.

Any additional comments?

unusual story. i enjoyed it very much. it is not for children. imaginative!

Loved it....but also was bothered by some of it!

Any additional comments?

I loved the concept -- felt the sex was unneeded. Otherwise -- brilliant book!