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Wicked

The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West

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Wicked

By: Gregory Maguire
Narrated by: John McDonough
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Summary

The New York Times bestseller that inspired the Tony-winning hit musical and major motion picture

OVER 6 MILLION COPIES SOLD

Years before Dorothy and her dog crash-land, another little girl makes her presence known in Oz. This girl, Elphaba, is born with emerald-green skin—no easy burden in a land as mean and poor as Oz, where superstition and magic are not strong enough to explain or overcome the natural disasters of flood and famine. Still, Elphaba is smart, and not long after entering Shiz University, she becomes a member of a charmed circle of Oz's most promising young citizens.

But Elphaba's Oz is no utopia. The Wizard's secret police are everywhere.

Animals—those creatures with voices, souls, and minds—are threatened with exile. Young Elphaba, green and wild and misunderstood, is determined to protect the Animals—even if it means combating the mysterious Wizard, even if it means risking her single chance at romance.

Ever wiser in guilt and sorrow, she can find herself grateful when the world declares her a witch. And she can even make herself glad for that young girl from Kansas.

"An astonishing achievement."—Philip Pullman

 Classics Epic Epic Fantasy Fantasy Fiction Magic Magic Users Witchcraft Scary Paranormal
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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)
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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.

Definitely not for children

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Great listen. I read this book many years ago. I forgot how great a story it is.

Super

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I liked the whole story. it's excellent. it explains how the wicked witch be come wicked

wicked

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To hear how the wicked witch became wicked is a real twist on the yellow brick road story we all live Julie Garland for. It also makes you question who was actually good and who was bad. The book does drag in places and sometimes it was a little difficult to keep up with all the names but it was well worth it. I do have one question - what happened to Nanny?

A real twist

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Puts a totally different light on the original story, just begs the question" who was really Wicked ?????? " it's up to you to decide !!!!!!

Great listen

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