The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

Rightho, the next few posts are mostly going to be book reviews as I haven't done any during #IndieApril. 

Although, this first one isn't exactly a book. It's an audio adaptation of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, by the lovely Paul Magrs. 

Join Dorothy, Toto and their new friends the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman and the Cowardly Lion as they journey down the yellow brick road in their quest to find the Wonderful Wizard of Oz. 

I thought it was just a straight retelling until a few minutes in when they just wouldn't let the murder thing go.

Isn't that a pitiful sight, ay? Those two, poor skinny legs sticking out from under your house. Those two pathetic legs in their stripy tights and those little silver shoes sticking out like that. Just imagine dear. Just imagine what it must be like underneath. Ugh, she must be squashed, completely flat under there. Squashed, flat, like a bug.

Are you saying that my house has squashed one of your friends - to death?

Well, I don't think she's going to get up any time soon, do you dear?

Having only ever watched the film and never read the book, I was surprised to learn the ruby slippers were originally silver shoes, and that the Tin Man's name (from later books) is Nick, which makes sense, as he chops (nicks) wood and, in this case, manages to nick off his arms, legs and head.

It's a very easy listen at four-and-a-half hours, and you get Jim Broadbent (Cloud Atlas/London Spy) as the Wizard.

Very enjoyable way to pass the lockdown.