8 Apr 2014

THE WIZARD OF OZ.

THE WIZARD OF OZ* by L. FRANK BAUM.

SOURCE: A charity shop buy.

They're off to see the Wizard!

Dorothy and her friends are sure that the Wonderful Wizard of Oz can give each of them the thing they want most in the world.

The Scarecrow is going to him for some brains. The Tin Woodman hopes the Wizard can give him a heart. The Cowardly Lion longs for courage, and Dorothy wants him to send her back to Kansas.

But as they set off down the Yellow Brick Road, they have no idea of the surprise that awaits them in The Emerald City when they first come face to face with the Great Oz himself.
...... Outer back cover

FIRST SENTENCE {Chapter 1: The Cyclone}: Dorothy lived in the midst of the great Kansas prairies, with Uncle Henry, who was a farmer, and Aunt Em, who was a farmer's wife.

MEMORABLE MOMENT {Page 143}: 'You see, here in our country we live contentedly, and can talk and move around as we please. But whenever any of us are taken away our joints at once stiffen, and we can only stand straight and look pretty. Of course that is all that is expected of us when we are on mantleshelves and drawing room tables, but our lives are much pleasenter here in our own country.'

MY THOUGHTS: Given that I was brought up watching the film starring Judy Garland you might have thought I'd have read the book several times but this is the first time in more than thirty years.

Though without all the Hollywood embellishments of the 1939 film (Glinda is way less glittery, the ruby slippers neither ruby nor slippers), perhaps a bit more violent (there is a certain amount of lopping off of heads going on), missing some beloved characters whilst featuring others albeit none of them quite so lovable and with the addition of events not featured until the 2013 film, Oz The Great And Powerful, this is still a wonderfully timeless if simply told classic.

A story of friendship, of good deeds rewarded and full of a tongue in cheek humour that is sure to appeal to both children and those who are young at heart. The Wizard Of Oz (the first in a series of 14 full length books) is a delightful novel all about five individuals in search of their hearts desires that is as magical a read as it was all those years ago.

* Whilst I am able to comment on the storyline and characters I am not able to comment on the illustrations featured within the book linked to as the edition I read differs to this.


Copyright: Tracy Terry @ Pen and Paper. All original content on http://pettywitter.blogspot.co.uk/ is created by the website owner, including but not limited to text, design, code, images, photographs and videos are considered to be the Intellectual Property of the website owner, whether copyrighted or not, and are protected by DMCA Protection Services using the Digital Millennium Copyright Act Title 17 Chapter 512 (c)(3). Reproduction or re-publication of this content is prohibited without permission. In addition I would also urge that if you are reading this on any other page you contact the original blog owner/reviewer.


13 comments:

Kelly said...

We had the entire series in my home when I was a child. I remember them being very big, old books...perhaps even "first editions". I can recall looking through them and feel sure at least one or two were read to me at some point, but don't think I've read them myself.

carol said...

This is one that's been on my to-read list even though I never seem to get around to it. Glad to see it's still magical.

Yvonne @ Fiction Books Reviews said...

Hi Tracy,

I don't think I have ever actually read these books either, although of course I have watched the film and also went to see the theatre production of 'Wicked', in London's West End .... twice!

Sometimes it is nice to rekindle childhood memories, so thanks for sharing.

Yvonne

ashok said...

classic!

Suko said...

I have seen the original movie countless times, but have not read the book. What a lovely find for you!

Alexia561 said...

I'm afraid that I'm another one who has seen the movie several times, but never read the book. With the TV show Once Upon a Time having a Wicked West/Oz story arc, I think I need to read the original books once and for all!

Stephanie@Fairday's Blog said...

I have seen the movie a million times and recently watched it- reliving the magic. I can't believe I have never read it! It has been on my list for ages. Reading this post has me thinking that I better read this one soon! Sounds fascinating! Thanks for sharing. :)

Shooting Stars Mag said...

I've never read any of these, but glad to hear you liked the first.

Brian Joseph said...

Of course the film is one of the all time greatest.


I have considered delving into not just this book, the the entire series for sometime. It will be interesting to do so as this has become such a cultural icon.


thanks for the commentary on this one!

The Bookworm said...

The film is one of my favorites but I've never read the books. Interesting that they are so different.

Yanting Gueh said...

I know the story from watching it on TV, but I haven't read it (unless it's the edition for really, really young kids). The book cover you've featured here looks great, and I think Barbara (March House Books) would love it.

Barbara said...

How right you are Claudine -I do love it :-) I also love the story and have read it several times.Nice review Tracy.

Literary Feline said...

I grew up on the film, but still haven't read the book. Ever since reading MaGuire's Wicked, I've wanted to though.