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  • The Year of Magical Thinking

  • Written by: Joan Didion
  • Narrated by: Vanessa Redgrave
  • Length: 1 hr and 28 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (174 ratings)

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The Year of Magical Thinking

Written by: Joan Didion
Narrated by: Vanessa Redgrave
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Publisher's Summary

When celebrated writer Joan Didion’s life was altered forever, she wrote a new chapter. In this adaptation of her iconic memoir, Didion transforms the story of the shattering loss of her husband and their daughter into a one-woman play performed by Tony Award winner Vanessa Redgrave, who originated the role on Broadway in 2007. Written with Didion’s trademark style of cool observation, The Year of Magical Thinking weaves back and forth in time, taking listeners on a poignant journey through heartbreak, grief, and resilience. It’s an unforgettable theatrical experience that resonates with anyone who has ever loved.

©2005 Joan Didion (P)2020 AO Media LLC
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What listeners say about The Year of Magical Thinking

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The Play of the Memoir

I initially thought this was the (abridged) memoir but instead it is an incredibly moving play that was adapted from the titular work.

Grief is such a difficult subject - and this wonderfully written play is a perfect aid in the healing process - to know you are not alone, and the mental games you create are not unique.

Highly recommended.

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Tragedy and Grieving

Even though this book features tragedy through the life of Didion there is compassion, grace and hope in this book for those who experience unbearable loss of those they love most.
Redgrave’s reading is beautiful and makes you feel as though Didion was reading it herself. So glad I listened to this story. This book helped ease the pain of the untimely losses.

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Stunning

Vanessa Redgrave’s reading wraps us in warm blankets and carries us through the raw truth of uncharted grief - the only kind of grief there is. In a society that prefers to ignore that death happens - this story is a the equivalent of ribbons tied in the trees of the dark forest in which we will all one day realize we are lost. Send it to your future self.

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Haunting

Beautiful performance of a powerful story. It was a privilege to listen to Ms. Redgrave deliver this work.

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Loved this

I thoroughly enjoyed this performance. Vanessa Redgrave really brought it to life for me. I found myself entranced in the narrative and living through the experience.

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Excellent job by Vanessa Redgrave

A sad story, but oh so true. Each wonderful detail of lost lives and how life continues on

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Epic understanding for one trying to navigate Loss

I had never heard of Joan Didion until a Grief Counsellor mentioned her work.
The voice of Vanessa Redgrave was perfect for this audio book.

I wasn't sure if I would be able to listen (due to recent loss of my own) but someone sharing the inner-workings of one's mind as they try to process what is actually happening, is a gift to say the least.

Hauntingly Beautiful ...

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Incredible listen

What a beautiful bittersweet listen. As a mom and wife, it’s the worst you can imagine and to hear this book encapsulating the time and emotion of memories and thoughts was beautiful. To hear it read by so touching and fragile a voice made it so real.

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Excellent!

Very true depiction of grief and loss. Vanessa Redgrave was the perfect narrator for this book!

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Captivating.

As always, an incredible piece of tight storytelling by Didion. Unfortunately, it was autobiographical. I feel for the woman.

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