Audiobook · read by volunteers
Rinkitink in Oz (version 2)
L. Frank Baum (1856–1919)
Read by Robin, Kara Shallenberg (1969-2023), Henry Frigon, Muhammad Mussnoon, Alana Jordan, Ed Good, Angleet, Chugosh, Julian Mackintosh, Padraig O'hIceadha · 26 chapters · 5 h 22
About the book
Prince Inga is the young ruler-to-be of the island of Pingaree, a happy little kingdom, until invaders from the north carry off every inhabitant, including his parents. Inga escapes by hiding in an apple tree. With the help of three magic pearls, he sets out to rescue his people, accompanied by an unlikely pair of companions: King Rinkitink, a jolly monarch who loves to laugh and sing, and the grumpy talking donkey Bilbil. L. Frank Baum makes the most of the contrast between the stout-hearted prince and his funny and distinctly unheroic friends. This version is a dramatic reading, with many voices playing the different characters, which gives the story the feel of a radio play. It is a swift and cheerful adventure for young listeners and for the young at heart. The characters are drawn with humour and affection.
Introduction
L. Frank Baum, born in 1856 and died in 1919, is the creator of the Land of Oz. Rinkitink in Oz, published in 1916, is the tenth of his Oz books, but it has an unusual history: Baum had first written the story some years earlier as a separate fantasy, and later adapted it so that Dorothy and her friends appear at the end. As a result, much of the book reads like an independent adventure set on islands near the Land of Oz rather than a typical Oz story.
The characters are typical of Baum’s inventiveness: a prince who must grow into courage, a king more fond of music and food than of battles, and a donkey who grumbles at everything. The book contains traces of Baum’s gentle satire about rulers and wars, and a faith in kindness and cleverness over brute strength.
This recording is a second version of the book, performed as a dramatic reading, and it has 26 chapters beginning with the Foreword. It lasts about five and a half hours, and a team of LibriVox volunteers shares the parts. Hearing the many voices adds a lively sense of theatre to the story. Today, the book is still a pleasure for families to listen to together, and for anyone who likes a fairy tale with a good measure of comedy and an affectionate view of human weakness. The play of voices helps to separate the many characters, and the donkey’s grumbling is a particular pleasure. It is a good book to share with children in the evening, and a reminder of Baum’s gift for mixing danger with laughter.
Public domain
L. Frank Baum died in 1919: the work is in the public domain in Switzerland, more than 70 years after the author’s death.
The LibriVox volunteers dedicated this recording to the public domain.
Sources : LibriVox page · Files at the Internet Archive · Original text