The Year of Magical Thinking Audiobook By Joan Didion cover art

The Year of Magical Thinking

 Preview

Audible Standard 30-day free trial

Try Standard free
Select 1 audiobook a month from our entire collection of titles.
Yours as long as you’re a member.
Get unlimited access to bingeable podcasts.
Standard auto renews for $8.99 a month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

The Year of Magical Thinking

By: Joan Didion
Narrated by: Vanessa Redgrave
Try Standard free

$8.99 a month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy for $10.22

Buy for $10.22

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 Emotionally Gripping Art & Literature Women Heartfelt Thought-Provoking Biographies & Memoirs Authors Entertainment & Celebrities Celebrity Inspiring Witty Feel-Good Suspenseful Funny

Our favorite moments from The Year of Magical Thinking

The Year of Magical Thinking
"That's what I'm here to tell you."
-0.00
The Year of Magical Thinking
"I guess that was when I knew..."
-0.00
The Year of Magical Thinking
"There's nothing I do not discuss with John."
-0.00
  • The Year of Magical Thinking
  • "That's what I'm here to tell you."
  • The Year of Magical Thinking
  • "I guess that was when I knew..."
  • The Year of Magical Thinking
  • "There's nothing I do not discuss with John."

Featured Article: Comforting Audiobooks About Grief and Loss That Actually Help


When it comes to the death of a loved one, there is no easy path forward. Grieving can place significant mental strain on those who are mourning. And because everyone grieves a little differently, it can be hard to know where to turn for help, or what to say to someone who is in the throes of grief. Audiobooks on grief can offer insight to those looking for ways to support the mourning, or a bit of comfort for anyone struggling with loss themselves.

Featured Article Comforting Audiobooks About Grief and Loss That Actually Help
Raw Emotional Honesty • Profound Grief Exploration • Masterful Narration • Beautiful Prose • Insightful Reflection

Highly rated for:

All stars
Most relevant
It will happen to you. An honest and real testimony to what happens when the shock of life and death becomes real. It happened to me so it really hit home. Of course, my story is different but basically this heartfelt book felt real. Life changes fast is so true. Vanessa Redgrave voice is absolutely magnificent! I highly recommend this book!

What a great book and Narrater!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Ms Redgrave's reading of this book and her performance is so powerful you would think Ms Didion was the reader. Every word is delivered with the emotion the writer intended. I was swept along on this tragic story of love and loss like few other books have ever delivered.

a brilliant performance

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Vanessa was awesome! Story is great too! Not my genera, but I really enjoyed this. I will relisten in the future.

Definitely a must read

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
I had heard of The Year of Magical Thinking, and of Joan Didion, but this is the first of her works I've enjoyed. It's heartfelt, both tragic and hopeful. I'm not sure if I can say I enjoyed listening to it, but I'm glad I did.

My first from this writer

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Ms Redgrave is the perfect narrator for this story. It's the most difficult story to tell and it is done beautifully.

Should be Required Reading

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
See more reviews