· Paperback: 519 pages
· Publisher: Harper
· Language: English
· ISBN-10: 0061350966
· ISBN-13: 978-0061350962
About the Book:
When Dorthy triumphed over the Wicked Witch of the West in L. Frank Baum’s classic tale, we heard only her side of the story. But what about her arch-nemesis, the mysterious Witch? Where did she come from? How did she become so Wicked?
Gregory Maguire creates a fantasy world so rich and vivid that we will never look at Oz the same way again. Wicked is about a land where animals talk and strive to be treated like first-class citizens, Munchkinlanders seek the comfort of middle-class stability, and the Tin Man becomes a victim of domestic violence. And then there is the little green-skinned girl named Elphaba, who will grow up to become the infamous Wicked Witch of the West – a smart, prickly, and misunderstood creature who challenges all our preconceived notions about the nature of good and evil.
My Review:
Gregory Maguire has taken away all of your assumptions about the famous Wicked Witch. He introduces Elphaba, the once-nameless Witch, as a baby. You read about her life growing up, the trials she faced being different, and her loves lost and friendships betrayed. He also explores her relationship with Glenda the Good Witch in a way that will leave you wondering if the house did indeed fall on the right Witch!
This book left me with a new, more sympathetic view for Elphaba, and a fresh dislike for Glenda. Gregory Maguire shapes an in-depth person from the flat, evil-tempered character originally created by Baum. She laughs, cries, loves, and even protests causes she feels strongly about. The story is written in Maguire’s unique style, which gives an old-fashioned feel without being boring. Most of his humor is the dry sarcastic type, which mirrors Elphaba’s personality, but it makes for a pleasant read.
I have yet to read “Son of a Witch”, the sequel to “Wicked”, but I do plan on it. Gregory Maguire also re-tells a few other classic stories, which I also intend to read.
