Wicked, by Gregory Maguire - Book Review
The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West
Mar 9, 2009
Gregory Maguire's Wicked - The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West tells the life story of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, long before Dorothy arrives and squishes her sister
Wicked Overview
After the prologue, the story begins with Elphaba’s Munchkinlander parents, and shortly after that, Elphaba’s birth. The tale then follows her as she grows into a child, then a teen and as she sets off to Shiz University. Among her fellow students, is the snobbish and perfect Glinda, the future Good Witch of the North, who Elphaba is forced to share a room with. Despite a rough beginning, these two eventually become firm friends. Elphaba’s dependant sister, Nessarose, who will eventually grow up to be the Wicked Witch of the East, later joins them at Shiz University.
Elphaba’s lecturer is a Goat named Doctor Dillamond. His research involves proving that humans and Animals were not inherently different; so as to petition bans that will prevent Animals teaching, and force them into servitude or hiding. Elphaba has strong feelings towards the treatment of Animals, and assists Doctor Dillamond with his research. Doctor Dillamond’s work has received the wrong sort of attention and he is murdered at the University. A stricken Elphaba, eventually heads to the Emerald City to confront the Wizard of Oz himself, who she now believes to be corrupt.
Wicked Review
The first half of the book was fairly fast paced. The plot lines and characters were believable and likeable. The development of the main characters was thorough and allows an insight into their actions, and in particular, how the two sisters are eventually dubbed ‘the Wicked Witches’ of the West and East, respectively. The second half of the book was slightly slower paced, and much more political in nature, however, still very well written. The ending was interesting despite the fact that we know what happens, it was satisfying to gain the witch’s perspective on this. Maguire paints a believable and fascinating picture that is the Land of Oz, and reminds us that things are not always as they seem.
Wicked – The life and times of the Wicked Witch of the West was published in 1995 by HarperCollins Publishers, and again in 2006 by Headline Review (ISBN 978-0-7553-3160-4) and has been made into a Musical. Gregory Maguire has since written a sequel called Son of a Witch as well as A Lion Among Men. He has also written Mirror, Mirror, Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister, and a number of children’s books. Go to Gregory Maguire's website for more information.
