An astonishingly rich re-creation of the land of Oz, this book retells the story of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, who wasn't so wicked after all. Taking readers past the yellow brick road and into a phantasmagoric world rich with imagination and allegory, Gregory Maguire just might change the reputation of one of the most sinister characters in literature.
I wasn't sure what to think of this book. It has been on my to-read list for years, and I've for whatever reason effectively avoided it in all that time. I saw the musical in Boston in 2006 and I think first it's imperative to understand that this book is not the musical. The only real following similarities are the setting - Oz - and the character names. The story plays out completely differently.
That said, I could not put it down.
The story follows Elphaba from before birth to the moment of her death. The life shown is uncensored and completely different than one may have expected. It is rough, sexual, and ruthless. And somehow, it is just right.
The main criticism I would have is that the ending seemed rushed, as though her insanity set in far too quickly, and in that, I would say I felt left unsatisfied.
Reading updates
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Started reading
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3 July, 2014:
Finished reading
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3 July, 2014:
Reviewed