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 Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West :: 0060987103
Description
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When Dorothy 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? And what is the true nature of evil? 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 be 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. Editorial Descriptions are usually submitted by the manufacturers, publishers and authors. Contact us if you are one of them, and wish to change the above description. |
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Author: Guest
I first heard of "Wicked: The Life and Times of The Wicked Witch of the West" by Gregory Maguire when my best friend was listening to the soundtrack in her car. I was blown away from hearing the song "Defying Gravity" and it made me want to go out and buy it. She burned it for me, but I used it so much that my CD player wouldn't play it anymore so I went out and bought it. I've loved it ever since and it made me want to read the book. With that said, I found out that the musical was coming out and that next year my friend and I are definitely going to it! I'm so excited!!
This book is a prequel to L. Frank Baum's "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" and follows the Wicked Witch of the West. It also uncovers many secrets about the wonderful Land of Oz, the Wizard, the Munchkinland, Dorothy's ruby slippers, and others. It brings out interesting concepts like acceptance, society and how it is shaped around people that are different.
The main character is Elphaba, which is interesting because Frank Baum's initials are L F B and she is green skinned, which makes her different from everyone. She grows up and goes to Shiz University and finds out that many people there discriminate her. She meets Glinda and among a few others, a prince named Fiyero, and animals that act like humans. Elphaba decides to get justice for her and the animals that are different. She uncovers many secrets about the Land of Oz and the Wizard himself. I loved the ending and you will too so pick it up and read it: you won't regret it!!
It's a very thought provoking book and I definitely recommend it to anyone who loved "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" because it brings out the characters so much more and it makes it fun.
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Author: Guest
I thought this book was well written, however, it was very long. The imagination of the author is colossal and almost overwhelming. By the end of the book I just wanted Elphaba to get some peace. The lovers of series such as The Hobbit and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe will be in heaven. For the rest of us, it was an OK read that segues well into the purchase of the musical soundtrack.
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Author: Guest
I have been confused because I thought this book was horrid and had to skip huge sections of it just to get to the end where I had hoped there would be some explanation for it's popularity. I didn't find it, and wondered if as usual I'm out of touch with the things that often have mass appeal. After reading several reviews, however, I am suspicious that it's popularity is with the superficial people it makes fun of. One is reminded that a best-seller is not always a best book, even if it has big words. It does have a gimmick-the Wizard of Oz thing and all-and apparently that is enough for many who haven't spent much time thinking about good and evil. If Elphaba was interested in doing any good in the world why would she treat her own son as badly or worse than she was treated by her own parents? Isn't that what supposedly started all her problems?
Maguire does have some great quotes,"I don't read very well, so I don't think I think very well, I dress to kill though"-Galinda. That may not be exact, I have since-gasp-trashed the book. Yes Virginia there is some smut that should be thrown away even if it's in a book.
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Author: Guest
I am a voracious reader and will ordinarily finish most anything. I could not complete this book. The idea is original. The execution is poor. The narrative is choppy and the motivations of the characters make little sense. Pass this one over.
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Author: Guest
I am a 14-year-old and I can honestly say that many of the themes of Wicked were totally above my head. It is very deep, complex and moving...not at all a silly fairy tale about witches and talking animals.
MaGuire is a genious. I mean that very literally. His story, Wicked, is destined to become as much of a classic as the Wizard of Oz itself.
If you are ready to enter the dark, sinister, but strangley appealing world of Elphaba a.k.a the Wicked Witch of the West, then fly down to the nearest book store and grab and copy of Wicked!
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