Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West
Book Review: This book was amazing.
Summary: 5 Stars
Very rarely do I dive into fiction of this nature, but this book was exceptional. Seeing things from the witch's point of view was not only amusing but endearing, and the introduction of all these subplots and charaters is nothing short of extraordinary. This book not only complements but also enhances this classic tale. Maguire does everything right in this story and hopefully will continue writing exceptional fiction of this nature.Book Review: Oz ain't just for kids anymore!
Summary: 4 Stars
Admit it, year after year you watched the movie The Wonderful Wizard of Oz to relive Dorothy Gale's plight over the rainbow. It, and the book is is based on, is a classic. But have you ever wondered about the other side of the story? The Wicked Witch was a person, too, and she had a life of her own worth telling. The novel Wicked recounts the events of her life--a life you would never have expected--from unfortunate birth to unfortunate death. It's touching, humorous, and a must read for any fan of the Oz stories.Book Review: Transports you to another place!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
This book may take place in OZ, but in many ways you are transported back into the real world. Elphalba must deal with discrimination, sexual morality, politcis, regional conflict, and religious fanaticism all in one short lifetime. There are many ways one can identify with The Wicked Witch--who really isn' wicked at all. SHe is just the prodcut of her society. A great read!!!Book Review: Maybe she's not so wicked after all.
Summary: 5 Stars
After reading "Wicked..." I have a new found respect for the Wicked Witch of the West. Maguire did a fantastic job in giving Elphaba life and making you feel for her. In the Wizard of Oz, I never even thought that I was only hearing it from Dorothy's viewpoint. Now its as if I am torn in who to believe which is why I consider this book a work of art. From reading other reviews, I have noticed that there is some question into the love story between Elphaba and Fiyero. I believe that Maguire is merely trying to show that Elphaba was capable of feelings, that she could love as well as be loved, thus going back to my statment that the Wicked Witch of the West had a life. I think ultimately Maguire is trying to convey to the readers that the "true nature of evil" is defined by the beholder, so can we truely say that the Wicked Witch of the West was indeed wicked?Book Review: deserves to be a classic
Summary: 5 Stars
Gregory Maguire's book was a personal reminder for me that everyone has a story, and nothing is as it seems on the surface. What seems "good" to one may not be to another, and "wickedness" in all its forms can come from so many sources-- political interest, misguided love, even religious fervor. It also explores how something can be perceived as beneficial in the beginning and then later can be distorted in to something ugly. If I were to pick a theme for this book, I would say it had a lot to do with the ebb and flow of perceptions: how the Munchinkinlanders changed their views about Nessarose, how Elphaba's friends and enemies alike changed their ideas about her and what she could do and how all the inhabitants of Oz change allegiance from mythology to religion to sorcery, depending on the fashion of the day. And how the reader's perception can change, once all the evidence is arrayed!This book, in addition to being a amazingly detailed fantasy story, is packed with a lot of nuances that I'm afraid I did not pick up on the first time. Lucky for me, I own a copy, so in time, I will re-read this book again. I would, and have recommended it to friends. It's been difficult to explain-- my best shot so far is that it's a bit like what would happen if George Orwell had taken a shot at rewriting "The Wizard of Oz".