Barnes & NobleWicked- The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West (Wicked Years Series #1) by Gregory Maguire

Loved it!

I heard many opinions about this book: some say it is really weird, others say the Broadway musical is much better, and many say it is not good. For my personal taste, I loved it! I immediately got attached to the story and couldn't put the book down. Wicked doesn't only tell the story about Elphaba and how she became the Wicked Witch of the West, but also approaches politics and religion. It discusses goodness and evil, tyranny, democracy, and slavery. And for those of you who are wondering: no, you don't have to read the Wizard of Oz book or know the story beforehand! In general, I really enjoyed the book and definitely recommend it!

Great Story

I read this before I saw the production of Wicked in the theater. It is a very imaginative story of Elphaba and how she came to be. The novel goes into her history with Glinda and also what happens to her after she leaves Shiz. It is different though from the musical/film and a much darker story. Still it's an interesting plot and well worth reading.

3.5 stars

WICKED: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE WICKED WITCH OF THE WEST by Gregory Maguire As much as I love and adore the stage musical, I have never read the book despite having it in my possession for the past two decades. While I’m well aware the musical (and movie) is different from the book I figure now was a good a time as any to finally read it. Unlike the musical, this was not lighthearted or saccharine. Themes of discrimination, racial tension, good vs. evil, political and religious violence/aggression, and systemic oppression. It felt too close to home/reality. Had I read this during less troubled times (ha, like when was that ever?), I might have liked it more. For a book that’s only a little over 300 pages, it felt *much* longer due to the world building and timeline. Even listening to the audiobook at 2.00x speed didn’t help as the chapters were long and dense. That said, while I did enjoy this as a whole and appreciate the message, I don’t feel the need to continue the series. Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐️

highly recommend it!

Loved the way the story, the dynamics of characters and what motivates one to be or become what they are.

Not What I was Expecting

Gregory Maguire’s Wicked (2005) was everything I was not expecting, and the experience was both good and bad – or should I say wicked…Maguire’s novel follows Elphaba, from early childhood, gnawing at anything she can wrap her mouth on, to her coining herself, “The Wicked Witch of the West.” I enjoyed most of the novel, but there were two specific parts that I did not particularly care for (the first 30ish pages and one section in the middle). So, you’re probably wondering why 3 stars if I did in fact, enjoy most of the novel. Well, here’s why – as much credit as I give Maguire for utterly flipping Oz on its head, I thought the novel was too politically charged. I did admire his imagination creating an entirely new world, from a world most the world has grown to love, but in some respects, I just thought I could’ve gone without the notion of tyranny or the history of different colonies and towns that formed Oz. I also found the language to be over the top, IN MANY INSTANCES. One rule in writing, if you only follow one rule, make sure the language is readable by any audience. We get it Maguire, you have stellar vocabulary, but you don’t have to try and show off for 400+ pages. One last thought, without ruining anything – I absolutely hated the ending and I do not plan on continuing the series.

This Book is Not for The Light of Heart

I've read this book countless times, and each time it is a thrill. Those who are seeking the fun and loving Oz from the 1939 MGM Movie, or the hit Broadway Musical that this is LOOSELY based on, this is NOT the book for you. Elphaba's journey to becoming the notorious Wicked Witch is not a fun story. It is politically aware, sexual, dark, and at times horrifying story. Maguire's Oz paints a dark shadow on Baum's colorful world and, like Baum, Maguire plays up on the darkness that lurks just within these shadows.

I love this book

My Favorite Book

I love this book and this story, a retelling of a classic story and such a fun and easy read.