Wicked-Gregory Maguire

In Gregory Maguire's Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, the familiar tale of Dorothy's arrival in Oz is turned on its head. Maguire delves into the untold story of Elphaba, the green-skinned girl who would eventually be known as the Wicked Witch of the West, reimagining her not as inherently evil, but as a complex, intelligent, and often misunderstood individual.

The novel follows Elphaba's life from her unusual birth through her challenging childhood, her time at Shiz University where she forges a complicated friendship with the beautiful and popular Galinda (who will later become Glinda the Good), and her growing disillusionment with the Wizard and the oppressive regime in Oz.

Maguire paints a vibrant and politically charged Oz, where Animals (sentient creatures) are fighting for equal rights, and where the seemingly benevolent Wizard holds a darker power. Elphaba's passionate advocacy for the Animals and her strong sense of justice lead her down a path of rebellion and place her in opposition to the established order, ultimately shaping her infamous reputation.

Wicked explores themes of good versus evil, political propaganda, social injustice, and the power of perspective. It challenges readers to question the traditional narratives they've been told and to consider the possibility that those labeled as "wicked" might have their own compelling stories to tell. Far darker and more complex than the beloved movie, the book offers a sophisticated and thought-provoking look behind the curtain of Oz.

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