Wicked Musical Tie-in Edition : The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West
by Gregory Maguire
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Book Summary Information
Author: Gregory MaguireEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Published)
Format: Bargain Price
Published: 2004-03
ISBN: N/A
Number of pages: 448
Publisher: Harper Paperbacks
Book Reviews of Wicked Musical Tie-in Edition : The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West
Book Review: People should grow up...
Summary: 5 Stars
I am baffled by the responses of those who disliked this book. The reviews for the book all say it is not for children, but adult themed. Yes, there is sex in the book.. but it is niether bizarre, perverted, or indeed even explicit. The reviewers who complained this book was too adult (one reviewer stated she was afraid to read it in public for fear of gasping?! Methinks she needs to get out a little for she is way to underexposed to life if anything in this book makes her gasp) sound like petulant children complaining that something isn't "fair". The reviewer who complained about Maguires language choice should learn his own language. The book's vocabulary is neither difficult nor pretentious.
Overall, this is one of the best takes on Oz to come out in years. Oz wasn't this adult-themed when Baum wrote them, but then again Baum's stories weren't as whitewashed as MGM's film either. Maguire's exploration of Elphaba's character and motivations is enthralling. Watching as he flips the general view of Dorothy's initial story in Oz on its head is a treat. The whole time you find yourself wondering how the insipid Galinda can be rectified with the movie's Glinda, how is it that Elphaba goes from one who detests murder to the crazed witch trying to kill an 8-year old girl, and what motives could the wizard have for his militaristic expansionism? Maguire draws parallels from our own ethically muddled history, and seeks to bring back some of the reality that MGM drained from Baum's tale.
This is not to say that the story is without fault. It is not. Some of the character motivations are weak (or at least weakly explained). For example, the Wizard's motivations are never truly addressed. The glossing they do receive just leaves one wondering. Overall, a great book. Pay no attention to the small minds behind that curtain of bad reviews.
Summary of Wicked Musical Tie-in Edition : The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West
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.Literature & Fiction Books
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