Back of book summary:
"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 become 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."
Yes, this is the book the musical, Wicked, is based on. No, it's not as good.
The show is fun and up-lifting. This book was dark and very...raunchy. Maguire's writing style, the way he chooses to describe things, could be construed as perverted. There was a whole scene I skipped completely (the Philosophy Club).
The book has a wonderful premise and general story, though.
I read Wicked in 8th grade. And, I can confidently say, it is very much intended for adults.
This book is first in a series of four. I own all four, but have only rad the first two. Book two, Son of a Witch, in my opinion, is far better than its predecessor.
Since reading Wicked, I am unable to watch The Wizard of Oz without loathing the Wizard and even Dorothy at times. I begin to feel compassion for Elphaba, the Wicked Wotch of the West.
**2.5 out of 5 (suited for adults)
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