Book Review: Wicked - The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire

Gregory Maguire’s Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West is a novel that offers a radically imaginative re-telling of the beloved world of Oz, re-examining the story from the perspective of one of its most infamous characters: the Wicked Witch of the West. Released in 1995, Wicked quickly became a best-seller and inspired a wildly successful Broadway musical adaptation. However, the novel is a far more complex and philosophical narrative than its stage counterpart. It delves deeply into themes of morality, power, identity, and the nature of evil, all while expanding the world of Oz into a richly detailed and often politically charged landscape.

Maguire’s novel is more than a mere reimagining of L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is a profound exploration of character, history, and the blurred lines between good and evil. Wicked is a captivating and thought-provoking read for fans of fantasy, social commentary, and literature that challenges traditional narratives.

What is this book about?

The plot of Wicked centers on Elphaba, the girl who will grow up to become the infamous Wicked Witch of the West. Born with green skin, sharp teeth, and an outsider’s status from the moment she enters the world, Elphaba’s life is one of struggle and self-discovery. Maguire introduces us to her from birth in Munchkinland, where she is born to a minister, Frex, and his wife, Melena. Her unusual appearance causes fear and rejection from the outset, even within her family. Despite this, Elphaba grows into a fiercely intelligent, independent, and morally driven individual.

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As the novel progresses, Elphaba attends Shiz University, where she meets Galinda (later known as Glinda the Good Witch) and becomes entangled in political and ideological conflicts that are tearing Oz apart. At Shiz, she also befriends her goat professor, Doctor Dillamond, who is attempting to uncover the sinister forces behind the oppression of Animals (sentient creatures in Oz who are treated as second-class citizens).

Elphaba’s early years are marked by her search for justice, particularly for the Animals, and her growing disillusionment with the government of Oz, which is led by the Wizard—a figure portrayed in Baum’s original work as a bumbling trickster but who, in Wicked, is revealed to be a tyrant. Throughout the novel, the Wizard’s rise to power and his authoritarian rule provide a backdrop for Elphaba’s growing rebellion and eventual transformation into the "Wicked Witch."

The story follows Elphaba through her tumultuous adulthood, during which she becomes increasingly radicalized by the corruption she witnesses and her inability to stop it. Eventually, she retreats to Kiamo Ko, a secluded castle in the West, where she lives in isolation, feared and misunderstood by the world around her. The novel culminates in retelling the events from Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, offering a tragic perspective on Elphaba’s role in the story.

Who is this book for?

Wicked is best suited for adult readers and older teenagers due to its complex themes, mature content, and philosophical undertones. Fans of fantasy will be drawn to the book’s richly imagined world, but it also strongly appeals to readers who enjoy literary fiction with political and social commentary. The novel engages with weighty themes such as the nature of evil, free will, religion, and the dynamics of power and control, making it a thought-provoking read for those who appreciate deeper, more intricate storytelling.

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Moreover, Wicked appeals to readers who enjoy revisiting familiar stories from new perspectives. Fans of The Wizard of Oz will find Maguire’s retelling fascinating and challenging, forcing them to reconsider the original story’s moral dichotomies. Where Baum’s original painted the Wicked Witch as purely evil, Maguire invites readers to understand Elphaba as a complex, multifaceted character shaped by her environment, experiences, and moral convictions.

Finally, Wicked will resonate with readers interested in stories exploring identity and otherness. Elphaba is an outsider from the very beginning and much of the novel centers on her attempts to navigate a world that both fears and misunderstands her. Her story speaks to anyone who has ever felt like they didn’t belong or grappled with their sense of purpose in a complicated and often unjust world.

Is Wicked a good read?

There are several reasons why Wicked stands out as a remarkable story. First and foremost is its inventive reimagining of a classic tale. Maguire takes the simple, black-and-white morality of The Wizard of Oz and turns it on its head, creating a story where good and evil are not so easily defined. This approach makes for a more compelling and nuanced narrative and encourages readers to question their assumptions about morality and the nature of evil.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its protagonist, Elphaba. She is a richly drawn character who defies easy categorization. From the moment of her birth, Elphaba is marked as different—her green skin makes her an object of fear and curiosity, and throughout her life, she is treated as an outsider. But rather than succumb to bitterness or resentment, Elphaba is driven by a deep sense of justice and a desire to make the world a better place, particularly for those who are marginalized or oppressed. Her journey from a misunderstood child to a fierce justice advocate is inspiring and heartbreaking.

Another key strength of the novel is its world-building. Maguire expands the world of Oz far beyond what is depicted in Baum’s original work, creating a complex and politically charged landscape. The novel delves into Oz's history, culture, and politics, exploring the different regions and their inhabitants in great detail. This rich world-building helps to ground the story and makes it feel more immersive and real.

Additionally, Wicked is a story that tackles essential social and political themes. The novel addresses issues such as the abuse of power, social inequality, and the marginalization of certain groups, all of which resonate with contemporary readers. Through Elphaba’s story, Maguire examines how society creates and sustains divisions between people and how those divisions can lead to fear, prejudice, and violence. The novel also raises questions about the nature of evil and whether it is inherent in a person or something created by external forces. In this way, Wicked is a profoundly philosophical novel that invites readers to reflect on their beliefs and assumptions.

Moreover, Wicked is a novel that embraces complexity. It does not offer easy answers or neat resolutions, and its characters are flawed, complicated, and human. Even the Wizard, who is portrayed as a villain in the novel, is not entirely one-dimensional—Maguire gives him a backstory and motivations that, while not excusing his actions, help to explain them. This complexity makes for a more satisfying and intellectually stimulating read.

Is Wicked worth the time?

Aside from its rich plot and thematic depth, Wicked is a joy to read. Maguire’s prose is elegant and lyrical yet accessible. He has a gift for creating vivid imagery and drawing readers into the novel's world. The dialogue is sharp and witty, and the characters’ interactions are often infused with humor, even amid darker moments.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of Wicked is its ability to surprise. While many readers may think they know the story of the Wicked Witch of the West, Maguire’s novel constantly subverts expectations. The book is full of twists and turns, and Maguire is unafraid to take the story in unexpected directions. This makes the novel an engaging and unpredictable read, as readers are constantly left wondering what will happen next.

The relationships between the characters are another highlight of the novel. Elphaba’s interactions with those around her—her strained relationship with her family, her complex friendship with Glinda, or her love affair with Fiyero—are all deeply human and relatable. These relationships add an emotional depth to the novel and help to humanize Elphaba further.

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Moreover, Maguire’s reimagining of familiar characters from The Wizard of Oz is both clever and compelling. Glinda, for example, is portrayed as shallow and self-absorbed, yet she undergoes her transformation throughout the novel. Fiyero, who becomes romantically involved with Elphaba, is a character who is torn between duty and desire. These character arcs add complexity to the story and enrich the reading experience.

Finally, Wicked is a novel that stays with you long after reading it. Its exploration of big ideas—identity, morality, power, and what it means to be “wicked”—leaves readers with much to think about. The novel’s ambiguous ending, in particular, invites reflection and discussion, making it an excellent choice for book clubs or readers who enjoy digging deeper into the meaning of a story.

Final Thoughts

Gregory Maguire’s Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West is an extraordinary novel that reimagines a classic story from a new and thought-provoking perspective. Through the character of Elphaba, Maguire explores themes of identity, morality, and the nature of evil in an engaging and intellectually stimulating way. The novel’s richly detailed world, complex characters, and sharp social commentary make it stand out in fantasy.

Wicked is more than just a retelling of The Wizard of Oz; it is a profound and moving story about what it means to be human, be different, and fight for your beliefs. Wicked is an absolute must-read for readers who enjoy stories that challenge traditional narratives and offer deeper philosophical insights. Moreover, for those who can’t get enough of Elphaba’s journey, further adventures await in Maguire’s sequels, ensuring that the world of Oz continues to captivate and inspire long after the final page of Wicked is turned.

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