While watching or reading The Wizard of Oz have you ever wondered who was the Wicked Witch of the West? I did. Of course we all know the Wicked witch to be the most wicked and terrifying witch in all of classic American literature. But, Gregory McGuire had a different take on her. Gregory McGuire is the author of Wicked: The life and times of the Wicked Witch of the West.
Wicked is the story of the life of Elphaba, a daughter of Minister Frex. Born green her parents completely neglected her as a child, only caring for there second daughter Nessarose, born with no arms. When Elphaba leaves for Shiz University near The Emerald City, bringing Nessarose with her, she meets Galinda, later known as Glinda the good witch. Forced to room together these two opposites learn the true meaning of friendship and lifelong “sisters”. Also, when at school Elphaba meets Fyiero, a prince of the Ajarik.
Upon leaving Shiz Elphaba relizes her precious wizard of Oz is behind all the bad goings on in Oz. She turns to a secret underground society and shuts out everyone she knows and loves. Fyiero meets Elphaba by chance in the Emerald City. Trying to bring her back into the light we learn the real meaning of “evil” and how The Wicked Witch became the Wicked Witch.
One of my favorite parts of this book is when Elphaba first arrives at Shiz. I think its really funny because everyone is giving her a hard time for being green but she doesn’t take offense to any of it and just returns the favor with witty comments.
I would recommend this book for anyone who loved The Wizard of Oz and is searching for the root of all evil.
