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 be 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.

Review: I heard so many rave reviews about this book, that is was the most original book and it inspired a hugely popular Broadway musical, so I had to check it our for myself.

There were times when reading it that I just didn't get certain parts. Maybe it was because I hadn't seen the movie in years, but it was still a bit confusing. In my opinion, books should explain backgrounds a little more even if they are sequels.

There were only a few things I found wrong with this book. How exactly does Elphaba become the Wicked Witch of the West? I didn't see much of a transition from being a green girl who is highly misunderstood and not evil to one who is highly evil and will kill Dorothy and her little dog for the ruby slippers. It just didn't make any sense to me.

I found myself more sympathetic to Elphaba than to Glinda, the Good Witch of the North. I'm sure that was the purpose of the book though and if so, it achieved it's purpose.

Title: Wicked: THe Life & Times of the Wicked Witch of the West
Author: Gregory Maguire
Reviewed: CL6 Cynara