Citation: Maguire. G. (1995). Wicked: The life and times of the Wicked Witch of the West. Reagan Books.
Wicked by Gregory Maguire is a fantasy novel that follows the story of the Wizard of Oz’s Wicked Witch of the West (before she became the wicked witch), Elphaba, in her teenage years at a magical boarding school. Elphaba was born different than most, with green skin and other unique characteristics that immediately make her different from her peers. She navigates through school similarly to other teenagers, trying to fit in while staying true to herself, trying to catch the attention of the great wizard (who rules the city dictatorially) and prove herself to her peers and family.
Elphaba’s story continues throughout her adulthood and tells the story of the Wizard of Oz from her perspective. However, this story digs much deeper into the greater political landscape of this magical world, with Elphaba using her passion and power to stick up for what she believes in and fight for the rights of all the beings of Oz. The story is a bit heavier than the traditional Wizard of Oz (Baum, 1900), with more complex dialogue, deeper themes, and darker story lines. While the book begins with Elphaba’s early years, this book would only be appropriate for older teenagers. Its themes told through fantasy still resonate today, and it is well worth a read.