Wicked by Gregory Maguire

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I recently finished reading Wicked by Gregory Maguire. I tried to read it once in high school, and either didn’t make it through or don’t remember finishing it/the ending. Anyway a few weeks ago I found the book at the local thrift store and got it for like $0.10 cents so I picked it up. I have to say I’m very glad that I did. If you are unfamiliar with the book/story- it’s the backstory to the Wicked Witch from Wizard of Oz. It follows her from birth up until she actually becomes the witch and on up until she dies. While Dorothy is mentioned in the book, she is not a main character and really doesn’t show up but once or twice in the story, which makes it very much the story of Elphaba, more well known as the Wicked Witch. Elphaba’s back story is actually really interesting. Her father was a preacher, and her mother left a life of money and being spoiled to marry him. The mother was a bit of a “woman of the night” and it is unsure if Elphaba’s dad really fathered her or either of her two siblings. When Elphaba is born with a green pigment to her skin and teeth like a alligator they believe that they have been cursed and try just about anything to cure it, without any success they love her the best they can. The relationships between Elphaba and her parents are pretty unique and kind of heartbreaking. When she goes of to college she meets Galinda, who later becomes the good witch. There are several instances throughout their time together in college where the two clash heads, but they later become friends of sorts. I thought it was very interesting to see this character that we grew up seeing as a evil hated witch live somewhat of a normal life, or as normal as you can when your skin is green. The imagination that it took to write this story is admirable. I commend Gregory Maguire on painting such vivid pictures with his words. It really is one of those stories where you feel as if you are transported into it.