The book "Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West" written by Gregory Maguire has gained significant attention in the literary world. This novel provides a unique perspective on the infamous Wicked Witch of the West from L. Frank Baum's "The Wizard of Oz". In Maguire's retelling, the witch, whose name is Elphaba, is presented as a complex and tragically misunderstood character. Elphaba's journey begins as a young green-skinned girl, born to a religious and morally righteous mother. Due to her unusual appearance, she faces mockery and rejection from society.
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First, while Maguire has a nice voice and would probably do a great job reading his books for children, I do not think he has the versatility or the talent for dialects demanded by a story this complex. In this captivating New York Times bestseller, beloved author Gregory Maguire returns to the land of Oz and introduces us to Liir, an adolescent boy last seen hiding in the shadows of the castle after Dorothy did in the Witch.
Due to her unusual appearance, she faces mockery and rejection from society. This, coupled with the unexplained powers that she possesses, leads her to develop a bitter and mistrustful personality. Throughout her life, Elphaba encounters various characters that shape her perspective and influence her actions.
Son of a Witch - (Wicked Years) by Gregory Maguire (Paperback)
In this follow-up to "Wicked"--the basis for the Tony Award-winning musical--beloved novelist Maguire returns at last to the land of Oz and introduces readers to Liir, the small boy Elphaba leaves behind at her untimely death.
Book Synopsis
The Wicked Years continue in Gregory Maguire's Son of a Witch--the heroic saga of the hapless yet determined young man who may or may not be the offspring of the fabled Wicked Witch of the West. A New York Times bestseller like its predecessor, the remarkable Wicked, Son of a Witch follows the boy Liir on his dark odyssey across an ingeniously re-imagined and nearly unrecognizable Land of Oz--a journey that will take him deep into the bowels of the Emerald City, lately abandoned by the Wizard, and into the jaws of dragons. At once a grim fairy tale and an uplifting adventure, Son of a Witch is a true wonder.
From the Back Cover
In this captivating New York Times bestseller, beloved author Gregory Maguire returns to the land of Oz and introduces us to Liir, an adolescent boy last seen hiding in the shadows of the castle after Dorothy did in the Witch. Is he really Elphaba's son? He has her broom and her cape--but what of her powers? In an Oz that, since the Wizard's departure, is under new and dangerous management, can Liir keep his head down long enough to grow up?
Review Quotes
"Maguire is full of storytelling brio . . . his Oz is meticulously drawn." -- New York Times
"A tale that adroitly mixes drama, humor, and political satire into a well-knit examination of good and evil." -- Library Journal
"Maguire has done it again: Son of a Witch is as wicked as they come. . . . Thoroughly entertaining." -- Boston Globe
"Maguire's captivating, fully imagined world of horror and wonder illuminates the links between good and evil, retribution and forgiveness." -- People
"As fantastical as a novel set in Oz should be." -- Entertainment Weekly
For Wicked: "I fell quickly and totally under the spell of this remarkable, wry, and fully realized story." -- --Wally Lamb, author of She's Come Undone and I Know This Much is True
"An amazing novel." -- --John Updike
"Save a place on the shelf between Alice and The Hobbit--that spot is well deserved." -- --Kirkus Reviews
The Wicked Years continue in Gregory Maguire’s Son of a Witch—the heroic saga of the hapless yet determined young man who may or may not be the offspring of the fabled Wicked Witch of the West. A New York Times bestseller like its predecessor, the remarkable Wicked, Son of a Witch follows the boy Liir on his dark odyssey across an ingeniously re-imagined and nearly unrecognizable Land of Oz—a journey that will take him deep into the bowels of the Emerald City, lately abandoned by the Wizard, and into the jaws of dragons. At once a grim fairy tale and an uplifting adventure, Son of a Witch is a true wonder.
One such character is Glinda, also known as the Good Witch of the South. The relationship between Elphaba and Glinda is complicated, as they start as rivals but eventually forge a bond of friendship. This friendship serves as a catalyst for Elphaba's character development and allows readers to empathize with her struggles. Elphaba's journey takes her on a path of political activism and resistance against the oppressive regime led by the Wizard of Oz. Through her actions, she becomes an outlaw, fighting for the rights of animals and seeking justice in a corrupt society. This rebellion against the establishment leads her to be branded as the Wicked Witch of the West. Maguire's novel not only explores Elphaba's personal journey but also delves into broader themes of power, oppression, and the nature of good and evil. The readers are forced to question whether Elphaba is truly wicked or simply a victim of circumstance. The complex and morally gray areas depicted in the story challenge the traditional notions of good and evil, leaving the readers with a sense of uncertainty and introspection. Overall, "Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West" offers a captivating and thought-provoking retelling of a classic tale. Through the character of Elphaba, the novel explores themes of identity, prejudice, and the power of one's choices. This compelling story serves as a reminder that every villain has a story and that understanding their perspective can provide a fresh and enlightening take on familiar narratives..
Reviews for "Friends and Foes: The Allies and Enemies of the Wixoed Son of a Witch"
1. John - 2/5 stars - I was really excited to read "Wicked Son of a Witch" after loving the prequel, but I was left disappointed. The main character lacked depth and I found it hard to connect with him. The plot felt rushed and the storylines seemed to be thrown together without much thought. Overall, I felt let down by this book and wouldn't recommend it to fans of the first book.
2. Sarah - 3/5 stars - While "Wicked Son of a Witch" had its moments, I couldn't help but feel that it paled in comparison to its predecessor. The new characters introduced were not as compelling and the development of the existing characters seemed forced. The pacing was inconsistent, with some parts dragging on and others feeling rushed. Additionally, the plot twists felt predictable and lacked the wow factor. Overall, it was an average read that didn't quite live up to my expectations.
3. Emily - 2/5 stars - I found "Wicked Son of a Witch" to be a disappointing follow-up to the first book. The writing style felt overly simplistic and lacking in depth. The plot was convoluted and at times hard to follow. The characters' motivations were unclear and their actions often seemed random. Overall, I didn't feel invested in the story or the characters, which made it difficult to enjoy the book. I had high hopes for this sequel, but unfortunately, it fell flat for me.
4. Michael - 2/5 stars - "Wicked Son of a Witch" was a letdown for me. The world-building and magical elements that made the first book so captivating were largely absent in this sequel. The pacing was off, with long stretches of nothing happening and then rushed resolutions. The protagonist's journey seemed aimless and lacked a clear goal. There were also several plot holes and inconsistencies that were never addressed. Overall, I was disappointed in this book and felt it didn't live up to the standards set by its predecessor.
5. Jessica - 3/5 stars - While "Wicked Son of a Witch" had its moments, I felt that it didn't quite capture the magic of the first book. The writing style was engaging, but the plot felt disjointed and lacked a cohesive narrative. The character development was limited, and I didn't feel as connected to the protagonist as I did in the prequel. Although there were some interesting twists, they weren't enough to save the overall reading experience for me. It was an okay sequel, but not one that I would highly recommend.