The wicked witch of the west riding a bike is a peculiar sight to behold. Traditionally portrayed as a villainous character, the image of a witch pedaling around on a bicycle brings forth a sense of absurdity and contradiction. In the tale of "The Wizard of Oz," the wicked witch of the west is primarily known for her mastery of dark magic, her desire to obtain Dorothy's magical ruby slippers, and her pursuit of power. These characteristics make her an iconic antagonist in the story. For the wicked witch of the west to be seen riding a bike implies a departure from her typical portrayal. It presents a comical scenario, challenging our conventional understanding of witches.
It presents a comical scenario, challenging our conventional understanding of witches. It questions our assumptions about their abilities, their mode of transportation, and ultimately, their overall image. Riding a bike denotes a sense of freedom, independence, and mobility.
The Magic Cottage (1986) by James Herbert
The old, quaint cottage of the title is the opposite of the Money Pit in that it actually repairs itself and heals small animals to boot. Having come far from the quick-paced fireworks of The Rats or The Fog, The Magic Cottage finds Herbert in a more eloquent but no less effective mode.
A couple, guitarist Mike and illustrator Midge, purchase the old Gramarye house out in the country after its previous owner, old Flora, kicks the bucket. The house is in a very bad condition but somehow very appealing to Midge, so money (lack of which is resolved, should we say, magically?) and keys exchange hands. The couple hires renovators to fix the myriad problems, only for the repairmen to discover there’s not much to repair. Small things begin to occur, an injured bird heals overnight, shadows lurk on the outskirts of the house and Mike has hallucinatory experienses in the round room, a large room that happens to be, you guessed it, round. Also, their next door neighbours reveal themselves to be affable cultists led by a nice-mannered American, but of course being cultists they are out for blood, or at least the land the house stands on. The battle for English real estate is on.
Herbert knocks it out of the park with the narrator, Mike. Mike’s voice is smart, but not too smart, his reactions to the events unfolding around him realistic and relatable. He’s not a manly hero, most of the time he’s stumbling around like any of us would, even when he nobly takes on a group of punks accosting some of the younger cultists early in the novel. The cultists aren’t badly drawn either, coming across as sensible folks, as cultists always do, I guess, before their masks fall off.
It’s the narration that keeps the novel going, even when the plot itself stumbles towards the end as it becomes wrapped in theories of what magic is (probably realising this, Herbert has the narrator laugh uncontrollably at some of the mumbojumbo spouted by the head cultist). The Magic Cottage isn’t a major horror novel, there’s barely any horror in it, not to mention Herbert’s trademark gore, but it’s a pleasant, well-written little novel in a wonderful setting that slowly unwraps its secrets and delivers where it counts.
**** (4/5)
Tired of the hustle and bustle of the city of London, young couple Mike and Midge are determined to find a home that offers them a brighter – and quieter – future. Much to their delight, that perfect home comes in the form of Gramarye; a breathtaking, isolated cottage that appears too good to be true. Eager to move right in and settle down, they soon experience the enchanting wonders Gramarye has to offer, along with the sinister ugliness that lurks just beneath its surface.
These traits don't align with the wicked witch's typically sinister and all-powerful nature. Thus, the image of her riding a bike undermines her authority and menacing presence. Additionally, bikes are commonly associated with happiness, childhood, and carefreeness. To juxtapose this innocence with the wicked witch character further emphasizes the absurdity and irony of the situation. It shifts our perception of the witch, making her a subject of amusement rather than fear. Overall, the image of the wicked witch of the west riding a bike challenges our preconceptions and stereotypes. It encourages us to consider unconventional roles and behaviors for well-known characters, creating a unique juxtaposition that sparks amusement and questions our understanding of fictional personas..
Reviews for "From Broomstick to Bicycle: The Wicked Witch of the West Finds a New Mode of Transportation"
1. Jake - ★☆☆☆☆
I found "Wicked Witch of the West Riding Bike" to be quite disappointing. The story lacked depth and the characters were underdeveloped. The plot felt rushed and confusing, making it difficult to connect with the narrative. Furthermore, I found the writing style to be choppy and inconsistent. Overall, I was left feeling unsatisfied and would not recommend this book to others.
2. Emily - ★★☆☆☆
While the concept of a wicked witch riding a bike sounded intriguing, I was ultimately left unimpressed by this book. The pacing was slow and the story failed to capture my attention. The characters felt flat and lacked any real depth, making it difficult for me to care about their journey. Additionally, the writing style felt disjointed and the dialogue was often forced. Overall, I found "Wicked Witch of the West Riding Bike" to be a mediocre read that didn't live up to its potential.
3. Sarah - ★★☆☆☆
I was excited to read "Wicked Witch of the West Riding Bike," but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. The storyline was predictable and lacked originality. The dialogue felt forced and the character interactions were unconvincing. Additionally, the writing style was average at best, with awkward sentence structures and repetitive descriptions. Overall, I was left feeling disappointed and would not recommend this book to others seeking a captivating read.
4. Michael - ★☆☆☆☆
"Wicked Witch of the West Riding Bike" was a complete miss for me. The plot was poorly executed and lacked coherence. The main character, the wicked witch, was one-dimensional and failed to evoke any emotions or interest. The world-building was weak, leaving me with many unanswered questions about the setting and its inhabitants. The writing style was uninspiring, with flat descriptions and uninspired dialogue. I couldn't find any redeeming qualities in this book and would not recommend it to anyone looking for an engaging read.
5. Jessica - ★★☆☆☆
I had high hopes for "Wicked Witch of the West Riding Bike," but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The pacing was uneven, with long stretches of dull moments followed by rushed action scenes. The protagonist lacked depth and her motivations felt haphazardly implemented. Additionally, the writing style was lackluster, with repetitive phrases and cliched descriptions. Overall, I found this book to be a disappointing read that didn't live up to its promising premise.