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flickeringlights 's review for:
Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West
by Gregory Maguire
So instead of reviewing this book traditionally as I do with others, I want to make this review a collective log of all things I would change if I could rewrite the book. And honestly, with the way the book was written and the liberties taken with the canon material, Wicked doesn't even feel like an Oz book. In fact, I would go so far to say that this book is a shameless grab of all Oz movie and book fans to entice people to read Maguire's book. And that is really what ruffles my feathers. If Maguire wanted to write a book about a magical land whose two primary plot points are between the ambiguously moral protagonist and the fine print of sapience, then he should have done so, on his own merit.
Whew.
The Log
♦There was a lull between the magic we experienced between the intro to the Clock and Glinda's entry into the magical studies. Maybe I'm the minority, but that part in between made me completely forget that these girls were going to be witches. More consistent mention of magic and inclusion in everyday life.
♦For the importance Madame Morrible had, it didn't feel like she was prominent in the section. Why is she so darn important that she destines the three girls to become section witches? I just... Maguire is not good with following through plot points and making them prominent. This seems like such a handwave. Make Morrible a more fleshed out character and make her interesting.
♦Why should I care about the philosophy club? It served no purpose other than ~being edgy for the sake of being edgy~. I'm sick of shock porn in books.
Whew.
The Log
♦There was a lull between the magic we experienced between the intro to the Clock and Glinda's entry into the magical studies. Maybe I'm the minority, but that part in between made me completely forget that these girls were going to be witches. More consistent mention of magic and inclusion in everyday life.
♦For the importance Madame Morrible had, it didn't feel like she was prominent in the section. Why is she so darn important that she destines the three girls to become section witches? I just... Maguire is not good with following through plot points and making them prominent. This seems like such a handwave. Make Morrible a more fleshed out character and make her interesting.
♦Why should I care about the philosophy club? It served no purpose other than ~being edgy for the sake of being edgy~. I'm sick of shock porn in books.