A review by monicats
Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire

adventurous dark mysterious slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I entered it already expecting it to be a departure from the musical (which is fine! I never have a problem separating an original work from the new media iteration, especially if the latter is already not intentionally a “faithful” adaptation). I do wonder about this kind of wall that’s built between us as readers and Elphaba in the first half of the book, which made her POV in the second half a little shaky to me. Can we really understand her intentions from other characters who don’t have a full understanding of her? Maybe that’s the intention! It just also makes me question the love between her and Fiyero - how can she bring herself to love him? How does she allow herself that kind of intimacy when it’s already difficult for even a family member to touch her? How is he shaped into the image of the beloved? Much to think about.
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