Book Home Books Information Wicked - novel

Wicked (novel)

Based upon the writings of L. Frank Baum, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West (ISBN 0060987103) is a revisionist look at the land and characters of Oz that most people are familiar with through Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz as well as the 1939 movie The Wizard of Oz. The novel, written by Gregory Maguire and published in 1995, takes virtually everything that we know about Oz and turns it on its head.

The novel is a political, social, and ethical commentary on what good and evil really are. The story is about Elphaba, the misunderstood green-skinned girl who grows up to become the infamous Wicked Witch of the West. It tells of her time at Shiz University, as well as her journey to the Emerald City and The Vinkus, among other places in Oz. The book explains Elphaba's motives and examines her true personality. Many of the same Oz characters are found here including The Wizard, Glinda (here called Galinda), The Wicked Witch of the East (here called Nessarose), and Dorothy. Maguire also introduces several new characters including Fiyero, Madame Morrible, Doctor Dillamond, and Boq (although a similar character did appear in Baum's novels).

Unlike the popular 1939 movie and Baum's writings, this novel is not meant for children. It contains sexual scenes and language that catches some readers by surprise. Wicked, the hit Broadway musical based upon the novel, is also very different from the book. While the musical is meant to be enjoyed by all ages, the book is clearly intended for adult readers.

The musical is a lavish production that originally starred Idina Menzel as Elphaba, Kristin Chenoweth as Galinda, and Joel Grey as The Wizard.