Wicked by Gregory Maguire (1995). Summary of the book.

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Wicked by Gregory Maguire (1995)

Summary of the Book

Wicked, published in 1995 by Gregory Maguire, is a novel that centers around the Wicked Witch of the West from the Land of Oz, famously featured in L. Frank Baum’s original stories. This novel is not a continuation of Baum’s stories, but an alternate exploration of the backstory of the Wicked Witch.

The novel is presented as a biography of sorts, with the Witch’s life being explored through the memories of those who knew her and an omniscient narrator. This narrator takes readers through various points in the Witch’s life, beginning with her childhood as an Ozian farmgirl named Elphaba.

The novel follows Elphaba as she grows up and discovers her true identity as the Wicked Witch of the West. Throughout her life, Elphaba is subjected to prejudice, discrimination, and political manipulation. As she struggles to accept her identity and her place in the world, Elphaba must make difficult decisions that will determine the fate of Oz and its people.

The novel explores themes of prejudice, manipulation, and identity in a thought-provoking and often darkly humorous way. It also serves as a commentary on the darker aspects of the original Oz stories, offering a more realistic and complex view of the characters and their motivations.

Interesting Facts About the Book

  • Wicked is the first novel in a series of four books, followed by Son of a Witch, A Lion Among Men, and Out of Oz. The series is commonly known as the “Wicked Years” and is widely considered to be Maguire’s most popular work.
  • The novel was adapted into a musical in 2003. The musical has been a Broadway sensation since its debut and has been seen by millions of people around the world.
  • The novel is set in a different version of Oz than the one featured in the original stories. In this version, the Emerald City is a bustling metropolis, and the flying monkeys are a race of people known as the Arjiki.
  • The novel was a finalist for the 1995 Nebula Award for Best Novel. It has also been adapted into comic books, video games, and a feature film.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is Wicked by Gregory Maguire about?

A: Wicked by Gregory Maguire is a novel about the Wicked Witch of the West from the Land of Oz. It follows her life and struggles as she discovers her true identity, and explores themes of prejudice, manipulation, and identity.

Q: Is there a sequel to Wicked by Gregory Maguire?

A: Yes, Wicked is the first novel in a series of four books, known as the “Wicked Years”. The other books in the series are Son of a Witch, A Lion Among Men, and Out of Oz.

Q: Has Wicked by Gregory Maguire been adapted into a musical?

A: Yes, the novel was adapted into a musical in 2003. It has been a Broadway sensation ever since and has been seen by millions around the world.

Q: What awards has Wicked by Gregory Maguire been nominated for?

A: Wicked was a finalist for the 1995 Nebula Award for Best Novel. It has also been adapted into comic books, video games, and a feature film.

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