Wicked: in the Wicked Years by Gregory Maguire

Introduction

I decided to read Wicked by Gregory Maguire after watching and absolutely loving the movie adaptation of the Broadway musical. Hearing how different the book was from the movie made me curious to dive into the original story. I’m so glad I did because it’s one of those books that sticks with you long after finishing. Returning to Oz and exploring Elphaba’s world on a deeper level was an unforgettable experience, though I was surprised at how little focus there was on Galinda/Glinda compared to the adaptation.

Thoughts

Gregory Maguire reimagined the world of Oz with a rich and detailed backstory for the Wicked Witch of the West, making Wicked feel more like a political drama than a simple fantasy tale. The book delves into complex themes like power, morality, and what it means to be "wicked." Elphaba’s journey is tragic, thought-provoking, and incredibly nuanced.

Elphaba herself is a fascinating character. She’s raw, flawed, and intensely human. Maguire takes great care in showing her growth and struggles, making her both relatable and sympathetic. I loved how much more depth she was given compared to her portrayal in the musical.

The world-building in this book is strong, immersing you in his version of Oz. Maguire adds political tension, social issues, and a sense of realism that makes this world feel fully alive. However, at times, the descriptions of the world became overly detailed, slowing the pace and making certain sections feel drawn out.

One aspect I wish had been explored more was how Elphaba came to be seen as truly evil by others. While her life and struggles are well-developed, the transition to her being labeled the "Wicked Witch" felt somewhat under-explored, leaving me wanting more depth in that area.

What I Loved About the Book

• Elphaba’s development: She’s the heart of the story, and Maguire doesn’t hold back in portraying her complexity.

  
  

• The world of Oz: This dark and intricate version of Oz is unforgettable, with its political intrigue and societal nuances adding depth.

  
  

• Themes of morality: The exploration of what it means to be “wicked” was handled interestingly.

What Didn’t Work for Me

• Galinda’s reduced role: While the focus on Elphaba makes sense, I missed the dynamic between her and Galinda that the musical showcased so well.

  
  

• Slow pacing in parts: Some sections felt overly dense with political detail or world-building, which occasionally bored me and slowed the story’s momentum.

  
  

• Missed opportunities: I wanted more exploration of how Elphaba came to be viewed as evil.

Final Verdict

3.5/5

Wicked is a beautifully written and deeply layered story that reimagines the world of Oz in a way that’s impossible to forget. While it’s not as light or whimsical as the musical, it offers a deeper and more thought-provoking take on Elphaba’s life and the concept of wickedness. However, the extensive descriptions and some missed storytelling opportunities kept it from being a perfect read for me.

Who Should Read This Book

If you loved the Wicked musical but are looking for something darker and more mature, this book is for you. Fans of retellings and stories with complex moral questions will also find a lot to love. That said, if you’re expecting the same tone and lightheartedness as the musical and movie, you might be in for a surprise.