What an artful masterpiece! Gregory Maguire offers an intricate story with well-developed characters and deep layers, including meandering commentary on the problem of evil and suffering, while creating the back story for the beloved tale of the Wizard of Oz. I must admit, I read slowly and not terribly eagerly at first, my perspective colored […]
Read more...I love the song in the musical version of “Wicked” – “For Good.” I kept waiting for the redemption of the relationship between Glinda and Elphaba. Although, initially they seemed to connect and influence each other somewhat positively, the relationship soured through the book and neither seemed to be redeemed as time passed. This disappointed […]
Read more...The “Unnamed God” seems to get a bum rap in this story. Those who purport to follow the spiritual path, such as Nessarose and Frex, are seen as one step removed from reality. Yet, perhaps they are judged for their lack of love and self-centeredness, despite their adherence to their beliefs. Whereas, Elphaba who appears […]
Read more...I was concerned for the children in this story. It didn’t seem that many had very good childhoods! Why did Elphaba neglect her own child, Liir, and then try so hard to liberate Nor? Why did Frex choose Nessarose over Ephie? How could Sarmina allow her children to mistreat Liir? I found myself wanting to […]
Read more...I don’t like this book. And I would say it’s totally unsuitable for young readers. I hope this is banned from the schools. Where was Jesus? Where was scripture? Witches, spells, brews, sorcery. It’s the realm of Satan and I don’t think we should read this stuff.
Read more...I was intrigued with the ways Maguire creates the back story for the Wizard of Oz. I’ve always thought of the Wizard of Oz to be a fairly benign children’s story brimming with lessons and morals. From Dorothy’s realization “There’s no place like home,” to the Lion, Scarecrow and Tin Man’s reframing of their […]
Read more...Speaking of baptism! I found myself wondering what was going on with Elphaba and the water. Was she afraid of baptism? Was she afraid of the transformation that might bring? I found myself wanting to douse her and get it over. Kudos to Dorothy for trying to save her from the fire with water. But […]
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