Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West

Seph Stampede · 03-11-2007, 08:54 AM

As a keen revisionist author, my own research led me to discover this work of fiction from Gregory Maguire. Initially I was afraid to read the thing, for fear that it might share some similarities to my own vision for Oz, or might even influence me and in the end cause me to be labeled a plagiarist. But there was too much critical acclaim, to much praise, and too many recommendations from other people who've read it and I caved in. Purchased the book the other day, and mein gott, it's one of the best things I've read in a long, long while. Maguire's Oz is a well constructed, dare I say believable (albeit utterly unrealistic) nation with culture and personality. The characters are brilliantly written, and the themes the book addresses (perception of good and evil, racism and/or discrimination) are executed in very clever and often amusing ways.

I'd recommend it to anyone who loves a faery tale with a dark streak.

Naked Gackt · 03-11-2007, 12:27 PM

Unfortunately I was forced to watch the musical of it, thankfully I didn't have to pay. I was definately not a fan, but I can't really say I'd feel the same about the book as I despise musical theatre.

The Man · 03-12-2007, 01:11 AM

Maybe I should check this out one of these days. When I get catch up on reading all the books I've already purchased.

Seph Stampede · 03-12-2007, 03:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cookie Holiday

Unfortunately I was forced to watch the musical of it, thankfully I didn't have to pay. I was definately not a fan, but I can't really say I'd feel the same about the book as I despise musical theatre.

Honestly, the musical isn't anything to judge the book by. The musical's been described as a very flimsy adaptation at best; dumbed down in order to appeal to children, whereas the book is exclusive to adults.

Naked Gackt · 03-12-2007, 10:02 AM

I would have thought that really. It's not that I've kept my eye out for it but I've never noticed the book anywhere, I'll lok out now as I am curious.

Seph Stampede · 03-13-2007, 08:17 AM

You should. A tiger just gave a woman oral sex...

... if that's any incentive to buy it.

Dionysus_PSI · 03-13-2007, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seph Stampede

You should. A tiger just gave a woman oral sex...

... if that's any incentive to buy it.

Actually I bought it a while ago, just haven't had a change to read it. I've heard it's AMAZING.

I saw the musical, and I enjoyed it, however I do agree that it is quite clearly made to be appealing for 'everyone' in the same ways that most musicals are. I saw it at the Cannon Theatre (Toronto) with my girlfriend and her aunt. Brilliant show... I've learned to enjoy musical theatre over time however due to working in theatre myself and specialising in audio I've worked on a few too. GOD ID LOVE TO MIX THAT SHOW, itd be a nice little challange, but not too much of one.

03-11-2007, 08:54 AM	#1 (permalink)
Seph Stampede Moderator Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Tasmania Age: 21 Posts: 73 Rep Power: 4	Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West As a keen revisionist author, my own research led me to discover this work of fiction from Gregory Maguire. Initially I was afraid to read the thing, for fear that it might share some similarities to my own vision for Oz, or might even influence me and in the end cause me to be labeled a plagiarist. But there was too much critical acclaim, to much praise, and too many recommendations from other people who've read it and I caved in. Purchased the book the other day, and mein gott, it's one of the best things I've read in a long, long while. Maguire's Oz is a well constructed, dare I say believable (albeit utterly unrealistic) nation with culture and personality. The characters are brilliantly written, and the themes the book addresses (perception of good and evil, racism and/or discrimination) are executed in very clever and often amusing ways. I'd recommend it to anyone who loves a faery tale with a dark streak. __________________

03-13-2007, 08:17 AM	#6 (permalink)
Seph Stampede Moderator Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Tasmania Age: 21 Posts: 73 Rep Power: 4	You should. A tiger just gave a woman oral sex... ... if that's any incentive to buy it. __________________

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03-11-2007, 12:27 PM	#2 (permalink)
Naked Gackt Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: England Age: 21 Posts: 645 Rep Power: 5	Unfortunately I was forced to watch the musical of it, thankfully I didn't have to pay. I was definately not a fan, but I can't really say I'd feel the same about the book as I despise musical theatre.

03-12-2007, 01:11 AM	#3 (permalink)
The Man Vi veri vniversvm vivvs vici Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Florida Age: 25 Posts: 3,647 Rep Power: 0	Maybe I should check this out one of these days. When I get catch up on reading all the books I've already purchased.

03-12-2007, 10:02 AM	#5 (permalink)
Naked Gackt Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: England Age: 21 Posts: 645 Rep Power: 5	I would have thought that really. It's not that I've kept my eye out for it but I've never noticed the book anywhere, I'll lok out now as I am curious.