More Book Reviews!

I am a big fan of books that tell the as-of-yet untold side of a story; the one that puts a whole new perspective on the established thinking. I was recently introduced to two such books, and I enjoyed them both immensely. Both are highly recommended reading for people who enjoy old stories told by the other and less focused upon players in the drama.

WICKED (Gregory Maguire)

The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West

(HarperCollins, NY, 1995) ISBN 0-06-098710-3

This is the classic tale of the Wizard of Oz told from the viewpoint of the “Wicked” witch. I believe it enhances the original tale, offering fresh insight and background. Wicked tells of the birth, education, romance, career, and quixotic demise of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West. The Witch is no longer a mean, cruel, and insensitive creature, but a loving, purposeful one, with both great power and severe handicaps. It is only her conflict with the authorities that lead others to deem her ‘wicked’. The host of new characters brings to life a story behind the story and the tale of Oz is no longer a one-dimensional war of good and evil, but a dynamic interplay of miscommunication and human emotion. I loved reading this book. It is not for children, as there are scenes of violence and sexual situations.

CONFESSIONS OF AN UGLY STEPSISTER (Gregory Maguire)

(HarperCollins, NY, 1999) ISBN 0-06-098752-9

This is the prequel and retelling of the classic Cinderella. This is an awesome book with a special twist at the end. Set in the Netherlands around the time of Rembrandt, this story brings to life all the characters in a new way, broadening their appeal, and at the same time reflecting truer thoughts and feelings that underlie love, survival, and suffering. There are no villains and no heroes, just people in situations they cannot control, making do as best they can. One does not envy our heroine, nor do we continue to revile her stepmother, a woman driven mad by paranoia and the fear of tomorrow. There is talk of art, of love, and of disillusionment. A very good read. There is no elegantly flowing prose or flowery dialogue. It is a book about living with difficult choices. This book is suitable for young adults.