This is an extremely well written book. I was sucked into the characters lives. I read it in my teens and remember being appalled and fascinated at the "truth behind the story" portrayal that Maguire presents.
I would reccomend this reading to anyone in their late teens as at that age it is shocking, intriguing, and exciting all at the same time. It also helps a person to see other moralities and question their own morality and way of thinking by example.
It is set in pre - Dorothy time, being mostly before the wizard was in power. The story follows the life of Elphaba, before she was known as the wicked witch whom Dorothy finally kills. It portrays her as a sensual, feeling being who is pessimistic yet idealistic, and who champions causes to the best of her ability, meeting with failure and scorn along the way, but never giving up.
The general theme is one of conspiracy, anti-governmental antics, aspiring dreams and harsh reality all on the background of the wizard of oz timeline. The allegories guide the reader to question themselves, the government, their relationship with peers, and their own possibility of failure. It is a darker book than some, but still lends the optimistic reader the idea that something good does come out of lifes lessons and hardships.
I have not seen the broadway show, but it has recieved rave reviews in all arenas. It is a fantastic book for those just starting out on their adult reading journey and those already well versed in the adult novel section of their local bookstore.
