To find out, check out the book "Wicked" by Gregory Maguire ($24.95 hardcover, soon to be released in softcover).

"Wicked" is the book I've waited for ever since seeing the classic 1939 film as a child. You see, I always rooted for the 'Wicked Witch of the West' and even cried when she met her untimely demise. I thought, "I'm sure she's just misunderstood. Just like me." Well, little did I know that not only was Maguire influenced by the 1939 extravaganza, he also took the time to read the classic L. Frank Baum books (which I am currently re-reading with renewed interest).

"Wicked" is a lush tale of the truths not fully revealed in "Oz" -- the story behind the Ozmas of Oz; the squelched Pagan traditions; the reason for the rivalry between the (charlatan) Wizard and the Wicked Witch herself (whose real name is Elphaba); and why those shoes were so darn important. (And as far as the Wicked Witch enslaving the Winkies -- well, maybe in the boudoir perhaps...But find out for yourself!)

Anyhow, "Wicked" deals with very real issues (Animals Rights, Religious Fundamentalism, Moral Ambiguity), and I highly recommend it to anyone who has a heart, a brain, and who is not afraid to face the truth.

-- Morgan Cathbadh

[return to the oz page]                          [return to what? on-line magazine]