In Books
  • All Departments
  • In Books
  • In Bargain Books
  • In eReading
  • In Kids' Books
  • In Teens' Books
  • In Toys & Games
  • In Video Games
  • In Lifestyle & Paper
  • In Movies & TV
  • In Music
  • In Used & Rare Books
  • In Used & Rare Movies & TV
  • In Used & Rare Music
Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West

Average rating: 4/5

Based on 18 ratings

Rate this

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

by Gregory Maguire

HARPERCOLLINS PUBLISHERS | September 21, 2009 | Trade Paperback

When Dorothy triumphed over the Wicked Witch of the West in L. Frank Baum's classic tale, we heard only her side of the story. But what about her arch-nemesis, the mysterious Witch? Where did she come from? How did she become so wicked?

Gregory Maguire has created a fantasy world so rich and vivid that we will never look at Oz the same way again.

Save 24 %

$20.00
$15.20
$14.44

In Stock

All Editions Online Member
Kobo Edition (eBook) $11.99 n/a
Hardcover $18.48 $17.56
Trade Paperback $13.68 $13.00
Audio Book (CD) $42.89 $40.75
Audio Book (Cassette) $51.50 $48.93
  • Eligible for FREE Shipping on orders over $25. + Details.

Reviews

    • Was this review
      helpful to you?

    Rating: 1/5

    Not good

    Samantha

    2 years ago

    I read this book before it became a play, mostly because of all the hype around it. It was awful. The plot dragged, the author barely went into the issues (political oppression, racism, etc.) that Oz was supposed to have, and the unnecessary and vulgar sexual references distracted and ruined the story (eg: mountain passes likened to a very vivid description of a woman).

    • Was this review
      helpful to you?

    Rating: 2/5

    High Expectations Ruined it

    Lindsay

    2 years ago

    I think the book's downfall came from the fact that I saw the Broadway play first (which was absolutely magical)...this story is only remotely similar to the play that was based upon it. I found the book to be much darker, much slower, much more convoluted and slightly boring

    • Was this review
      helpful to you?

    This is my second book by Maguire, and I have to say it was a wonderful, exciting and yet exploring story. By inventing a 'back story' for the infamous Wicked Witch of the West from the Wizard of Oz, Maguire tells an epic tale of a bizarre and fantastical land and a woman who struggles to find her place in it. Elphaba (a homage to L. Frank Baum) is born with green skin -- marked as different in a land where Animals can speak and magic is taught in schools. As she struggles to both fit in and stand out, Elphie (as she is known to her friends) struggles with questions of religion, with politics and with loyalties to friends and family. Obviously we know how the story ends... but its the getting there that is so fantastic. And the ending is, somehow, a wee bit different now. Not quite so black and white...

    • Was this review
      helpful to you?
    John Watson

    Rating: 5/5

    Wicked is...well, wicked!

    John Watson

    12 years ago

    I apologize if I am gushing over this tome, but it truly is a memorable read.

    This spin-off adult novel, combining elements from the original "Wizard of Oz" children's series by Frank Baum and the classic MGM movie musical pays homage to Elphaba, the infamous Wicked Witch of the West.

    From the earliest moments of a little green child, to her university days as roommate to Glinda (the Good Witch), to her eventual confrontation with Dorothy, the Wicked Witch of the West is portrayed as a strong woman, full of heart and compassion...and even, dare I say it...a soul.

    You'll never be able to look at the Witch in the same light again.

see more

Details

From the Publisher

When Dorothy triumphed over the Wicked Witch of the West in L. Frank Baum's classic tale, we heard only her side of the story. But what about her arch-nemesis, the mysterious Witch? Where did she come from? How did she become so wicked?

Gregory Maguire has created a fantasy world so rich and vivid that we will never look at Oz the same way again.

About the Author

Gregory Maguire is the bestselling author of Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister, Lost, Mirror Mirror, and the Wicked Years, a series that includes Wicked, Son of a Witch, and A Lion Among Men. Wicked, now a beloved classic, is the basis for the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical of the same name. Maguire has lectured on art, literature, and culture both at home and abroad. He lives with his family near Boston, Massachusetts.

Trade Paperback

432 Pages, 6 x 9.25 x 1.06 in

September 21, 2009

HARPERCOLLINS PUBLISHERS

English


0061862312
9780061862311

From Community

Who's Listing as Top Ten

From the Critics

"... [a] magical telling of the land of Oz before and up to the arrival of Dorothy and company.... A captivating, funny, and perceptive look at destiny, personal responsibility, and the not-always-clashing beliefs of faith and magic. Save a place on the shelf between Alice and The Hobbit --that spot is well deserved." (School Library Journal)

< close and return to chapters.indigo.ca
kobo
  • Take your library with you wherever you go
  • Use the device you want to use… smartphone, desktop and many of today’s most popular eReaders
  • Use Indigo gift cards to buy eBooks and subscriptions

WHY KOBO?

We love the Kobo eReading service… and we know you will too. We’ve partnered with them to bring you the most flexible, enjoyable eReading experience in Canada.

SHOPPING ON KOBO

You’ll be asked to sign in or create a new account with Kobo. Once you do, you’ll immediately get access to millions of titles and be ready to start eReading. Anytime. Anyplace.

continue to kobo

Sign up for email

Be the first to know

about discounts, promotions and new releases.

Sign up now 

Self Publish

Get your book published

and on our shelves!

Find out how  

Protected by Copyright. All Rights Reserved. Legal Notices and Terms of Use | Privacy Policy  

Portions of content provided by Rovi Corporation © 2010

Powered by EndecaVeriSign SecuredEssential Accessibility 

As Canada’s purveyor of ideas and inspiration, Indigo is the largest book, gift and specialty toy retailer in Canada. Indigo operates in all provinces under different banners including Indigo Books & Music; Indigo Books, Gifts, Kids; IndigoSpirit; Chapters; The World's Biggest Bookstore; and Coles. The online channel, www.indigo.ca, features books, eBooks, toys and gifts and hosts the award winning Indigo Online Community.

131