Wicked by Gregory Maguire has captivated readers with its inventive retelling of the Wicked Witch of the West's backstory. Praised for its imaginative world-building and complex characters, the book delves into themes of morality and identity. However, some critics find its dense prose and political undertones challenging. Overall, it offers an engaging and thought-provoking read.

Readers who enjoy Wicked by Gregory Maguire typically appreciate complex retellings of classic stories with rich, dark themes. Fans of L. Frank Baum's The Wizard of Oz, Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials series, and Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale will find its blend of fantasy, political intrigue, and moral ambiguity appealing.

Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire reimagines the life of Elphaba, the green-skinned girl who becomes the Wicked Witch of the West, depicting her journey from a misunderstood and isolated child to a politically active and intelligent young woman. Alongside her childhood friend Glinda, she navigates complex relationships and sociopolitical struggles in the magical land of Oz. This book includes themes of discrimination, ableism, and violence.

Mysterious / Dark / Fantastical / Melancholic / Emotional

Gregory Maguire

Adult

Novel

The Wicked Years

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Wicked reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Wicked | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Wicked reimagines the land of Oz through the story of Elphaba, the misunderstood green-skinned girl destined to become the Wicked Witch. Full summary here.

Wicked Summary and Study Guide | SuperSummary

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Munchkinlanders”

Prologue-Part 1

Get ready to explore Wicked and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Wicked Prologue-Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Gillikin”

Part 2 Wicked Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3 Wicked Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “In the Vinkus”

Part 4 Wicked Part 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 5 Wicked Part 5 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Wicked Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Wicked Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Wicked Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

Wicked Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Wicked Essay Topics

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

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Wicked?

Reading Age

Book Details