Wicked: the bestselling book that inspired the movie: 1

This was so good. An excellent turn around on the original story. A bit like the Maleficent story and finding out that there was more about the story from a totally different perspective.

Outstanding book I couldn't put it down, looking forward to getting the next one. I will go as far as saying the book was better than the film, I do like the film aswell

I cannot stress enough how this book is not for children – there is content that is deeply unsuitable for youngsters, and I am kind of mad at the publishers for using the film images as it really appeals to kids. Be aware there are some spoilers ahead: As prequels go this is a pretty good one. Here we meet the Wicked Witch Of The West before a house was dropped on her sister and Dorothy merrily waltzed off with the Ruby slippers. In Munchkinland, Frex and Melena are awaiting the birth of their baby. Frex is a minister and wanders the land preaching to the Munchkinlanders. Melena is a noble who married to escape her fate. Frex has left the house that morning to visit a nearby township to warn them of the dangers of the ‘The Time Dragon’ – a mechanical device that appears to tell fortunes. ‘The Time Dragon’ tells Frex’s fortune – his hidden wealth and his punishment. Soon after Elphaba is born – a beautiful baby who just happens to be bright green. Frex and Melena are disinterested in the baby and alarmed by her needle-sharp teeth, so Melena sends for her old Nanny. In an effort to get to the bottom of Elphaba’s greenness, Nanny speaks at length with Melena, and we learn that she hasn’t been faithful to Frex on numerous occasions including times that she can’t quite remember. Fast forward a few years and we meet Galinda on her way to Shiz university. She is travelling alone due to an accident to Ama Clutch, her attendant. On arriving at Shiz, Galinda is alarmed to find that due to the absence of her Ama she has been left without a roomie – and that is when Madam Morrible puts Elphaba and Galinda together. If you want to read the story from the movie or the stage play, then this isn’t that. This is political, multi-layered, consumed with right and wrong and how perception can cause someone to be viewed as good or evil. Elphaba struggles to find her place in the world – a world that seems intent on demonizing things that are considered ‘other’. We already know how the story of Elphaba ends but her journey there is interesting and absorbing. Yes, there are time jumps, we frequently move forward by chunks of years but it moves the story along well and we always get a little thumbnail sketch of what has happened in the intervening years. I was really enjoying the book until I got to the last 10% or so when Elphaba’s behaviour becomes more erratic and we can see the ‘Wickedness’ in her and that seems to have come from nowhere. Other than that, I really enjoyed it. Galinda is as vapid and silly as she is in the play, more obsessed with her own vanity than in being genuinely good, Nessarose is a good foil for Elphaba as she leans into the wicked witch idea, and the Wizard is a bitter tyrant (who appears to be Elphaba’s father through some twisted drugging of Melena) - it leaves one pondering who the really Wicked are. If you read this expecting the movie or stage play then you will be disappointed because it is very different, however, if you are coming to it with an open mind and are prepared to forget what you know about the films then you will find it is well worth a trip down the yellow brick road.

**PLEASE ADD A WARNING** I bought the 2025 Wicked paperback for my 14 year old granddaughter for Christmas. Unfortunately I didn't see the tiny writing that states that it's ADULT FICTION 18+ when I bought it. It also states that "This novel contains adult content including scenes of a sexual nature" Fortunately I saw this before I wrapped it up, but would suggest that a warning is shown on this product. I would affirm this is no reflection on the author of the book, but buyers need to be aware this version is NOT FOR CHILDREN

good book, like the film, worth the read

Bought as gift.

Good for any wicked fan

Love the design of this book, stunning for showcasing on my bookshelf. But RETURNED because it came with scuffs, marks and bends to the edges and spine - Such a shame that no proper packaging is used to ship special edition books.