I'm almost finished with Wicked. Surprisingly, it's turned into one of those books that I don't want to put down, that I think to myself, "Just one more chapter," as my eyes are blurring. Then I dream about what's going to happen next to that wicked, wicked girl!
There's such a blend of realism and magical other-worldliness. The author's perspective on the story of Oz is full of political and social dynamics, not just the stark opposition of good and evil. Yet it's not simply the story of an abused child who turns bad, which is what I kind of expected. All along, you have to ask, who is wicked? How does the Wicked Witch of the West become?
It's an enthralling read, a unique twist on the familiar. I highly recommend it.
