Book Review: Elphie by Gregory Maguire

As a huge fan of Wicked and its rich, complex world, I was absolutely thrilled when I got my hands on Elphie, the prequel to the bestselling series. Gregory Maguire has once again delivered a tale that is as magical as it is thought-provoking, offering a glimpse into the childhood of one of the most iconic characters in fantasy literature.

Elphie takes us back to the beginnings of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, long before she became the figure of legend in Oz. We follow her from her early years as a green-skinned girl in a world that sees her as different, and the book explores the painful and fascinating journey of her growing up. Through the lens of Elphaba’s childhood, Maguire delves into themes of belonging, identity, and power, all while maintaining the darkly enchanting atmosphere that I’ve come to love from his writing.

What struck me the most about this book was how Maguire brought Elphaba’s character to life in such a raw and relatable way. She’s not the "wicked" witch we’ve come to know; she’s a young girl trying to navigate a world that is both strange and unwelcoming. Her relationship with her family—her beautiful mother, her pious father, and her saintly sister Nessarose—is complicated and filled with tension, and it was fascinating to see how these dynamics shaped the woman Elphaba would eventually become.

The magic in Elphie is both subtle and captivating. It’s clear that Elphaba’s powers are starting to manifest, but they are still in the background, like the whisper of something much larger and more dangerous. The moments when magic begins to show itself are both haunting and thrilling, and you can feel the weight of Elphaba’s destiny hanging over her.

One of the things I loved most about Elphie is the way it sets up the characters and events that will play out in Wicked. The writing is lush, and Maguire’s world-building is exquisite as always. The land of Oz feels so alive, and I found myself getting lost in the rich descriptions and intricate details. And of course, Elphaba’s eventual arrival at Shiz University is a moment I was eagerly awaiting, as it sets the stage for the iconic friendships and rivalries that will unfold in the original Wicked series.

Overall, Elphie is a captivating and emotional read. It gives new depth and understanding to the character of Elphaba and allows readers to see the world of Oz through her eyes before she becomes the Wicked Witch. It’s a perfect read for fans of Wicked and anyone who enjoys a dark, beautifully told coming-of-age story.

If you’re a fan of Gregory Maguire’s work, Elphie is a must-read. It’s a compelling and thought-provoking prequel that adds even more layers to the already rich world of Oz, and I can’t wait to see how Elphaba’s story continues to unfold.

Rating: 5/5
Magical, enchanting, and beautifully written, Elphie is a prequel that will leave you eagerly anticipating more.