Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire

GENRE

Quasi-Historical Fiction / Fantasy / Fairytale Retelling (406 pgs.)

SYNOPSIS

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? And what is the true nature of evil?

Gregory Maguire creates a fantasy world so rich and vivid that we will never look at Oz the same way again. Wicked is about a land where animals talk and stive to be treated like first-class citizens, Munchkinlanders seek the comfort of middle-class stability, and the Tin Man becomes a victim of domestic violence. And then there is the little green-skinned girl named Elphaba, who will grow up to become the infamous Wicked Witch of the West, a smart, prickly, and misunderstood creature who challenges all our preconcieved notions about the nature of good and evil.

MY REVIEW

After seeing the Broadway play Wicked on the West End in London over Christmas break, I found a new thing to obsess over. And when I found out that the play was based on a book, well, that little discovery ended in a trip to my local Barnes & Noble. I was really excited to start this read, but I had absoutely no idea what I was getting myself into.

I think I should start with the positives. Gregory Maguire's characters are absolutely amazing. So much depth goes into every little detail of their being. Elphaba's, or the Wicked Witch of the West's, character is complex and dynamic, and makes you question what you really know about good and evil.

Gregory Maguire's writing is absolutely breathtaking. He has literally created a whole new world... a new society, a new class of people, and a new political system. He breathes life into his story by giving his characters real-life political and societal obstacles. Oz is a real place, with real people! Or so Maguire led me to believe.

Now, onto the not-so-positives. This book was really--to sum it up in one word--weird. I can't seem to describe it any other way. It's one of those weird/bad dream kind of books, almost like an Alice in Wonderland kind of thing. I read a review somewhere that said that this book was filled with all kinds of allegories and intricate metaphors... maybe I'm just not intellectual enough, because I didn't catch that at all.

If you're like me and you wanted to read the book after seeing the play, understand one thing right now... the play and the book are two totally separate entities and are not alike at all. I wish I would have known that before reading, just to prepare myself. And unfortunately, if I had to pick one over the other, I would definitely have to go with the play. It was SO much better.

I liked the fact that Gregory Maguire took and old story and put a new spin on it, and gave an old villain a new look, but this one was just too weird for me. A piece of advice... see the play, don't read the book (because the play is really fantastic). All in all, an okay read.

MY RATING

3***

Appropriateness Factors:

There are a couple of scenes that took me off guard, that were quite a bit adult. Take it for what it's worth.

Historical Fiction Reading Challenge 2011

Greetings everyone!! I was delighted to find this challenge, hosted by Historical Tapestry, and decided that I would absolutely love to participate. The challenge is simple, and involves these rules:

-everyone can participate, even those who don't have a blog (you can add your book title and thoughts in the comment section if you wish)

-add the link(s) of your review(s) including your name and book title to the Mister Linky we’ll be adding to our monthly post (please, do not add your blog link, but the correct address that will guide us directly to your review)

-any kind of historical fiction is accepted (HF fantasy, HF young adult,...)

-During these following 12 months you can choose one of the different reading levels:
Severe Bookaholism: 20 books
Undoubtedly Obsessed: 15 books
Struggling the Addiction: 10 books
Daring & Curious: 5 books
Out of My Comfort Zone: 2 books

I decided I would go with the Severe Bookaholism challenge. Appropriate indeed. I figure that 20 books in 12 months will definitely be doable for a reader like me, especially being the historical fiction junkie that I am. So, here's to a great, historical-fiction filled 2011. Wish me luck!!

Friday is for Fairytales (5)

Friday is for Fairytales is a meme hosted by Irena at This Miss Loves to Read. Every Friday, you can choose a fairytale you love, or simply find interesting or haunting, and review it or simply say why you like it so much, or why it has captured your attention. Instead of a fairytale, you can choose a favourite fairytale character and describe him/her and tell us why you like them, or you can simply share an experience connected to a fairytale. Fairytales can be old and modern, written by a known author or anonymous, written down or passed on orally, short or in novel form (like re-writings of fairytales), international or typical for your country alone. In this case, present your country’s fairytale and we can all become acquainted with a new fairytale. So, make a post every Friday that is connected to the world of fairytales, be it a review, a character description or your own fairytale experience. Let’s celebrate fairytales and share our love for them.

MY POST IS ABOUT: Aladdin translated by Antoine Galland from One Thousand and One Nights

Aladdin has always been one of my favorite fairytales. It definitely does not fit the description of a classic "fairy tale"... more like a legend than anything else. Even though this tale isn't a classic fairytale, none of the magic is lost. The traditional battle between good and evil still exists, with an interesting twist.

I always admired the strong character of Aladdin. He is an impoverished, although very smart and cunning youth who won't take no for an answer. And all his hard work pays off in the end... through the help of a powerful genie, Aladdin find the woman of his dreams and makes a new destiny for himself.

I think Disney did a great adaptation of this tale. Both Aladdin and Princess Jasmine are really dynamic, strong characters. They both will not accept the constricting world that they live in, and seek to better it, no matter what the cost. I always loved the sense of freedom they create for themselves, and think that Disney captured this beautifully.

This is a great, out of the ordinary fairytale. It transcends the boundaries of tradition, while still keeping the powerful essences of freedom and destiny... that is, having the priceless power of creating your own destiny.

The Healer's Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson

GENRE

Y.A. Fairytale Retelling / Fantasy (257 pgs.)


SYNOPSIS

Rose has been appointed as a healer's apprentice at Hagenheim Castle, a rare opportunity for a woodcutter' daughter like her. While she often feels uneasy at the sight of blood, Rose is determined to prove herself capable. Failure will mean returning home to marry the aging bachelor her mother has chosen for her--a bloated, disgusting merchant who makes Rose feel ill.
When Lord Hamlin, the future duke, is injured, it is Rose who must tend to him. As she works to heal his wound, she begins to understand emotions she's never felt before and wonders if he feel's the same. But falling in love is forbidden, as Lord Hamlin is betrothed to a mysterious yound woman in hiding. As Rose's life spins toward confusion, she must take the first steps on a journey to discover her own destiny.


MY REVIEW

One of my absolute favorite genres is fairytale retelling. I was a little skeptical when I first discovered this new read... the plot seemed like it would stray too far from it's orginial, Sleeping Beauty. A healer's apprentice? You mean... she's not a princess? But, it was another great lesson in how not to judge a book by its cover.

Rose, although a healer's apprentice, has the makings of a princess. Her compassion, spirit, and generosity all demonstrate that. She puts everyone else before herself, and is a priceless friend to have. I really admired her character, even if she did seem a little too-good-to-be-true sometimes.

I was also impressed with how Melanie Dickerson wrote the plot of this novel. It was really fantastic. Rose and Lord Hamlin's brother, Lord Rupert, court for sometime, on the premise that--despite his history--Lord Rupert really does love Rose and wants to marry her. But, as it turns out, he just wants her to be his full-time mistress. But Ms. Dickerson had me fooled till the very end! She made Lord Rupert so convincing that even I started to believe his good-will... and was crushed just like Rose when we found out the opposite.

Not only was Ms. Dickerson's plot impressive, her writing was superb as well! There is one passage I particularly find breathtaking:

"Rose clasped her hands and stared into his eyes, loving him, drinking in his love for her, for the last time. The pain in her chest was so intense, she wondered if she was dying. She bent over, pressing her hands to her throat, which ached from holding back tears. She could still feel his lips on her fingers" (223).

This passage just really stood out to me. The pain, the longing, the love... it's just achingly beautiful. Job well done!

The only real problem I had with this novel was that some situations just seemed a little too-good-to-be-true. Some, but not all, plot points are a bit far fetched. But this is only on a couple of occassions, and doesn't hurt the novel too too much.

Melanie Dickerson put a fabulous spin on the story of Sleeping Beauty. It wasn't at all what I was expecting, but I loved it nonetheless! All the traditional elements are there... the evil Wizard, the princess in hiding, the prince. But Dickerson infuses it with something special... a great plot with tons of brilliant side-stories and a fabulous cast of characters. An excellent read!


MY RATING

4.5****/*

Sphinx's Princess by Esther Friesner

GENRE

Y.A. Historical Fiction (365 pgs.)

SYNOPSIS

Although Nefertiti is the dutiful daughter of a commoner, her inquisitive mind often gets her into situations that are far from ordinary, like recieving secret lessons from a scribe. And her striking beauty garners attention that she'd just as soon avoid, especially when it comes to her aunt, the manipulative Queen Tiye, who has set her sights on Nefertiti. The queen wants to use her niece as a pawn in her quest for power, and Nefertiti must leave her beloved family and enter a life filled with courtly intrigue and danger. But her spirit and mind will not rest as she continues to challenge herself and the boundaries of ancient Egyptian society. With control of a kingdom at stake and threats at every turn, Nefertiti is forced to make choices and stand up for her beliefs in ways she never imagined.

MY REVIEW

Esther Friesner has slowly but surely become one of my favorite YA Historical Fiction authors. And once again, she delivers the goods in this story of yet another famous female historical figure.

I was really enchanted by Nefertiti's character in this novel. She's not just another cookie-cutter YA Historical Fiction female protagonist... she has flaws, which make her extremely believeable and likeable as a person. Esther Friesner gives a soul, a voice to the famous historical name, and I love how she does that. Now, when I read another boring passage about Nefertiti in a history book, I can think of Esther Friesner's Nefertiti, and a whole new person comes to life on the pages in front of me.

Ms. Friesner also succeeds in writing a killer plot! Wow! There are twists and turns, lots of court intrigue, and deceptions that literally had my jaw dropping. I really enjoyed having an exciting plot... I mean come on, what reader doesn't?

All of Friesner's characters are extremely well-written, as usual. She gives a unique voice to each of them. From Nefertiti's manipulative Aunt Tiye, to the deceitful Prince Thutmose, to the kind and loving Amenophis, each character has a voice, and an important role to play in the story. Esther Friesner does not cut corners here.

But the one thing I love most about Esther Friesner's writing is the historical accuracy. My goodness, it doesn't get any better than this. By far one of the best novels I've read from a historical stand point. The settings are lush and beautiful. I am in ancient Egypt. Esther Friesner also does a great job at helping the reader to understand the complicated Ancient Egyptian religious system. I actually didn't fully understand it up until I read this book. But wow, the descriptions and history are spot on.

Ancient Egypt has always fascinated me from when I was a small child. This is the ultimate historical fiction novel for Ancient Egypt lovers. The history is truly amazing. Once again, Esther Friesner delivers a powerful historical fiction novel jamp packed with a great female protagonist, believeable characters, dramatic plot twists, and amazing setting. A truly great read!

MY RATING

4.5****/*

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (15)

Happy Monday everyone! Sorry for the lack of posting... someone seemed to have pushed the overload button on my schoolwork. Anywho, hope you all have a great week!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Book Journey in which we bloggers share what we have read in the past week, and what we're currently tearing through this week.

Last Week I Read:

Sphinx's Princess by Esther Friesner

Currently I'm Reading:

The Healer's Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson

Book Haul: Borders

Hello all! I apologize for not posting anything recently... I'm hoping this new haul I picked up today will quickly make amends. I've decided to go on somewhat of a hardcover fast, the reason being that 1. They take up too much space that I just don't have anymore, and 2. They're just more expensive. I was delighted today to find paperback selections in 3 of my favorite genres: YA Historical Fiction, Fairytale Retelling, and Adult Historical Fiction. So here is today's paperback haul, and a sneak peak of each. Enjoy!

The Healer's Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson (Fairytale Retelling)

Set in the fictional medieval German town of Hagenheim, this historical romance covers the eight-month period before Lord Hamlin, the duke's eldest son, weds his betrothed, Lady Salomea, who's being kept in hiding from the evil Moncore, a conjurer determined to control her with demonic possession. But Hamlin's first meeting with the young beauty, Rose (the woodcutter's daughter, training with the castle healer), reveals that they are a match made in heaven; their shared moral rectitude and devotion to duty place many obstacles in their path before Rose's true identity can be revealed.

Sphinx's Princess by Esther Friesner (YA Historical Fiction)

Although Nefertiti is the dutiful daughter of a commoner, her inquisitive mind often gets her into situations that are far from ordinary, like receiving secret lessons from a scribe. And her striking beauty garners attention that she'd just as soon avoid, especially when it's her aunt, the manipulative Queen Tiye, who has set her sights on Nefertiti. The queen wants to use her niece as a pawn in her quest for power, so Nefertiti must leave her beloved family and enter a life filled with courtly intrigue and danger. But her spirit and mind will not rest as she continues to challenge herself and the boundaries of ancient Egyptian society. With control of a kingdom at stake and threats at every turn, Nefertiti is forced to make choices and stand up for her beliefs in ways she never imagined.

The Forever Queen by Helen Hollick (Historical Fiction)

Married to a king incompetent both on the throne and in bed, Emma does not love her husband. But she does love England. Even as her husband fails, Emma vows to protect her people-no matter what. For five decades, through love and loss, prosperity and exile, Emma fights for England, becoming the only woman to have been anointed, crowned, and reigning queen to two different kings, the mother of two more, and the great aunt of William the Conqueror.