Sigrid H. (sigrid) reviewed on 9/27/2008 + 55 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 3

This is one of those books where I think my expectations spoiled my reading experience. I've heard such wonderful things about this, and raves from people I trust. I went with friends to see the musical, and while it was cute, it certainly didn't blow me away. So on a whim, I picked this up because that's what I wanted. To be blown away. Everyone said the book was different than the show, so I figured it would be a given winner.

While it is different, it just wasn't as engrossing as I expected. It's all concept and no actual story. The premise is fantastic, and the first half of it really worked for me. I was excited about seeing the foundation being built for Elphaba's later deconstruction. But then she leaves Shiz, and everything goes downhill from there. Her characterization goes all over the place, and the story itself gets bogged down in all the political and thematic issues the author is obviously eager to explore. What should have been a pivotal emotional moment over halfway through gets swept under the rug, and I'm left feeling ambivalent about Elphaba and her gradual descent.

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