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After 7 decades as a witch I felt that I knew a great deal about definitions, expectations and myself. How wrong I was! I first read this author for the whimsical titles and to get a skewed view of classical tales. Now I read to find questions, to think the long thoughts required and to learn more about how we all find our most private of answers. Be wary, timid readers, and ward yourselves well.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
When i bought this book I knew it was used. But didn't expect it to come with some water damage to the pages. It was rated as good and i realize that each one of us has a different perception of good but stains on the pages really!!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I bought this book because of all the buzz surrounding it, (broadway play etc) Plus it was Halloween and my book club thought it would be fitting for this time of year. Boy were we surprised!It was much darker and seedier than we expected, and several people found it really hard to get into. I loved the whole "concept" of what formed what we have come to know as the "Wicked Witch of the West" and her sister as well, the Witch of the East, however I found many of the situations uncomfortable to read, especially those which were sexual in nature. I think the sex between the actual human beings was described beautifully,and was generally tasteful but the other depictions involving elaborate marionettes and live animals were vile and not even necessary to the plot of the story. They are the definition of "gratuitous" at it's height. If you are a person who has certain moral ideals on pornography and beastiality, or these things cause you to struggle with your own purity, I would advise you to avoid this book. Things I really enjoyed were the college days, and the story revolving around the "ruby slippers", as well as the main character's love for animals and Animals (yes there is a difference in this book) I found that entire plot to be fascinating, very well thought out and carried throughout the end of the book. The relationship between the main character and her father, sister and nanny is as complex and dysfunctional as any real relationship.I admired the author's honesty in this line of thought. I think the social, political and religious themes were interesting, but a little hard to follow at first. It was almost halfway through the book before I had a clear grasp on what was what, as just when I thought I had it figured out, another element was added to these themes. Overall, I enjoyed the book, it was captivating enough for me to be able to push past the disturbing parts for the sake of the rest of the story. A good read if you have time to concentrate. Not a "leisure" read.Read full review
The story was very good... almost not even about the Wizard of Oz tale, just using the general setting more than the specific story. The language the author used was very difficult to read, I read a LOT of books and I was very confused and frustrated the first few chapters with the language and words he was using to describe things; I couldn't tell what words were made up names and what were real words that I just didn't know. After a few chapters you get used to it though and get very much into the story! Can't wait to read another by this author to see how he writes in another story and the twist he puts on the original tale.
I have always loved the Wicked Witch of the West. Had hoped for a better ending in the text if one is to take literary license to their own extreme. However, it is an interesting look from a different perspective than the original. It is easily read, and understood, enjoyed the cute enhanced version concerning the green elixir and explanation of the green skin. I had always assumed it was symbolic of being way beyond a "green thumb"! Tin lumberjacks would rust here in the PNW, as well, and a beehive sounds like a logical way to recycle old metal. Naturally, in the old days, mattresses actually WERE stuffed with hay, winowed grains and grasses. AND, the musical, by the way, based on this book, is worthy to see in person and has a better ending, as i recall. Seems to me, when i first read it when it first came out, she was still severeley vilified. Which is unfortunate for a rewrite. Wish i had thought of rewriting it my way!<]:)Read full review
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