Elphie by Gregory Maguire Review (Gifted/AD)

Hello Readers,
Thank you to Headline and NetGalley for giving me access to an eBook copy of Elphie by Gregory Maguire in exchange for an honest review.  Since today is the official publication day, this review will be spoiler-free.

Please note that I don’t own the rights to the cover image the image is being used under Fair Use for review and recommendation purposes, in accordance with sections 29 and 30 of the Copyright Act.
 

Happy Publication Day

Title: Elphie
Author: Gregory Maguire
Genre: Fantasy, Prequel
Pages: 228
Cover Image:

Synopsis: What happened to young Elphaba before her witchy powers took hold in Wicked? Almost 30 years after the publication of the original novel, for the first time Gregory Maguire reveals the story of prickly young Elphie, the future Wicked Witch of the West—setting the stage for the blockbuster international phenomenon that is The Musical.

Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, will grow to have a feisty and somewhat uncompromising character in adult life. But she is always a one-off, from her infancy; Elphie is the riveting coming-of-age story of a very peculiar and relatable young girl.

Young Elphie is shaped and moulded by the behaviours of her promiscuous mother, Melena, and her pious father, Frex. She suffers ordinary childhood jealousies when her sister, saintly Nessarose, and brother, junior felon Shell, arrive. She first encounters the mistreatment of the Animal populations of Oz, which live adjacent to but not intertwined with human settlements, haunted by a Monkey and receiving aid from Dwarf Bears. She thrashes through her first bruising attempts at friendship, a possible lifeline from her tricky family life. And she gleans the benefits of an education, haphazard though it must be until she arrives at the doors of Shiz University, about to meet the radiant creature that is Galinda.

Elphie is destined to be a witch; she bears the markings from childhood—most evidently in her green skin but more obscurely and profoundly in her cunning and perhaps amoral behaviours, as she seeks to make do, to slip by, to sneak out, to endure, and to aspire.

Miniature Review

Gregory Maguire's latest addition to the Wicked Years series offers readers an insightful look into one of Oz's most beloved characters.
 
At the heart of the story is Elphaba, lovingly called Elphie. This coming-of-age tale explores her early years, with a particular focus on how childhood experiences shape who we become. As Elphie grows up, she faces relatable preteen struggles, navigating friendships, self-discovery, and her own unique quirks.
 
The book fills in some of the gaps left by Wicked, exploring Elphie’s early curiosity about politics and academics, which adds even more depth to the powerful character she grows into. Her evolving relationships with her siblings and her journey of personal growth give this instalment a heartfelt depth, making it both meaningful and memorable.
 
I absolutely loved this book and can’t help but hope Gregory keeps the series going. A Glinda origin story would be amazing. Fingers crossed he takes us back to Oz soon. 

L x

 Instagram . BlueSky