I'm surprised at how many details from the story I had forgotten in just 19 months time. Even during the reading of the book I forgot details from the beginning that were somewhat important in the end. This is partly because a lot of the reading was done in bed, and I probably was too tired to absorb it all. Of course, the musical is just an adaptation and they changed the story to fit the format, and they simplified (and eliminated and combined) some of the characters for the musical. In my view, the left out some of the most interesting parts of the story.
As the blurbs on the inside cover of the book say, there is more here than the fantasy. Those more politically savvy than I can see the allusions to past political eras that I only vaguely recognized. The biggest questions are the existence of a soul and the difference between being a spiritual being and a sentient being. Of course, Elphaba is different - she's green in case you didn't know - but her color is not the only difference that sets people and Animals apart, so the politics and social difficulties of differences plays a major part of the story.
The book is quite engaging. I wonder how much of that is the story notwithstanding its connection to incredibly popular set of books and film and how much is the desire to hear the back story and the anticipation of those bits and pieces that connect with the stories we already know. I have "Son of a Witch" and hope to have the chance to read it soon to see if I can answer that question. I also found the L. Frank Baum books on the Project Gutenberg website. I had read the first one about 10 years ago, but am eager to reread it and others to compare to "Wicked."
This is not the quickest reread I have every done. There have been several books that I reread (or re-listened to) immediately. But this is the quickest reread done after setting a book aside. I don't remember being enamored with the book the first time, so I am sure the viewing of the musical was the main impetus. Also, a reread does not require as close attention as a first reading, so maybe I was looking for a way to read with only partial attention.
I keep telling he-who-caters-to-my-every-whim that he would like this book, but I suspect he can't get past the fantasy-feel of the figures and the glitz of the musical to read the book (I think he is afraid of Glinda as well - her character in the musical was off putting). Besides I have selected 5 great books for him for Christmas, so as soon as he opens that package "Wicked" will be far from his thoughts.
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