I read this before I saw the film, because my local bookshop chain had it (plus 'I Am Glinda'), and because 'Wicked' is one of my favourite musicals, and Elphaba is my favourite fictional character of all time. I haven't been exposed to her, nor have I talked about her, for years.
So yeah, here is 'I Am Elphaba'!It's a cute little picture book that tells a very abridged version of the new 'Wicked' (part one) movie, told from Elphaba the protagonist's point of view.
Elphaba Thropp, one of the most misunderstood characters ever, thus why she is so sympathetic and relatable. And properly, complicatedly human. She should be a simple, straightforward heroine for all, but is made a byzantine product by the actions of others; often those in positions of power and influence, and for ill.
She is made a tragic, ostracised victim, forced into the "wicked witch" role, just because she tries to do what is right.
She never asked to be a villain, or a hero, for that matter. She just is. Her own wonderful, unique, witchy, existent self.
The "Wicked Witch of the West" - of Oz - also combines angst with action, pity with productivity, melancholy with marvel, feeling blue (figuratively) with bravery and boldness. This helps her to gain sympathy from audiences, so they proudly root for her, no matter how hopeless her cause is.
No matter whether or not her fate is predetermined.
Elphaba is a witch (though not initially), she has different colour skin from others in her society and that immediately makes her an outcast, she's a carer to her disabled sister Nessarose, she's a civil rights and social activist for the oppressed, vilified animals, and all around she's a sweet, kind, caring, emotional, sensitive, smart person, with human limits. She's more powerful than she realises - which scares the so-called "powerful" higher-ups - and she will use that power for genuine good, which means helping others. Who wouldn't look up to her?
Of course she would be demonised and made a scapegoat by a corrupt, capitalist society because of her trying to be altruistic; again, trying to do the right things in a world that's twisted the definition of what is "good" and "evil", or "wicked". Where no good deed goes unpunished.
(Elphaba herself is even one of the very few things I could tolerate and think is decent in the original 'Wicked' novel, which I still hate).
'I Am Elphaba' - a cute tie-in for any fan of the musical, or the film, or both. The artwork is great, colourful, and enchanting, too.
Always defy gravity with Elphaba the witch!
Final Score: 3.5/5
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