Wicked: the Grimmerie Book Summary, Ending, Quotes & Review 2024

Wicked: the Grimmerie Book Summary, Ending, Quotes & Review 2024
Julia Scheeres
Julia Scheeres She/Her - Journalist/Book Author/Cat Mom June 27, 2024

Wicked: The Grimmerie is about the magical land of Oz and the untold story of the Witches. It delves into the complex and dynamic characters of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda the Good. This narrative peels back the layers of the familiar story, offering a new perspective and a deeper understanding of the world of Oz.

Wicked: The Grimmerie Book Summary

Elphaba Thropp, a gifted young girl with emerald-green skin, is born in the land of Oz. Her father is the governor of Munchkinland, and her mother is a unionist. Elphaba's sister, Nessarose, is born without arms, and their brother, Shell, is normal.

At Shiz University, Elphaba encounters Glinda, a bubbly student. They form a complex friendship. Elphaba becomes involved in the political turmoil of Oz. She discovers the Wizard is behind the persecution of Animals, who can talk and have human-like intelligence.

Elphaba's friend Fiyero falls in love with her, but their happiness is short-lived. Fiyero is captured and presumed dead. Heartbroken, Elphaba becomes more radical in her activism.

Glinda is now the Good Witch of the South, and she and Elphaba have grown apart due to their differing political ideologies. Elphaba's mother passes away, and she is devastated by the loss.

Elphaba is driven to confront the Wizard, but their encounter leaves her disillusioned. She is declared 'Wicked' and becomes the target of public fear and loathing.

Elphaba flees to the castle of her sister, Nessarose, who is now the Wicked Witch of the East. There, Elphaba becomes entangled in more political intrigue.

Glinda, now the wife of Fiyero, seeks Elphaba's forgiveness, and the two witches reconcile. However, their peace is short-lived.

Nessarose is accidentally killed when Dorothy's house falls on her, and Elphaba is blamed. She confronts Dorothy in a fit of rage before vanishing.

Years later, Glinda, reflecting on the past, concludes that Elphaba is still alive. In a touching tribute, Glinda acknowledges the impact Elphaba had on her life and the land of Oz.

Elphaba's story is one of tragedy and redemption. Though she is rumored to live out her days in solitude, her legacy lives on in the hearts of those who truly knew her.

Fiyero's transformation into the Scarecrow and his love for Elphaba are revealed to be the core of his being. He and Elphaba have a child together, suggesting that they found happiness in their final years.

The story closes with a reflection on the enduring power of love, friendship, and the choices that define us. It is a tale of the 'Wicked' that challenges the notions of good and evil, and the impact of one's life on the world.

Wicked: The Grimmerie Quotes

  1. 'Only in love are unity and duality not in conflict.'
  2. 'The truth is not a thing of fact or reason. It is simply what everyone agrees on.'
  3. 'You see only what your eyes want to see. How can life be what you want it to be?'

Wicked: The Grimmerie Ending Explained

At the end of Wicked: The Grimmerie, the complex story of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, reaches its conclusion.

Elphaba, presumed dead for many years, is revealed to be alive and living in obscurity. She has a child with Fiyero, the Scarecrow, and together they have found solace and peace.

The story ends with a poignant reflection on the impact of Elphaba's life, the enduring legacy of her choices, and the complexities of good and evil in the land of Oz.

Characters in book Wicked: The Grimmerie

  • Elphaba: Also known as the Wicked Witch of the West. A misunderstood and intelligent woman with emerald-green skin who is passionate about social justice.
  • Glinda: The Good Witch of the South. Initially superficial, she becomes a close friend to Elphaba and is known for her beauty and kindness.
  • Fiyero: The Winkie Prince, who becomes romantically involved with Elphaba and undergoes significant personal growth throughout the story.
  • Boq: A Munchkin who is initially infatuated with Glinda and becomes the Tin Man after a tragic spell.
  • Nessarose: Elphaba's younger sister who becomes the Wicked Witch of the East and rules over Munchkinland.
  • The Wizard: The powerful ruler of Oz who is not what he seems and has a complicated history with Elphaba's family.
  • Dr. Dillamond: A Goat who is a professor at Shiz University and an advocate for Animal rights.
  • Madame Morrible: The headmistress of Crage Hall, later a member of the Wizard's council, and deeply involved in political intrigues.

Key Lessons

  • Question the Status Quo: Challenging established norms and asking difficult questions can lead to positive change and personal growth.
  • The Power of Perspective: Understanding different points of view can foster empathy and deepen relationships.
  • Embrace Complexity: Life is rarely black and white; it's important to appreciate the nuances and complexities of situations and individuals.
  • The Impact of Choices: Each decision we make can have far-reaching consequences, so it's wise to consider them thoughtfully.
  • Love Endures: True love and friendship have the power to withstand the most challenging circumstances and can shape our lives profoundly.

My Personal Opinion

Is Wicked: The Grimmerie worth reading? Totally! I loved the reimagining of the classic tale of the Wizard of Oz. It's a rich, complex narrative that challenges perceptions and delves deeply into the human condition.

I was struck by the powerful themes of identity, discrimination, and the quest for meaning. However, the story's depth can at times become overwhelming, and the pacing occasionally falters, which lessened my overall enjoyment.

I would recommend this book to readers who are familiar with 'The Wizard of Oz' and seek a thought-provoking exploration of its characters and themes. It is particularly well-suited for those who appreciate literary deconstructions and reinterpretations.

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