I'm a Wicked Witch in Another Life

Wicked by Andre De Freitas  |  WICKED by Tim Shumate  |   Elphaba by Makissima

It should come as no surprise: I'm going to talk about Wicked again for this week's book chat. I don't often relate to characters. I know it's common for readers to connect to and critique a book based on how well you relate to the main character, but I've never been that type of reader. The only character I've ever felt a strong connection to is Elphaba Thropp from Gregory Maguire's Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West.

From the moment baby Elphie was found in the arms of a tiger/dragon hybrid, I knew she was going to be an important fictional character in my life. It seems strange that I connect with a character so far removed from my own reality (my life is - fortunately and unfortunately - nothing like the land of Oz), but all of Elphaba's characteristics are things that I embrace about myself.

I admire Elphaba's thirst for knowledge and her caring personality. Sure, she has a bad reputation (she is the Wicked Witch of the West after all), but it doesn't ever stop her from trying. I see myself in her strength to keep on going.

I've always been the dark-haired "other." Most of my best friends throughout life have been blonde-haired beauties, whereas I'm the slightly awkward and book-loving opposite. With dark hair and intense eyes, I've never felt quite right in my own skin (even if it isn't green like Elphaba's).

The Broadway play adaptation of Wicked only furthered my connection to Elphaba. Songs like "No Good Deed" and "Defying Gravity" have lines that make me truly feel for the character and they emulate what I struggle with in my own life. The ending of "No Good Deed" quite literally gives me chills.

Elphaba Thropp goes through many things that I have also encountered: Having things go wrong despite best efforts, trying to sort out exactly what you're meant to do, and holding a firm understanding that your actions have consequences outside of your meagre little inner-world.

"As someone told me lately, everyone deserves the chance to fly."

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The Book Chat is a weekly literary discussion hosted by Sweet Green Tangerine every Thursday. Feel free to join us!