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The Wizard of Oz

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'The Wizard of Oz' is a classic children's novel that follows the adventures of Dorothy, a young girl who gets swept away to the magical land of Oz after a tornado. In Oz, she meets various companions including a scarecrow, a tin woodman, and a cowardly lion, as they journey together to find their respective desires while facing challenges and defeating the wicked witch of the west. Written in an imaginative and enchanting style, the book captures the essence of friendship, courage, and the theme of finding one's true home, resonating with readers of all ages.

Characters:

The characters are well-defined, each representing different virtues and personal struggles, contributing to the imaginative narrative.

Writing/Prose:

Baum's writing style is straightforward and whimsical, making it easy for children to engage with the story while still being descriptive and imaginative.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around Dorothy's journey from Kansas to Oz, where she makes new friends and confronts challenges, ultimately discovering that home is where her heart truly lies.

Setting:

The setting shifts from the dreary gray plains of Kansas to the colorful and magical land of Oz, highlighting the contrast between Dorothy's home and her adventurous new surroundings.

Pacing:

The pacing is brisk, making it suitable for children, though some episodic elements can lead to a feeling of disconnection.

Notes:

The original slippers in the book are silver, not ruby like in the movie.
The book was published in 1900, making it over a century old.
L. Frank Baum wrote a total of 14 Oz books, not just The Wizard of Oz.
The novel includes many characters and scenes omitted from the movie, such as the Queen of the Mice and the China Country.
The book contains darker and more violent elements than the children's movie adaptation, including battles with various creatures.
Dorothy's character in the book is much younger than Judy Garland's portrayal in the film.
The Emerald City is described as white, with its color coming from mandatory green spectacles worn by its inhabitants.
The journey to Glinda the Good Witch is more detailed in the book, with several challenges along the way.
Baum's book often portrays a simple moral of self-discovery and the idea that what you seek is often already within you.
The narrative style of the book is more simplistic and straightforward than modern children's literature, yet it has remained a classic.

From The Publisher:

Judy Garland reprises her role as Dorothy as she and her dog, Toto, are caught up in a tornado in their hometown of Kansas. It takes them to a strange and beautiful land called Oz.

Dorothy learns that the only way home is with the help of a wizard she will find if she follows the Yellow Brick Road. Along this journey, she meets some memorable friends and foes, including travel partners who also have reason to meet the wizard, namely the Lion, who is seeking courage; the Tin Man, who needs a heart; and the scarecrow, who is missing a brain.

Their journey is an enthralling adventure with many magical moments in this charming story, originally written by L. Frank Baum.

Ratings (48)

Loved It (19)
Liked It (19)
It Was OK (8)
Did Not Like (1)
Hated It (1)

Reader Stats (79):

Read It (51)
Want To Read (11)
Not Interested (17)

2 comment(s)

Liked It
3 months

vintage

 
It Was OK
11 months

I read it when I was a lot younger so now it’s not really at my reading level but still a overall good book

 
 
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