“The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” Book Review
I have been embarking on a journey to re-ignite my reading habits, not only reading more books, but reading them more frequently. As such I have made it a goal to find and read some stand-out classics that one ought to read at least once. So I’d like to review a true classic I’ve just read, that has stood strong for decades as the cornerstone of fantasy and children’s literature. Perhaps it is more known for its beloved film adaptation, but I found L. Frank Baum’s “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” to be a charming, timeless and fun book, that I recommend everyone should read at least once.
I’m sure you are well familiar with the story as a whole, involving iconic characters such as Dorothy and her dog Toto, the Scarecrow without brains, the heartless Tin Woodman and the Cowardly Lion, journeying across the colourful land of Oz to seek aid of the grand Wizard of Oz. Baum’s writing appeals to both children and adults alike, his prose, plot and description straightforward, but subtle and charming in its simplicity. A possible trait in its ability to have lasted long in popularity.
I will say that the book is a touch darker than the film, with blunt moments of violence that are as glossed over as they are brutal. When the evil Wicked Witch of the West sends numerous enemies to assail Dorothy and her party of friends, the party altogether dispatch said enemies in rather brutal ways. The Scarecrow swiftly defeats a flock of the Witch’s wild crows by luring them closer and snapping all their necks one by one, and the Tin Woodman hacks off the heads of all the Witch’s wolves like he were cleaving through a jungle.
However, aside from darker tones and the occasional omission or addition to the story, it is still the same magical tale I’m sure you know and love. I would not be altogether surprised if Baum’s masterpiece (and its sequels) laid down the foundation both for fantasy and children’s books for all the history to come. The history and lore regarding said sequels is altogether mish-mash, with a few more inconsistencies than even I would be comfortable with in my books.
Then again, that did not stop Baum from not only writing these stories in his world, but certainly enjoying them while doing so, and I think that is the right mentality that every author should aspire to hold.
The themes represented in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz are quite clever in my mind, as it seems the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, and the Lion, display the traits they believe they don’t have. The Scarecrow demonstrates cunning, wit and wisdom when faced with every problem. The Tin Woodman often cries and shares great concern and fear for his friends and all he meets. And I doubt any true coward would achieve any of the feats and conquer any of the obstacles that the Lion put to his name throughout the story.
All in all, the legacy and cultural impact that Baum and his work have left behind speak far greater volumes than I ever could. If you ever get the chance, definitely give “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” a read. It won’t take very long, but you won’t soon forget it.
Thank you for reading and have a beautiful day!
Daniel
