“The past is a country from which we are all exiles, and the future is a land we can never reach.”
— Elphaba's ghost reflecting on time and memory.
Archivist's Choice
Out of Oz
Gregory Maguire (2011)
Genre
Fantasy
Reading Time
15-20 hours
Key Themes
See below
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As Oz descends into civil war, Elphaba's green granddaughter, Rain, must use her heritage and the iconic broom to untangle the realm's fate and end the Wicked saga.
Synopsis
In a fractured Oz on the brink of war, the Emerald City prepares to invade Munchkinland. Glinda is under house arrest, and the Cowardly Lion is a fugitive. Dorothy Gale returns to Oz, not as a hero but as a pawn in a larger political game. Meanwhile, Rain, Elphaba's green-skinned granddaughter, comes of age, grappling with her lineage and growing magical abilities. As old alliances crumble and new threats emerge, Rain finds her grandmother's broom and must decide whether to embrace her destiny and use her powers to intervene. The fate of Oz hangs in the balance as Rain, Dorothy, and the scattered remnants of the old guard navigate betrayal, sacrifice, and the nature of power, leading to a confrontation that will determine the future of the land.
Reading time
15-20 hours
Difficulty
Medium
Pacing
Variable
Mood
Dark, Political, Melancholy, Conclusive
✓ Read this if...
You've read the previous books in The Wicked Years series and want to see how Elphaba's legacy concludes through the eyes of her granddaughter, Rain, amidst a politically charged and war-torn Oz.
✗ Skip this if...
You haven't read the preceding books; this is the final installment and heavily relies on established characters and plotlines, making it inaccessible as a standalone.
Plot Summary
The Emerald City's Unrest and the Return of Dorothy
Oz is fractured. The Emerald City, under General Jinjur and the new Emperor of the Ozian Army, Brrr (a former talking bear), prepares to invade Munchkinland. Glinda, the former Sorceress and now Supreme Regent of the Ozian Army, is under house arrest in her palace, her influence waning. Meanwhile, the Cowardly Lion, Brrr's former companion, is a fugitive. In this brewing conflict, Dorothy Gale, now a young woman, suddenly returns to Oz, appearing in the dilapidated cottage in Munchkinland that once belonged to her Aunt Em and Uncle Henry, summoned by a mysterious 'Click'. She is disoriented by the changes in the land she once knew.
Rain's Childhood and the Legacy of Elphaba
Rain, Elphaba's green-skinned granddaughter, grows up in Glinda's and Brrr's care in the Emerald City. With Glinda's house arrest and Brrr's rise to military power, Rain's upbringing becomes isolated and shadowed by her grandmother's legacy. She is often left alone, developing a strong attachment to a mechanical bird named Twixt. Rain knows her magical heritage and the unusual circumstances of her birth, having been born from a union between Sarima and the Clock of the Time Dragon. She grapples with her family's past, particularly the stories about Elphaba and the Wizard.
Dorothy's Quest and the Tin Woodman's Fate
Dorothy finds the Scarecrow's former residence in Munchkinland and reunites with him. She learns that the Tin Woodman, Nick Chopper, has been missing for some time, taken by the Emerald City forces. Determined to find him, Dorothy and the Scarecrow journey towards the Emerald City. Their quest is driven by Dorothy's loyalty to her old friends and her desire to understand the new, unsettling political landscape of Oz. Along the way, they encounter remnants of the old Oz, now twisted by the conflicts and oppression from the Emerald City's regime.
The Cowardly Lion's Exile and the Search for Relief
The Cowardly Lion, having escaped the Emerald City, is in hiding from Brrr's forces. He carries guilt and responsibility, having once been close to Brrr and witnessing his transformation into a ruthless military leader. Driven by a desperate hope for peace and a return to the old ways of Oz, the Lion seeks the legendary 'Relief' — a mythical substance or state believed to end suffering and conflict. His journey takes him through dangerous parts of Oz, where he encounters both allies and enemies.
Glinda's Confinement and Political Machinations
Glinda, though confined, is not powerless. She uses her intellect and remaining political connections to orchestrate events from her isolation. Her main concern is Rain's safety and future, seeing her as both a ward and a key to restoring balance in Oz. Glinda tries to undermine Brrr's authority and the Emerald City's war efforts, subtly influencing those around her and sending messages through trusted contacts. She grapples with her past decisions and the unintended consequences of her attempts to maintain order in Oz, particularly her role in Brrr's rise.
Rain's Discovery of Magic and the Broom
As political tensions grow, Rain begins to show her own magical abilities, inherited from her grandmother Elphaba. These powers are wild and untamed, often appearing unexpectedly. During her solitary explorations within Glinda's palace, Rain discovers Elphaba's broom, long believed lost. This discovery marks a turning point for Rain, as she begins to understand her lineage and the powerful legacy she carries. The broom becomes a symbol of her connection to Elphaba and a tool for her own journey.
The Gathering of the Old Guard and New Alliances
Dorothy and the Scarecrow, having faced many dangers, eventually encounter the Cowardly Lion. The three old friends, reunited, decide to find the Tin Woodman and confront the Emerald City. Their paths soon intertwine with Rain, who, wielding Elphaba's broom, has fled Glinda's palace seeking answers and protection. An uneasy alliance forms between the seasoned adventurers and the young, powerful witch, as they realize their individual quests are intertwined with the larger fate of Oz and the unfolding war.
The Emerald City's Invasion and the Clock of the Time Dragon
The Emerald City's invasion of Munchkinland begins in earnest, bringing destruction and fear. Brrr's army, using advanced weaponry and brutal tactics, appears unstoppable. Amidst the chaos, the true significance of the Clock of the Time Dragon, the magical artifact instrumental in Rain's conception, comes to light. It is a powerful, ancient device capable of manipulating time and space, and its connection to Oz is deeper than anyone imagined. The Clock becomes a focal point for the conflict, as its power could determine the war's outcome.
Confrontation with Brrr and the Nature of Power
The combined forces of Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Lion, and Rain finally confront Brrr and his army in the Emerald City. The confrontation is a desperate struggle, showing Brrr's descent into tyranny and the devastating effects of unchecked power. Rain, using Elphaba's broom and her nascent magical abilities, plays a crucial role in the battle. The encounter forces the characters to grapple with the cost of war and the insidious ways power can corrupt even those with seemingly noble intentions, as Brrr's motivations are revealed as a twisted form of protection.
The Unveiling of the Tin Woodman and the Search for Relief
During the confrontation, the Tin Woodman's fate is finally revealed. He has been held captive and altered by Brrr's forces, his identity and memories manipulated. The discovery of his condition is a devastating blow to Dorothy and her friends. Simultaneously, the Cowardly Lion's long quest for 'Relief' reaches its end. It is revealed that 'Relief' is not a physical substance but a state of being, a collective understanding and acceptance of the past, and a willingness to move forward. This realization shifts the focus from external solutions to internal transformation.
Glinda's Sacrifice and the Restoration of Order
In a key moment, Glinda, having escaped her confinement, makes a selfless sacrifice to aid the protagonists and restore balance to Oz. Her actions show a deep understanding of the moral complexities of leadership and atonement. Her sacrifice, combined with the efforts of Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Lion, and Rain, helps to dismantle Brrr's regime and end the immediate conflict. A fragile new order begins to emerge, but the scars of war and the divisions within Oz remain, hinting at a long road to healing.
Rain's Choice and the Future of Oz
With the war concluded and the Emerald City's tyranny overthrown, Rain is at a crossroads. She has fully embraced her magical heritage and the power of Elphaba's broom. Faced with the responsibility of her lineage and the future of Oz, she chooses her role in the world. Her decision is not about wielding power for control, but about stewardship and compassion. The ending suggests that while the immediate conflict is resolved, Oz's future remains uncertain, dependent on its inhabitants' choices and the wisdom of its new generation, with Rain as a central figure.
Principal Figures
Rain
The Protagonist
Rain evolves from an isolated, curious child to a powerful young witch who embraces her destiny and chooses a path of stewardship and compassion for Oz.
Dorothy Gale
The Protagonist/Returning Heroine
Dorothy transforms from a bewildered returnee into a resilient leader, whose unwavering hope and loyalty help unite the forces against tyranny.
Glinda
The Supporting/Ambiguous Ally
Glinda moves from a position of political manipulation and self-preservation to making a profound, selfless sacrifice for the greater good of Oz.
Brrr
The Antagonist
Brrr's arc is one of tragic descent from a loyal companion to a tyrannical leader, ultimately facing the consequences of his oppressive rule.
The Cowardly Lion
The Supporting Protagonist
The Lion's arc is a journey from guilt-ridden fugitive to a wise figure who understands that 'Relief' comes from within and through collective effort.
The Scarecrow
The Supporting Protagonist
The Scarecrow maintains his core wisdom and loyalty, serving as a consistent moral and intellectual guide for Dorothy and the group.
The Tin Woodman (Nick Chopper)
The Supporting/Mentioned
The Tin Woodman's arc is one of captivity and alteration, serving as a symbol of the war's victims and the enduring bonds of friendship.
Twixt
The Supporting/Mentioned
Twixt remains a constant, loyal companion, reflecting Rain's journey through its unwavering presence.
Themes & Insights
The Corrupting Nature of Power
The novel explores how power can corrupt even those with noble intentions. Brrr, once a loyal companion, becomes a ruthless tyrant as he gains control of the Emerald City's army, believing his oppressive methods are necessary for Oz's stability. Glinda, despite her wisdom, made past decisions driven by a desire for control, leading to unintended consequences. This theme is clear in the Emerald City's invasion of Munchkinland, where the pursuit of power leads to destruction and suffering, turning former friends into bitter enemies.
“''Power, even when wielded with the best intentions, has a way of twisting the hand that holds it.''”
Legacy and Identity
Rain grapples with the legacy of her grandmother, Elphaba, and the weight of her green skin and magical abilities. She struggles to forge her own identity separate from the infamous witch, while also coming to terms with the power she has inherited. Dorothy, too, faces her own legacy as the 'heroine' of Oz, forced to reconcile her past experiences with the changed present. This theme is highlighted as Rain discovers Elphaba's broom, a tangible link to her past, and must decide how she will use that power for her future and Oz's future.
“''How does one escape the shadow of a legend, especially when that shadow is also one's own skin?'”
War and Its Consequences
The novel shows the devastating effects of war. The Emerald City's invasion of Munchkinland brings destruction, displacement, and brutalization. The war is not glorified but depicted as a tragic cycle of violence and suffering, with no clear 'good' or 'evil' sides, but rather complex motivations and devastating outcomes. The fate of the Tin Woodman, captured and altered, shows the war's personal cost, while the unrest underscores the societal breakdown caused by conflict.
“''The only victory in war is that it ends, and even then, the scars remain etched deeper than any sword cut.''”
The Search for Redemption and Relief
Many characters are on a journey of redemption or seeking relief from past mistakes and ongoing suffering in Oz. The Cowardly Lion's quest for 'Relief' embodies this, representing a desperate hope for an end to conflict and a return to peace. Glinda also seeks to atone for her past manipulations. The theme suggests that true 'relief' or redemption is not an external object to be found, but an internal state achieved through understanding, acceptance, and selfless action, ultimately leading to a collective effort to heal Oz.
“''Perhaps Relief isn't a place to find, but a space to make, within ourselves and between us.''”
The Nature of Truth and Storytelling
The novel questions the nature of truth, memory, and how stories are constructed and manipulated. The history of Elphaba, the Wizard, and even Dorothy's adventures are re-examined, revealing multiple perspectives and often conflicting narratives. Characters grapple with 'official' versions of events versus their own lived experiences. This theme is relevant in a world where political powers, like Brrr's regime, rewrite history and control information to maintain authority, making the search for genuine truth perilous.
“''The past is not a story written in stone, but a river constantly reshaping its banks with every memory and every telling.''”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
Elphaba's Broom
A magical artifact symbolizing inherited power and destiny.
Elphaba's broom, long believed lost or destroyed, is discovered by Rain. It serves as a tangible link to her infamous grandmother and a powerful symbol of her inherited magical abilities. The broom is not just a mode of transport but an extension of Rain's burgeoning power, aiding her in battle and representing her acceptance of her unique destiny. Its presence constantly reminds Rain, and the reader, of the legacy she carries and the potential she holds to shape the future of Oz, either for good or ill.
The Clock of the Time Dragon
An ancient magical artifact capable of manipulating time and space, central to Rain's origin.
The Clock of the Time Dragon is the magical artifact responsible for Rain's unusual conception and birth. It is revealed to be an ancient and immensely powerful device, capable of manipulating the fabric of time and space. Its significance grows throughout the narrative, culminating in its role in the climax, where its powers could either destroy or save Oz. The Clock represents the deep, mystical forces at play in Oz, connecting personal destinies to cosmic scales and hinting at the cyclical nature of history.
The 'Click'
A mysterious sound that summons Dorothy back to Oz.
The 'Click' is the enigmatic sound that draws Dorothy Gale back to Oz. It functions as a classic call to adventure, a mysterious summons that propels the protagonist into the story. Its ambiguous nature adds an element of fate or destiny to Dorothy's return, suggesting that she was always meant to come back to Oz at this crucial juncture. The 'Click' serves as a narrative device to initiate Dorothy's journey and to underscore the idea that certain events in Oz are preordained or guided by unseen forces.
The Search for 'Relief'
A metaphorical quest for peace and understanding in a war-torn land.
The Cowardly Lion's quest for the mythical 'Relief' acts as a powerful allegory for the collective desire for peace and an end to suffering in Oz. Initially perceived as a tangible object or place, 'Relief' is gradually revealed to be a state of being – an internal and collective acceptance of the past, forgiveness, and a commitment to building a better future. This plot device shifts the narrative from an external solution to an internal transformation, emphasizing that true peace must come from within and through shared effort, rather than from a magical cure.
Critical analysis
Notable Quotes
“There is no such thing as an innocent bystander. Not in Oz, not anywhere.”
— Rain discussing the complicity of silence and inaction.
“Magic is just science we don't understand yet.”
— Tip pondering the nature of magic versus technology.
“One never knows what one is capable of until one is asked to be more than one thinks one is.”
— Glinda offering encouragement to Rain.
“The truth is a thing that changes shape, depending on who is holding it.”
— Dorothy reflecting on the subjective nature of truth.
“Sometimes the greatest act of love is to let go.”
— Liir considering his relationship with his family.
“Every ending is just a new beginning, if you're brave enough to see it.”
— Munchkinland resident discussing the cyclical nature of life.
“We are all just stories in the end, hoping to be remembered well.”
— The Cowardly Lion contemplating legacy.
“To be truly free, one must first be free of one's own expectations.”
— Fiyero's spirit advising Liir.
“Fear is a powerful wizard, but hope is a stronger one.”
— Rain reflecting on the forces that drive people.
“The world doesn't need saviors; it needs people who are willing to try.”
— Dorothy expressing a pragmatic view of heroism.
“Sometimes the greatest strength is found in admitting one's weaknesses.”
— Liir's internal monologue about vulnerability.
“Identity is not a fixed thing, but a river that constantly flows and changes.”
— Tip considering her evolving sense of self.
“There are no goodbyes, only until we meet again, in some form or another.”
— Glinda's comforting words about life and death.
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Key Questions (FAQ)
The central conflict revolves around the Emerald City's imperialistic invasion of Munchkinland, fueled by the oppressive rule of the Emperor and the manipulation of the political landscape. This war directly impacts Rain, as she is a Munchkin and her home becomes a battleground, forcing her to confront the violence and injustice unfolding around her.
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