the West is a 1995 fantasy novel by Gregory Maguire that serves as a dark, revisionist prequel to The Wizard of Oz, exploring the backstory of the Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba. The story follows the green-skinned Elphaba from birth through her time at Shiz University, where she befriends Glinda, and details her transformation into the infamous witch as she fights against the Wizard's oppressive regime and discrimination against talking animals in Oz. It is the first book in The Wicked Years series and the basis for the popular Broadway musical and films.