Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. How does the Oz portrayed in Son of a Witch compare to L. Frank Baum’s original Oz, the Judy Garland movie, or the stage version?

2. How does the portrayal of Dorothy, the Cowardly Lion, the Tinman, and the Scarecrow differ from their classic counterparts? Why don’t they play a bigger role in the novel?

3. In recent years, the world of Oz has hit the screen in the form of Wicked and Wicked: For Good. Both movies—and the musical—are inspired by this novel’s predecessor, Wicked. How does the depiction of the Wizard’s government in these musicals compare to those portrayed in Son of a Witch?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Son of a Witch features portrays different religious beliefs in the land of Oz and explores the ways in which it shapes the moral codes of different characters. How do your own religious experiences—or lack thereof—compare to those in the novel?

2. Liir struggles with his ignorance over the identities of his parents, believing that this lack makes it difficult for him to understand himself. How have your relationships with parents or parental figures influenced your own sense of identity?

3. Liir experiences love with both Candle and Trism, though he characterizes his relationships with them in different ways. In your own experience or that of someone you know, how have people’s romantic relationships influenced their sense of identity?

4. If you have interacted with the world of Oz before, how did you react to this more adult version?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. Gregory Maguire has said that U.S. involvement in the Middle East during the 2000s—and particularly their use of torture—inspired him to write Son of a Witch. What moments and themes from the book show evidence of being linked to this real-world parallel?

2. The United States technically enjoys a separation of church and state, though the world of Oz does not. How does religion influence the governments in Oz, and what comparisons can be made to real-world countries whose leaders serve as both head of state and the head of a religion?

3. How do the events of Son of a Witch reflect real-world events related to the rise of fascism?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. What literary techniques does Gregory Maguire use to bring Oz to life? Be sure to include at least three examples in your discussion.

2. How do Candle and Trism help Liir to grow, and how do their relationships influence his decision-making in Parts 3 and 4 of the novel? 

3. Though Elphaba dies in Wicked, how does Maguire cultivate her legacy in Son of a Witch? What influence does she hold over the protagonist?

4. Which characters have the greatest impact on Liir’s ability to resolve his inner conflict and identity crisis? 

5. How does Liir’s quest to find himself dovetail with the broader identity shifts that the land of Oz experiences at the hands of multiple leaders?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. How would you adapt Son of a Witch for either the stage or the screen? What scenes would you cut or alter? Would you make it into a musical? Why or why not?

2. The politics of Oz are complex and ever-changing. If you had the opportunity to rule Oz, what form of government would you cultivate, and what would be your priorities?