Customer Reviews

Lost King of Oz (Wonderful Oz Books, No 19)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

There are two aspects to this book that often cause consternation and debate in the Oz community. The first is that a talking goose is about to be cooked and eaten (although he is saved from this fate). The other occurs at the end, so I don't want to give it away, but let's just say it involves a punishment that many people consider unduly harsh and unnecessary. Aside from these things, though, it's hard to say anything against this book (although there is a character with the unfortunate name of "Humpy"). It is a well-written quest story, with the object of the quest being Ozma's long-lost father. The book includes visits to many exotic Ozian locales, and involves several interesting characters. Kabumpo makes an appearance, and Mombi reappears as a villain. Although she no longer has any real magical power, she still has plenty of tricks up her sleeve, mostly involving enhanced cooking ingredients. This is one of Thompson's best books, and makes for a very enjoyable read.

This book is very, VERY, good. I am a big fan of all Oz books, and this is definitely better than some. Only drawback is that the original Jno. R. Neill cover completely gives the ending away.

I liked this book a lot. Like all Oz books, it gets to be ridiculous at times, but still a lot of fun to read. I think this book was written better than many others that Ruth had done earlier. It tended to be less absurdity, and more geared to the telling of a good Oz story. It didn't have an ending where something really weird occurred to make everything all right. I enjoyed it a lot. It is a childs book, and that fact should not be forgotten, but it is a book to make everyone feel good when they are done reading it. I personally loved it.

The plot addresses a very important Oz-historical question: what became of Ozma's father, the King of Oz whom Mombi disposed of for the Wizard when he took over Oz? His name, Pastoria, was mentioned in THE MARVELLOUS LAND OF OZ, but Baum did not say how the Wizard and Mombi got rid of him. Unfortunately, this book's answer is completely unsatisfying and makes no sense at all.

Also, the side adventures are stupid (at one point Mombi makes her captors float away through the air by giving them baking powder), and the protagonists are too goofy to identify with.

The narrative reads like a first draft.

Ruth Plumly Thompson wrote some good Oz books but this is not one of them.