David Wilson
5-Stars
Mr. Wizardo by Eva Pasco
From the first reference to its classic counterpart this is an enjoyable read. A ‘twister’, you might say. But don’t be fooled, this isn’t the Yellow Brick Road that we all watched Dorothy skipping down with her new friends as children. And don’t get me wrong, it is full of enjoyable and whimsical references to my all-time favorite childhood movie that even as an adult I find myself returning to watch every now and then. There’s even a nod to the writer of the original novel himself, if you look closely enough.
The story is about Mr. Wizardo, a former English teacher and guidance counselor who has passed away. Four of his former students, beginning with author Doreen Gale, return home for his funeral at the request of a former schoolmate. Along the way each of the four classmates will reminisce on just how their teacher had affected their lives as students, and even their life choices as adults. And yes, the four who reminisce are quite similarly connected to the characters that travelled down that aforementioned Yellow Brick Road in hopes to receive individual assistance from the great and powerful Wizard of Oz.
Even their life journeys, and what they gained from Mr. Wizardo’s influence, are quite similar to their character counterparts. One needed to find her way home, one had issues with his process of thought, one with issues of power and courage, and one who required a change of heart. All of which who were, in their own way, assisted by their mentor many years prior.
And, of course, as mentioned, there’s continual references to the L. Frank Baum classic including the ‘good witch’. Plus, the overall feeling that the high school that Mr. Wizardo had taught was, in its own way, his very own ‘Land of Oz’.
There are life lessons to be learned, twists of fate, and overall, a thoroughly enjoyable novelette. Highly recommended for everyone.
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