Thursday, February 6, 2025

Toto by A J Hackwith

Because every great story deserves a dog’s perspective.

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Toto is a remarkable achievement that manages to be both a loving tribute to and thoughtful critique of its source material. Despite minor flaws, it succeeds as both an entertaining adventure and a meaningful exploration of identity and belonging.

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In Toto, A J Hackwith delivers a clever and heartwarming reimagining of The Wizard of Oz from an unexpected perspective – Dorothy’s loyal canine companion. This YA fantasy retelling brings fresh life to L. Frank Baum’s beloved classic while tackling themes of identity, belonging, and found family through a distinctly modern lens.

The Story

Set in the magical land of Oz, the novel follows Toto’s journey as he and Dorothy navigate political intrigue, fairy magic, and personal growth. After a tornado whisks them away from Kansas, they find themselves embroiled in a complex web of power struggles between witches, a dubious wizard, and various factions vying for control. But this isn’t the Oz we remember – it’s grittier, more nuanced, and delightfully subversive.

Writing Style & Voice

A J Hackwith’s greatest triumph is Toto’s narrative voice – snarky, observant, and utterly endearing. His inner monologue perfectly captures both canine and human sensibilities, delivering laugh-out-loud moments alongside poignant reflections on loyalty and self-discovery. The prose is sharp and contemporary while maintaining the whimsical spirit of the original tale.

Character Development

The character work shines throughout the novel. Dorothy evolves from a scared farm girl into a confident young woman who questions authority and makes her own choices. The supporting cast is equally well-developed:

  • Scarecrow – A complex figure wrestling with questions of identity and belonging
  • Lion – A thoughtful leader who learns true courage isn’t about aggression
  • Chopper/Nick – A nuanced exploration of transformation and acceptance
  • Min – A delightful addition who brings depth to the world-building

Themes & Social Commentary

The novel tackles several sophisticated themes:

  1. Identity and self-acceptance
  2. The fallacy of binary good/bad classifications
  3. Political power and corruption
  4. Found family and genuine connection
  5. The impact of prejudice and discrimination

World-Building

Hackwith’s Oz is richly detailed and thoughtfully constructed. The political dynamics between different regions, the integration of magic and technology, and the diverse array of magical creatures create a compelling backdrop for the story. The author pays homage to the source material while expanding and subverting it in interesting ways.

Strengths

  • Exceptional first-person narration from Toto’s perspective
  • Strong character development across the board
  • Clever integration of modern sensibilities with classic elements
  • Nuanced exploration of complex themes
  • Engaging plot with satisfying emotional payoff

Areas for Improvement

  • The pacing occasionally lags in the middle sections
  • Some political elements could be better explained for younger readers
  • A few plot threads feel slightly underdeveloped
  • The climax, while satisfying, feels somewhat rushed

Comparison to Other Works

Fans of Hackwith’s previous work, particularly The Library of the Unwritten series, will recognize her talent for blending humor with deeper themes. Toto by A J Hackwith shares DNA with other successful YA retellings like Wicked by Gregory Maguire and Cinder by Marissa Meyer, while maintaining its own unique voice.

Target Audience

While marketed as YA, Toto has broad appeal. The humor and adventure will engage younger readers, while the sophisticated themes and clever commentary will satisfy adult fans of fantasy and retellings.

Final Thoughts

Toto by A J Hackwith is a remarkable achievement that manages to be both a loving tribute to and thoughtful critique of its source material. Despite minor flaws, it succeeds as both an entertaining adventure and a meaningful exploration of identity and belonging.

Who Should Read This Book

  • Fans of The Wizard of Oz looking for a fresh perspective
  • Readers who enjoy clever, self-aware fantasy
  • Anyone interested in thoughtful retellings of classic stories
  • Dog lovers who’ve always wondered what their pets are thinking

About the Author

A J Hackwith is the author of the acclaimed Library of the Unwritten trilogy. Her work consistently demonstrates a talent for blending humor with deeper philosophical questions, and Toto continues this tradition while breaking new ground.

Conclusion

Toto proves that even the most familiar stories can feel fresh when viewed from a new perspective. Hackwith has created something special – a novel that honors its source material while challenging readers to think deeper about identity, belonging, and what it truly means to be “good” or “bad.” Despite some minor pacing issues, this is a must-read for fans of thoughtful fantasy and clever retellings.

Toto reminds us that sometimes the most profound truths come from unexpected sources – even a small dog with a big heart and an even bigger attitude.

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Toto is a remarkable achievement that manages to be both a loving tribute to and thoughtful critique of its source material. Despite minor flaws, it succeeds as both an entertaining adventure and a meaningful exploration of identity and belonging.Toto by A J Hackwith