It may come as a surprise to many that coming from Africa I do have some reference and knowledge of Oz. I was exposed to Baum's "The Wizard of Oz" as a young child, however I do not recall the exact method in which this piece of literature was delivered to me, whether it was in book form or through film, I used to be an avid reader so let's say it was in book form. Regardless, I know I enjoyed the story, however revisiting it now as an adult, I realize I did not fully grasp the depth of this work. Looking at the story now, I realize how layered in meaning it is and how aspects of the story have been regurgitated and regenerated in modern television and films. I also realize how I had confused "The Wizard of Oz" with C.S. Lewis's "The Chronicles of Narnia" perhaps due to the existence of parallel themes in both: idea of stumbling into an unknown realm, being exposed to a whole new reality and facing obstacles along the way; the existence of wonder, magic and the surreal as well as the christian symbolism.
I have always been fascinated by these stories, intrigued by the adventure, the pleasures and dangers and the many lessons that come with such, lessons that resonate and apply to modern day life.
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