In Toto, A J Hackwith masterfully reimagines L. Frank Baum’s beloved classic The Wizard of Oz from an unexpected yet delightful perspective—that of Dorothy’s loyal canine companion. This fresh adaptation brings wit, depth, and contemporary relevance to a familiar story, while maintaining the whimsy and wonder that made the original a timeless classic.
A Tale Retold Through New Eyes
A J Hackwith’s narrative chronicles the familiar journey to Oz through Toto’s sardonic, insightful, and often hilarious point of view. Our four-legged protagonist finds himself questioning what it means to be a “Good Dog” versus a “Bad Dog” after being betrayed by Dorothy’s aunt and uncle, who attempt to surrender him to animal control. When a tornado sweeps both Toto and Dorothy into the magical land of Oz, the story transforms into something entirely new—a meditation on loyalty, identity, and the complicated nature of good and evil.
Character Development & World-Building
One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its rich character development. Toto emerges as a complex, three-dimensional character wrestling with deep existential questions while maintaining his essential “dogness.” His internal conflict between being a Good Dog or Bad Dog serves as a clever metaphor for broader themes of morality and self-discovery.
Dorothy, too, receives thoughtful development beyond her traditional portrayal. Hackwith presents her as a modern teenager dealing with loss, isolation, and the pressure to conform, making her relatable to contemporary readers while honoring the spirit of the original character.
Supporting Cast
The supporting characters shine with fresh interpretations:
- Scarecrow becomes a hedge wizard grappling with questions of identity and belonging
- The Cowardly Lion transforms into a thoughtful strategist masquerading as a coward
- The Tin Man (Chopper) and his sister Lettie provide a poignant exploration of family bonds
- Crow, a revolutionary blue jay insisting he’s a crow, adds both comedy and commentary on authenticity
Writing Style & Tone
A J Hackwith’s prose is sharp, witty, and engaging, perfectly capturing Toto’s canine perspective while weaving in sophisticated themes. The author strikes an impressive balance between humor and gravity, using Toto’s observations to comment on everything from politics to personal growth. The dog-specific metaphors and descriptions add authenticity to the narrative voice while providing countless moments of clever wordplay.
Themes & Social Commentary
The novel tackles several contemporary themes with nuance:
- Identity and authenticity
- Family dynamics and loyalty
- Power structures and revolution
- Prejudice and acceptance
- The nature of good and evil
Areas for Improvement
While largely successful, the novel does have some minor weaknesses:
- The pacing occasionally slows in the middle sections, particularly during the political machinations in the Beast Kingdom.
- Some readers might find the more complex political elements challenging to follow, especially younger audiences expecting a simpler retelling.
- The resolution of certain plot threads feels slightly rushed, particularly regarding the Wizard’s ultimate fate.
Target Audience & Appeal
Though marketed as YA Fantasy, Toto by A J Hackwith has broad appeal. The layered storytelling offers something for readers of all ages:
- Young readers will enjoy the adventure and talking animals
- Teens will relate to themes of identity and belonging
- Adults will appreciate the sophisticated humor and social commentary
- Fans of the original will find clever references and thoughtful expansions of the world
Literary Context & Comparisons
Toto joins the ranks of successful fairy tale retellings like Gregory Maguire’s Wicked and Marissa Meyer’s The Lunar Chronicles, while carving out its own unique niche. Hackwith brings her experience from writing the Library of the Unwritten series, incorporating similar themes of story power and identity, but with a lighter touch appropriate to the material.
Impact & Relevance
The novel’s exploration of identity, power, and redemption feels particularly relevant in today’s social climate. By examining these themes through the lens of a dog’s perspective, Hackwith makes complex ideas accessible while maintaining their impact.
Final Verdict
Toto by A J Hackwith offers a clever, heartfelt, and thought-provoking addition to the world of Oz. Hackwith has created something rare—a retelling that honors its source material while being entirely its own creature. The novel’s few shortcomings are far outweighed by its innovations and heart.
Strengths
- Original perspective and voice
- Complex character development
- Clever humor and wordplay
- Thoughtful themes and messaging
- Fresh take on familiar material
Considerations
- Complex political elements
- Occasional pacing issues
- Some rushed resolutions
Recommendation
Toto is highly recommended for:
- Fans of fantasy retellings
- Readers who enjoy clever narrative voices
- Those interested in stories about identity and belonging
- Dog lovers and animal story enthusiasts
- Anyone seeking a fresh perspective on a classic tale
Whether you’re revisiting Oz or discovering it for the first time, Toto offers a unique and rewarding journey down the yellow brick road. Hackwith has created a tale that stands on its own four paws while honoring the magic that made the original special.
In a landscape crowded with retellings, Toto distinguishes itself through its unique perspective, clever writing, and emotional depth. It’s a reminder that even the most familiar stories can reveal new truths when viewed through different eyes – or in this case, through the eyes of a very good (or maybe bad) dog.
We have reviewed The Merge by Grace Walker too, if another science fiction is what you are after.
