I realize that the author is trying to get the point across that Elphie's mother was not faithful, but way too much information about her love life. And I must say that I find that I liked Elphie more in the play. See, I thought she was a good girl who was hurt because she did good, then she turned evil. Then the author goes into description about her seing Fiyero every night for "classified business" The book REALLY DID NOT NEED THE SEXUAL CONTENT. I realize that things like that happen, but he really went into too much detail, I'm not even finished with the book yet!!!MOST DEFINATELY see the play and listen to the music. Don't read the book it is NOT WORTH IT. The play is SOOOO much better!!! I wish I had never bought it.