Finding Dorothy by Elizabeth Letts
Book Review: 4 out of 5 star rating
L. Frank Baum wrote a book that would prove to be one of the most beloved books of all times, “The Wizard of Oz”. What child doesn’t know this magical story? This new book by Dorothy Letts tells the story behind the story of the Land of Oz. The book centers on Maud Gage Baum, Frank’s wife, and fluctuates between the childhood and life of Maud starting when she was 10 years old in 1871 and the time period when the movie with Judy Garland was filmed and released.
Not only was Maud the daughter of a well-known suffragette, she was also one of the first few women admitted to Cornell University. When she met Frank Baum and fell in love, her degree no longer mattered and off she went with him as the wife of a traveling actor. Frank was a wonderful husband and proved to be just as wonderful a father to their four sons. What he wasn’t too successful at was making money. Though their life was lived frugally, Maud and Frank and their sons were happy and content. Frank always was able to enrich their lives by his entertaining antics. He was a dreamer and always dreamed of a better life for them.
The section of Maud’s involvement with the filming of the famous movie and her protective feelings for Judy Garland was very entertaining, though I’m not sure how factually accurate it was. Regardless, I found this part of the book fascinating, filled with little tidbits about the actors and Hollywood.
The best part of the book is seeing how bits and pieces of Maud and Frank’s lives ended up in his book. I thought that was very clever of the author and apparently is based on historical fact. I’ve gotten away from historical fiction but knew I wanted to read this one since I love the movie so much. I’m glad I requested it as it was very enjoyable and in the telling of the background of a magical story, it was quite magical itself.
Recommended.
This book was given to me by the publisher in return for an honest review.