Before Dorothy by Hazel Gaynor. New York: Berkley, 2025. 348 pages. Readers Guide. ****
When Annie and John Gale are killed in a freak boating accident, her sister, Emily and new husband John, become the guardians of their daughter, Dorothy.
Part historical fiction, part prequel to Baum's book, The Wizard of OZ, Gaynor brings to life Dorothy, Auntie Em, and Uncle Henry. If you are a Wizard of OZ fan, you will be drawn into this heart-warming story of loss, love and secrets. Her skill is in weaving elements and events from that story to a glimpse into a time and place in history. Living conditions in Kansas during the Dust Bowl were horrible and yet farmers and townspeople persisted against all odds. I had many aha! moments reading this story and marveled at her technique and skill. This is the first book of hers that I have read and it won't be the last, I am also buying it to give as gifts. A must read for Wizard of OZ fans and includes Discussion Questions for Book Clubs. Great summer read!
Hazel Gaynor is an award-winning New York Times, USA Today and international bestselling author known for her deeply moving historical novels which explore the defining events of the 20th century. A recipient of the 2015 RNA Historical Novel of the Year award for her debut, The Girl Who Came Home, her work has since been shortlisted for multiple awards in the USA, UK, and Ireland. She lives in Ireland with her family. For more information -https://hazelgaynor.com/
Suggested additional reading:
The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum.
Finding Dorothy by Elizabeth Letts
The Hired Man by Sandra Dallas
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