Title: Finding Dorothy
Author: Elizabeth Letts
First published February 12, 2019
351 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780525622109 (ISBN10: 0525622101)
Rating: 4.15
Overview
In Finding Dorothy, Elizabeth Letts beautifully weaves together the past and present to tell the story of Maud Gage Baum, the wife of L. Frank Baum, and her connection to Judy Garland on the set of The Wizard of Oz. The novel transports readers from the family’s early days in South Dakota, where Maud rebelled against her suffragette mother, to the Hollywood film set where she met the young actress playing Dorothy.
As Maud watches Judy navigate the pressures of stardom, she is reminded of her own struggles and makes a promise to protect her. This captivating novel is a tribute to the enduring power of storytelling and the bond between women across generations.
About the Author
Meet Elizabeth Letts, a talented author who has won awards for both her fiction and non-fiction works. Her book, The Perfect Horse, won the prestigious 2017 PEN USA Award for Research Non-fiction and also topped the Wall Street Journal bestseller list.
Her book, The Eighty-Dollar Champion, was a #1 New York Times bestseller and won the 2012 Daniel P Lenehan Award for Media Excellence from the United States Equestrian Foundation. Elizabeth is also the author of two novels, Quality of Care and Family Planning, and a children’s book, The Butter Man, which has won awards as well.
She currently resides in both Southern California and Northern Michigan.
Editoral Review
“Finding Dorothy” by Elizabeth Letts is a captivating historical fiction novel that tells the story of the woman behind the iconic character of Dorothy from “The Wizard of Oz.” Letts is an accomplished author who has written several bestselling books, including “The Eighty-Dollar Champion” and “The Perfect Horse.” “Finding Dorothy” was first published on February 12, 2019, and quickly became a New York Times bestseller.
Letts’ novel is a blend of fact and fiction, seamlessly weaving together historical events and characters with elements of imagination. The book is set in the early 20th century and follows the character of Maud Gage Baum, the wife of L.
Frank Baum, the author of “The Wizard of Oz.” Maud is a strong-willed and independent woman who is determined to help her husband bring his vision to life. She is instrumental in the creation of the book, providing inspiration for the characters and helping to edit the manuscript.
The novel is split between two timelines, one in the early 1900s as Maud helps her husband write “The Wizard of Oz,” and the other in the late 1930s as she works with the filmmakers who are adapting the book into a movie. The dual timelines provide a fascinating insight into the creative process behind one of the most beloved stories of all time.
Letts’ writing is rich and evocative, immersing the reader in the world of early 20th-century America. She captures the spirit of the time, from the suffragette movement to the early days of Hollywood.
The characters are vividly drawn, and Maud, in particular, is a compelling protagonist. Letts does an excellent job of portraying her as a woman ahead of her time, who fought against the constraints of society to pursue her dreams.
The novel also touches on important themes, including the power of storytelling, the role of women in society, and the importance of family. Letts’ skillful storytelling draws the reader in, making it difficult to put the book down.
The pacing is perfect, with just the right amount of tension and suspense to keep the reader engaged.
If there are any limitations to the book, it is that the ending feels a bit rushed. However, this is a minor quibble in an otherwise outstanding novel.
Overall, “Finding Dorothy” is a must-read for fans of historical fiction, “The Wizard of Oz,” or anyone who loves a well-told story. Letts’ writing is superb, and her attention to detail and historical accuracy make the novel a rich and rewarding experience.
The book is a testament to the power of imagination and the enduring legacy of one of the most beloved stories of all time.
Rating: 4.5/5
