Finding Dorothy

Finding Dorothy alternates between two timelines: Maud Gage Baum's early life and marriage to L. Frank Baum in the 1800s, and her involvement with MGM's production of The Wizard of Oz in 1939. During the film's creation, 77-year-old Maud appoints herself guardian of Judy Garland and the movie's faithfulness to her late husband's vision. The narrative traces Maud's path from her suffragette roots through her life with Frank Baum, revealing the real-world inspirations behind the beloved story of Oz. Her experiences as one of the first women to attend Cornell University, her family's financial struggles, and her observations of American life all contributed to elements that would later appear in her husband's famous novel. Through parallel storylines in past and present, Finding Dorothy explores both the creation of a classic piece of literature and its translation to the screen. The book illuminates the connections between art and life, imagination and reality, while examining one woman's mission to protect both her husband's legacy and a young actress on the cusp of stardom. The novel raises questions about the relationship between truth and fiction, suggesting that the most magical stories often have roots in authentic human experience. Through Maud's perspective, readers witness how personal struggles and triumphs can transform into enduring works of art that continue to resonate across generations.

Readers connect emotionally with the parallel narratives of Maud Baum's life and her involvement in The Wizard of Oz film production. Many note the detailed historical research and insights into both L. Frank Baum's inspiration for the original story and the making of the 1939 film. Praise focuses on: - The portrayal of Maud Baum as a strong advocate for Judy Garland - Depiction of women's suffrage movement - Historical accuracy about early Hollywood Common criticisms: - Slow pacing in early chapters - Too much focus on Maud's college years - Some fictional liberties taken with historical events Ratings: Goodreads: 4.04/5 (41,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (3,800+ ratings) BookBrowse: 4.5/5 Reader quote: "The behind-the-scenes look at the making of The Wizard of Oz was fascinating, but the real heart of the story is Maud's determination to protect both Dorothy's legacy and Judy Garland." - Goodreads reviewer

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🌈 L. Frank Baum, author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, was married to Maud Gage, daughter of prominent suffragist Matilda Joslyn Gage, who greatly influenced both his writing and his progressive views on women's rights. 🎬 During the filming of The Wizard of Oz, Judy Garland was subjected to a strict diet of chicken soup, coffee, and cigarettes to maintain her weight, a fact that deeply disturbed Maud Baum when she visited the set. 📚 While the book follows two timelines—Maud's early life and marriage to Frank Baum, and her later involvement with the MGM film—the character of Maud Baum is based on extensive historical research and actual letters between the Baums. 🏠 The real Dorothy, whom L. Frank Baum named his famous character after, was his niece Dorothy Louise Gage, who died as an infant in 1898. 🎨 Author Elizabeth Letts spent three years researching the novel, including visiting the Library of Congress to study MGM's original production notes and exploring the Baum family's personal archives at Syracuse University.