OVERVIEW
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own
This is the third book by Hazel Gaynor I have read. As soon as I read the book's premise, I knew I had to read it. It is a prequel fairy tale ode to the original book that I loved, as imagined by Hazel!
This book combined several important things for me - The Wizard of Oz (books and movie), childhood favorites. The Dust Bowl in the 1930s affected my paternal grandfather, his mother (my Granny), and siblings left Arkansas and Oklahoma for a better life in California. I'm grateful every day that they left for more in my beloved state.
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars.
Writing: 5.0 stars
Hazel writes beautifully. She wrote an incredible homage to the original book and movie. There are subtle references to the original book that are like finding Easter eggs throughout the book. The descriptions are so vivid, yet not overbearing. Lovely, lovely, lovely!
Character development: 5.0 stars
The main characters are Dorothy (yes, that Dorothy), her uncle Henry, and her aunt Em (the same ones). We discover why they are in Kansas, Dorothy lives with her aunt and uncle, and so much more!
The secondary characters are Annie (Dorothy's mom, Emily's sister, and John's wife), John (Dorothy's mom, Henry's cousin, and Annie's husband). Yes, Annie and Em did marry cousins!
The tertiary characters are the friends in Chicago and Kansas, Em and Annie's family from Ireland, unbelievable fleeting characters, and the Kansas prairie, including the Dust Bowl and the Depression.
Storyline: 5.0 stars
This is a historical novel, but a beautiful homage to The Wizard of Oz, as Hazel imagines. Beautifully done!
Several time frames are utilized to create this amazing prequel. Chicago 1922-1924, 1932; Kansas 1924-1929, 1932; and "many years later".
The Chicago years primarily cover when Annie and Em live together and work together as "Field's Girls". They meet and marry their husbands, and then their life trajectories change. Annie stays in Chicago while Em moves with Henry to Kansas. Then the story really takes off!
The locations were primarily Chicago, Kansas, and some in Ireland.
Memorable/Informative: 5.0 stars
I love how the author mentions in her Author's Note how Auntie Em kept whispering in her ear to write this book! I'm so glad that Hazel listened!
Hazel mentions watching The Wizard of Oz on Christmas Day in the United Kingdom. In the United States, it was Easter Sunday evening! We watched it on different days with the same strong memories that books and movies can conjure!
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Perfect!
Book title: 5.0 stars
Short, but sweet!
HIGHLY recommend
NetGalley eARC/ebook
Before Dorothy by Hazel Gaynor
400 pages
Berkley
FUTURE release date: 6/17/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
Guns, the Depression, tornadoes/dusters, mild cursing, pregnancy, infidelity
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
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