Finding Dorothy by Elizabeth Letts
The Wizard of Oz has delighted fans,
both young and old, since it was first
released in theaters on August 25, 1939.
This is the compelling story of
Maud Gage Baum, the feisty, Cornell-educated
wife of aspiring actor and writer,
L. Frank Baum, who penned the book
that later became the beloved movie.
It is told in two narratives; the early years
depicting Maud's life as a young girl living with
a strong-willed, suffragette mother who stoked
her daughter's fierce, independent nature, and the later years
as widow Maud, visiting the M-G-M studios, determined
to make sure that Frank's words were portrayed on the
big screen exactly as her late husband envisioned.
Frank and Maud were true partners in life. They
weathered financial woes, explored new territory
by moving to America's Western frontier, remained
loyal to family in need, and raised four rambunctious
sons with fervor and zest. Through it all, Frank never
gave up on his writing, and his devoted wife, often
frustrated but always forgiving, never gave up on him.
This fascinating, historical fiction novel will appeal
to all those who enjoy the screen adaption of this memorable
tale. It tells of Maud's unending desire to protect
a naive, extremely talented child actress, Judy Garland,
from becoming prey to the sordid side of Hollywood.
It illustrates how hard Maud fought to keep the beautiful
song about a rainbow in the final cut. And more
importantly, it tells the warm, loving story of two people,
filled with wanderlust, who understood each other's needs.
Sprinkled in many chapters are references to all the
famous characters we have come to know, like
Dorothy, The Tin Man, Lion, and Scarecrow. Each
one was based on someone in Frank's past, and only he
had the uncanny ability to make them come alive.
The painstaking research behind the writing of this
book results in an enchanting story of love, determination,
and hope. As Maud explained, "....Oz is hope, and
children can find themselves in dark places".
How lucky the public is, today, and for many
years to come, to be the recipient, of Frank's
imagination and Maud's relentless aspirations.
The Wizard of Oz has delighted fans,
both young and old, since it was first
released in theaters on August 25, 1939.
This is the compelling story of
Maud Gage Baum, the feisty, Cornell-educated
wife of aspiring actor and writer,
L. Frank Baum, who penned the book
that later became the beloved movie.
It is told in two narratives; the early years
depicting Maud's life as a young girl living with
a strong-willed, suffragette mother who stoked
her daughter's fierce, independent nature, and the later years
as widow Maud, visiting the M-G-M studios, determined
to make sure that Frank's words were portrayed on the
big screen exactly as her late husband envisioned.
Frank and Maud were true partners in life. They
weathered financial woes, explored new territory
by moving to America's Western frontier, remained
loyal to family in need, and raised four rambunctious
sons with fervor and zest. Through it all, Frank never
gave up on his writing, and his devoted wife, often
frustrated but always forgiving, never gave up on him.
This fascinating, historical fiction novel will appeal
to all those who enjoy the screen adaption of this memorable
tale. It tells of Maud's unending desire to protect
a naive, extremely talented child actress, Judy Garland,
from becoming prey to the sordid side of Hollywood.
It illustrates how hard Maud fought to keep the beautiful
song about a rainbow in the final cut. And more
importantly, it tells the warm, loving story of two people,
filled with wanderlust, who understood each other's needs.
Sprinkled in many chapters are references to all the
famous characters we have come to know, like
Dorothy, The Tin Man, Lion, and Scarecrow. Each
one was based on someone in Frank's past, and only he
had the uncanny ability to make them come alive.
The painstaking research behind the writing of this
book results in an enchanting story of love, determination,
and hope. As Maud explained, "....Oz is hope, and
children can find themselves in dark places".
How lucky the public is, today, and for many
years to come, to be the recipient, of Frank's
imagination and Maud's relentless aspirations.
