Finding Dorothy

A Novel

By: Elizabeth Letts

Narrated by: Ann Marie Lee, Elizabeth Letts

Discover the story behind The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, the book that inspired the iconic film, through the eyes of author L. Frank Baum’s intrepid wife, Maud, in this richly imagined novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Eighty-Dollar Champion and The Perfect Horse.

“A breathtaking read that will transport you over the rainbow and into the heart of one of America’s most enduring fairy tales.”—Lisa Wingate, author of Before We Were Yours

Hollywood, 1938: As soon as she learns that M-G-M is adapting her late husband’s masterpiece for the screen, Maud Gage Baum, now in her seventies, sets about trying to finagle her way onto the set. Nineteen years after Frank’s passing, Maud is the only person who can help the producers stay true to the spirit of the book—she’s the only one left who knows its secrets.

But the moment she hears Judy Garland rehearsing the first notes of “Over the Rainbow,” Maud recognizes the yearning that defined her own life story, from her youth as a suffragist’s daughter to her hardscrabble prairie years with Frank, which inspired The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Judy reminds Maud of a young girl she cared for in South Dakota, a dreamer who never got a happy ending. Now, with the young girl under pressure from the studio as well as from her ambitious stage mother, Maud resolves to protect Judy—the way she tried so hard to protect the real Dorothy.

Rainbow Rich Novel of Everyone’s Favorite Movie

Excellent story line with lots of details to ponder. Don’t miss the authors postscript which explains her ideas for some of them.

I’m not crazy about the reader however. Voice is very high pitched and overly dramatic.

Sosizemore

I have just finished listening to Finding Dorothy and I am just mesmerized! I am of the generation that watched The Wizard of Oz on television every year. Knowing the back story makes the book and movie even more magical. I knew nothing of the author or his wife, even though I grew up in the Syracuse area.
This is the story of a man who created magic, often to the detriment of his family’s finances—-and the story of his wife, a woman raised by a woman’s suffragette who taught her to stand up for herself. Finally, it is the story of the making of an iconic movie remarkable for its time.
PS I must post a disclaimer: I was born on Halloween and have just the tiniest bit of the wicked witch in me!

Interesting

A bit sing-songy dialogue and the narrator was a bit dramatic for my liking but an interesting story, predominantly trie, nonetheless.

amazing

Women have always had such an amazing influenece. Thankful for the suffrage movement, my body/my choice.

Extremely enjoyable

This was an excellent read! I loved how the story jumped from the late 1800’s to 1939 Hollywood. Maud Gage Baum is an extremely interesting character. So many themes running through this story; feminine empowerment, Hollywood legends, historic settings, a love story. This book has it all!

very enjoyable

I am not a big fan of the wizard of oz, but I
absolutely loved this book!

Fascinating Story!

I loved hearing the story of the lives L. Frank and Maud Baum. There was so much about them I didn't know. I especially enjoyed learning how different events of their lives served as inspiration for the Wizard of Oz story. The reader does a fantastic job of bringing all the different people to life. I almost felt like I was there with them.

A wonderful story

An enlightened story about the author of “The wizard Of Oz” and his family. I love how he created his characters.

So sad that Judy Garland was so mistreated starting at childhood leading to a tragic life.

Thoroughly enjoyed

Engaging, heartwarmingly real authentic people. Enlightening, rewarding and enriching. One I will miss and reference often.

Great story for The Wizard of Oz fan!

I have always loved the The Wizard of Oz movie. When my sons were little I read them all of the L. Frank Baum books and was amazed by the differences in the books and movie.
Finding Dorothy gave me more pieces to the beautiful puzzle.