Review of 'Before Dorothy' by Hazel Gaynor
Review of 'Before Dorothy' by Hazel Gaynor
Release date: June 19th, 2025
Publisher: HarperCollins
REVIEW
This is the most original, powerful novel I have ever read inspired by The Wizard of Oz characters. If you have ever wondered how Dorothy ended up living at her Aunt Em’s and Uncle Henry’s home in Kansas, this is the book for you! Since the author, L. Frank Baum, never revealed the circumstances in his original story, it leaves the imaginative world open to various prospects. Hazel takes us on a journey of possibilities: ones that are believable and exciting, although filled with trials and tribulations. It is easy to suppose Dorothy may have been an orphan. And if so, that opens the door to many creative plot ideas. Personally, I think what Hazel has written certainly could have happened both in reality and in the fiction sense. The back story and origins of Aunt Em and her sister Annie is wonderfully composed and fits well in the scheme of things. The Irish roots, the circus connection, the marriages of the two sisters, their parting and going in different directions, the various conflicts between them, Dorothy’s birth and her arrival later in Kansas— are all believable and give readers a huge amount of food for thought.
Hazel has brilliantly imagined and delivered an epic tale that harnessed my heart and inspired my mind to such an extent I will never forget these fully formed characters and their trials and journeys. This is an evocative, soul-inspiring, gripping novel that everyone should read, if you love The Wizard of Oz. And if you don’t, you will want to read it afterwards. I actually re-read the classic myself while indulging in Before Dorothy as I just wanted to refresh my memory on details. And Hazel truly captures the spirit of Baum’s American fairytale-fantasy.
Hazel harnessed so much of the landscape and the issues that surrounded the Great Depression era and Dust Bowls in the 1930a. She doesn’t just tell us about it but shows us vividly how it affected people’s lives. I have also written about this time period and the same Dust storms that raged across Canada. The farmers, unwittingly over-worked the land. With the extreme removal of prairie grasses and overplanting of grains, the soil was left vulnerable and untethered in weather whipping hands. The dwellers paid a high price for the error and ignorance toward the natural environment and Hazel explores this openly and displays it in a cinematic way on the pages. We are transported to this time and place, seeing and feeling all that the characters of Before Dorothy experience.
There are many Oz elements and icons cleverly woven into the story that blends realistic fiction with fantasy. It makes us think of how characters like the Wizard, the Wicked Witch, the Monkeys, Tin Man, Strawman, Lion and Toto became an integral part of The Wizard of Oz. (And let’s not forget the tornadoes!) I love that Hazel added quotes from The Wizard of Oz at the start of the Part sections. And the mentions of Amelia Earhart fit beautifully, too. Plus the inclusion of one Amelia’s aviation followers adds a nice touch as it parallels well with the Oz story! I loved how Hazel smoothly and smartly utilised all of these gems in her story world.
As previously noted, I personally think this is one of the most amazing imagined novels based on a classic that has ever been written. And yes, there are some great ones out there but somehow this novel just takes over your heart and imagination in a way that leaves you changed. In fairy-tales and fantasy stories, the blending of magic and realism is paramount along with the wonderment and joy of friendship, courage and the importance of home. We see this in Before Dorothy— some in the Irish references and in the magical world of the circus and freedom of flight. Then there is the recognisable American setting with a Kansas farm girl, her aunt and uncle and little dog.
Emily is a fascinating, dedicated and determined woman who has dealt with many personal losses. Her Irish roots and memories of her mother serve her well through the tragedies she faces. I loved how her journal beautifully reveals so much of her inner struggles, triumphs and dreams—often expressed in very poetic language. Her own quest is as important as Dorothy’s and putting the focus on Aunt Em was a great angle to approach this story. With Oz’s 125th anniversary coming up, this book sits high on my pedestal of praise in honouring Frank Baum’s beloved classic.
I could rave all day about how brilliant this novel is and all the historical references and people Hazel has drawn upon, (many I have explored in my own writing). Before Dorothy is a river of fresh inspiration and just made my heart sing and set a fire in my imagination that sent many sparks flying upwards. This is a positive, beautifully written novel that addresses so many important historical events. It shows how out of ashes and trials, new life can spring. It also demonstrates the need for imaginative tales and how vitally important they are for survival. As noted by Emily’s constant reference to how grounding it is to keep her Irish heritage alive, it is also important to honour the classics such as L. Frank Baum’s Wonderful Wizard of Oz that not only provides escapism in the dark hours of doubt and disasters but also to remind us of courage, love, forgiveness and the importance of family (whatever form that may be). Hazel’s novel does this and so much more. If you only read one book this year, make it Before Dorothy! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to author and publisher HarperCollins for a review copy.
