This richly imagined novel tells 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.
“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, seventy-seven-year-old Maud Gage Baum 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—because 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 suffragette’s daughter to her coming of age as one of the first women in the Ivy League, from her blossoming romance with Frank to the hardscrabble prairie years that inspired The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Judy reminds Maud of a young girl she cared for and tried to help in South Dakota, a dreamer who never got her happy ending. Now, with the young actress under pressure from the studio as well as her ambitious stage mother, Maud resolves to protect her—the way she tried so hard to protect the real Dorothy.
The author of two New York Times bestselling nonfiction books*, The Eighty-Dollar Champion* and The Perfect Horse, Elizabeth Letts is a master at discovering and researching a rich historical story and transforming it into a page-turner. Finding Dorothy is the result of Letts’s journey into the amazing lives of Frank and Maud Baum. Written as fiction but based closely on the truth, Elizabeth Letts’s new book tells a story of love, loss, inspiration, and perseverance, set in America’s heartland.
Praise for Finding Dorothy
“In some ways reminiscent of Jerry Stahl’s excellent I, Fatty, Letts’ Finding Dorothy combines exhaustive research with expansive imagination, blending history and speculation into a seamless tapestry. . . . It’s a testament to Letts’ skill that she can capture on the page, without benefit of audio, that same emotion we have all felt sometime over the last 80 years while listening to ‘Over the Rainbow.’”—BookPage (starred review)
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This was a very good book. I didn’t know anything about Judy Garland and her story regarding the Wizard of Oz.
The book about Dorothy/Judy Garland/the widow of the author of the Wizard of Oz, and the surprising information that his widow was the daughter of a prominent author who worked diligently for women’s rights (though she did not live to see women be allowed to vote). it reminded me of parts of my own childhood, and how wonderful books are at bringing back memories, both fond and sometimes uncomfortable ones, both of which broaden our horizons.
Am a great fan of BookBub, and e-books in general, with around 8,000 e-books. thank you for making it possible for me to have selected my own library that weighs almost nothing inside my computer!
I love the movie The Wizard of Oz – everything about it. But I’ve never done any research into the story and it’s author. I’m glad this author did. This compelling story shed new light (for me) on the development of the story and its beloved characters. The many influences for the book were quite interesting to learn. Then in alternating timelines, the reader also learns about behind the scenes during the making of the movie. Many interesting facts and insights into 1930s Hollywood and life before and at the turn of the century. Another great book by an author with a talent to make history come alive. Highly recommended!
If you like The Wizard of Oz and are familiar with the Frank Baum book (though not necessary), you will really enjoy this book! I didn’t want it to end!!!
It began slowly, an about the last 100 pages was good.
Really enjoyed it!!
Love the historical aspect of the story!
I have always loved The Wizard of Oz movie and couldn’t wait to read Finding Dorothy! Elizabeth Letts tells the story of a young Maud Gage Baum and her life with L. Frank Baum along with the making of the movie version of Baum’s famous book. I loved reading how Baum’s real life was woven into his book. This is a must read glimpse behind the scenes of one of our most cherished books and movie adaptation.
A lovely story, based on Maud and Frank Baum’s actual lives, that ties together their family, experiences and personalities into a tale of how Dorothy Gale and the Land of Oz were created. I loved Maud’s mother Matilda, a bold and bright suffragist who instilled that independent, spunky spirit in Maud (though that seemed to fade over time and tough experiences). Frank was wonderful – goofy and gentle and creative. And I enjoyed the 1938/1939 sections of the book, where Maud was watching the film be made. However, the story was too saccharine and a bit heavy-handed at times for me, especially the parts where Maud was interacting with Judy.
What a great book! I actually wished it were longer because it was so fun to read. Lovely characters with a beautiful backstory of the man who wrote Wizard of Oz.
I would have rated it 4 if it had not been so needlessly long. The characters were interesting as was the storyline, but could have been less repetitive.
Without doubt the movie, The Wizard of Oz, is legendary. Adapted from the book by Frank Baum written at the turn of the 20th century, “Finding Dorothy” is a remarkable, well researched, engaging story about how the story came to be. Told through the eyes of Frank’s wife, Maud when she appears at the MGM lot, the story flips back and forth from the filming to her life. Her mother was one of the first women’s suffrage advocates and Maud inherits her strength of character. Introduced to her college roommate’s brother, Frank, its love at first sight. Creative, optimistic and dedicated, we’re immersed in their lives, which becomes the basis for his first book, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”. This ‘over the rainbow’ story is so well written its difficult to put down. Highly recommended for all ages, types and cultures, “Finding Dorothy” should be on everyone’s list!
I knew I would love this book because of my intense love of the Wizard if Oz. Loved Maud and the character development immensely. A beautiful life story.
I’ve always loved The Wizard of Oz. I thoroughly enjoyed Finding Dorothy. Elizabeth Letts did extensive research about the lives of L. Frank and Maud Baum. Finding out what events inspired The Wizard of Oz was very interesting. Finding out what went on behind the scenes during the making of the movie was very sad. Judy Garland was treated horribly. The book is mainly about Maud Baum’s life. She was a strong woman that lived a difficult life. But, her love for her husband is evident. Her mother Matilda Joslyn Gage was a pioneer in the fight for women’s rights especially the right to vote. If you’re interested in the history of The Wizard of Oz this book is definitely worth the read.
I thoroughly enjoyed Maud’s story. I loved how it intertwined with the Wizard of Oz book and movie that I know. How bits and pieces of their lives showed up in the book. This was a different twist on historical fiction, a nice break from all the WWII books. I enjoyed the past parts of the book more than the parts from 1939.
I loved this book. The author did an amazing job of weaving together the information from personal journals, reference materials and recorded events to turn this novel into a riveting historical dramatization. This story follows the life of Wizard of Oz writer Frank Baum’s wife, Maude, from her childhood through to the production of the Wizard of Oz. The narrative is so captivating that after reading this book, watching the Wizard of Oz brought tears to my eyes because all I could think about was Maude.
For those who love the Wizard of Oz, finding Dorothy is a must read. A blend of fact and fiction. An enduring tale.
Loved this book!! I grew up watching this every year and love the story she’s created!!
This book is great for fans of The Wizard of Oz!
A good insight into the writing of The Wizard of Oz. As well as the movie adaptation. Well researched and well written.