I am rating this book a 4 star review.
WOW! This book was great! It touched on elements of women’s right to vote to a woman’s right to not be victimized in Hollywood. It is definitely poignant today as women as fighting for equality #me2 movement.
This novel revolves around the author of “The Wizard of Oz,” Frank Maud’s wife. Her name was Maud Gage Baum. It goes back and forth from Frank and Maud’s relationship then fast forwards to being on the set of the movie “The Wizard of Oz.” Maud’s mother and Maud both were active during the women’s liberation. You see a lot of parallels within their lives that you see within Frank’s famous novel.
Additionally, learning not only how the story within the story came to be but also life on the Hollywood set for Maud and Judy Garland. I was fascinated to learn that there are 14 sequels to “The Wizard of Oz.” Growing up, I had read books 1-3 but never really read further. Also. the author pointed out a lot of the differences between the book and the movie. The story also told the reader why those changes changed the meaning of the novel for Maud Baum (the author’s wife). Most of “The Wizard of Oz” was based on events from Maud and Frank’s life.
I will recommend this novel for years to come! I cannot wait to read “The Wizard of Oz” then watch the movie again! It will be like experiencing both in a different way!
The writing was superb. It was slow at times, which is why I lower the rating a bit.