Hazel Gaynor’s “Before Dorothy” dares to venture into sacred literary territory, reimagining the untold story of the woman who would become Aunt Em in L. Frank Baum’s beloved “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” Rather than simply borrowing from a classic, Gaynor crafts a deeply personal narrative that transforms the stern, gray figure from the original tale into Emily Gale—a vibrant young woman whose journey from Chicago to the Kansas prairie becomes a meditation on dreams deferred, family bonds tested, and the true meaning of home.
Set against the brutal backdrop of the Great Depression and the devastating Dust Bowl of the 1930s, this historical fiction weaves together romance, family drama, and environmental catastrophe with the delicate precision of one of Emily’s embroidered samplers. The novel succeeds in creating a standalone story that honors its source material without being enslaved by it, though it occasionally stumbles under the weight of its own ambitions.
A Character Study in Transformation
Emily emerges as Gaynor’s most compelling creation—a woman whose evolution from optimistic newlywed to weathered prairie survivor mirrors the dramatic environmental changes that devastate the Great Plains. The author skillfully captures Emily’s voice through diary entries that span from 1924 to 1932, chronicling her transformation with an authenticity that rings true to the period.
The novel’s greatest strength lies in its portrayal of sisterhood. The relationship between Emily and her sister Annie forms the emotional core of the narrative, their bond strained by distance, secrets, and the different paths their lives take. When Annie dies in a boating accident, leaving behind her daughter Dorothy, Emily must confront not only her grief but also the revelation that the charming rainmaker Leonardo Stregone—clearly modeled after the Wizard himself—is Dorothy’s biological father.
Gaynor demonstrates remarkable restraint in her character development. Rather than painting Emily as a saint, she presents a woman struggling with her own limitations—her inability to conceive, her complicated feelings about raising her sister’s child, and her growing resentment toward the harsh prairie life that has aged her beyond her years. These flaws make Emily human rather than heroic, creating a more nuanced portrait than the simple farm wife of popular imagination.
The Prairie as Character
The Kansas landscape emerges as perhaps the novel’s most vivid character. Gaynor’s prose comes alive when describing the prairie’s dual nature—its breathtaking beauty and its capacity for destruction. Her depiction of the Dust Bowl is particularly powerful, capturing both the environmental disaster and its psychological toll on farming families:
The author’s research into this period shines through in her detailed portrayal of daily life during the Depression. From the practical challenges of farming in drought conditions to the social dynamics of rural communities, Gaynor creates an immersive historical experience that feels lived-in rather than researched.
The environmental themes resonate with contemporary concerns about climate change and human impact on the natural world. Emily’s initial pact with the prairie—to treat it well in exchange for generosity—takes on deeper meaning as the story progresses and the consequences of widespread agricultural practices become devastatingly clear.
Literary Craftsmanship and Style
Gaynor’s prose style adapts beautifully to her subject matter, employing a measured, contemplative pace that mirrors prairie life. Her use of Emily’s journal entries as a framing device provides intimate access to her protagonist’s inner world while also serving as a historical record of the period. The integration of Irish immigrant experiences adds depth to the American Dream narrative, showing how the promise of prosperity could both inspire and devastate.
The author’s handling of foreshadowing and symbolism deserves particular praise. Dorothy’s silver shoes, the recurring motif of tornadoes, and the appearance of various “Oz” characters are woven into the narrative with subtlety rather than heavy-handedness. These elements enhance rather than overwhelm the story, creating delightful moments of recognition for readers familiar with Baum’s work.
However, the novel occasionally struggles with pacing, particularly in its middle section. Some sequences involving the rainmaker Leonardo feel overly theatrical, and certain plot developments—particularly around family secrets—can feel somewhat contrived. The book’s structure, jumping between time periods, sometimes disrupts the narrative flow.
Critiques and Considerations
While “Before Dorothy” succeeds in many areas, it faces the inevitable challenge of all prequels: the destination is known, which can rob certain moments of dramatic tension. Gaynor works to overcome this by focusing on character development over plot surprises, but some readers may find the novel’s leisurely pace occasionally frustrating.
The characterization of Leonardo Stregone proves problematic. While clearly intended as a charming rogue figure paralleling the Wizard, his presence sometimes feels forced into the narrative. His relationship with Annie, revealed through flashbacks and secrets, lacks the emotional weight that such a significant connection should carry. The revelation of his identity as Dorothy’s father feels more like a plot device than an organic story development.
Additionally, some supporting characters remain underdeveloped despite their importance to the story. Adelaide Watson, the aviator who befriends Emily, serves more as a plot catalyst than a fully realized person, and Henry Gale, while lovingly portrayed, sometimes feels like an idealized farmer husband rather than a complex individual.
Historical Context and Research
Gaynor’s commitment to historical accuracy shines throughout the novel. Her portrayal of the Dust Bowl’s impact on farming communities feels authentic and devastating, while her attention to period details—from household management to agricultural practices—creates a convincing historical backdrop.
The integration of Irish immigrant experiences adds valuable dimension to the story. Emily’s family history, marked by poverty and displacement, provides context for her fierce determination to succeed on the prairie. The novel effectively explores themes of displacement and belonging that resonate beyond its specific historical setting.
The author’s exploration of women’s roles during this period proves particularly enlightening. Emily’s evolution from city dweller to capable farm wife illustrates the adaptability required of women during the Depression era, while also highlighting the limitations placed on their choices and autonomy.
Emotional Resonance and Themes
At its heart, “Before Dorothy” is a meditation on the nature of home and family. Gaynor explores how home can be both a physical place and an emotional state, how family bonds can transcend blood relations, and how love requires sacrifice and compromise. Emily’s journey from pursuing her dreams to accepting responsibility for Dorothy creates a powerful arc about maturity and selflessness.
The novel’s treatment of loss—both personal and environmental—proves deeply moving. Emily’s miscarriage, Annie’s death, and the destruction of the prairie lifestyle create layers of grief that inform every aspect of the story. Gaynor handles these tragedies with sensitivity while avoiding sentimentality.
Literary Connections and Recommendations
Fans of “Before Dorothy” would likely appreciate other works that blend historical fiction with literary reimagining. Similar books include:
“The Paris Wife” by Paula McLain – Another novel that gives voice to a woman overshadowed by a famous figure
“The Book of Lost Names” by Kristin Harmel – For its portrayal of women finding strength during historical upheaval
“The Four Winds” by Kristin Hannah – A more recent take on Dust Bowl-era struggles
“When We Flew Away” by Alice Hoffman – For its blend of historical detail and mythical elements
“Hamnet” by Maggie O’Farrell – Another successful imagining of a literary backstory
Gaynor’s previous works, including “The Girl Who Came Home” and “The Lighthouse Keeper’s Daughter,” demonstrate her continued fascination with women’s stories set against dramatic historical backdrops.
Final Assessment
“Before Dorothy” succeeds as both historical fiction and literary reimagining, though it achieves the former more completely than the latter. Gaynor creates a convincing and emotionally resonant portrait of a woman shaped by extraordinary circumstances, while effectively capturing the environmental and social upheaval of Depression-era America.
The novel’s greatest achievement lies in its humanization of a peripheral character from a beloved classic. By giving Emily Gale a rich interior life and complex motivations, Gaynor ensures that readers will never again view Aunt Em as simply a stern Kansas farm wife. Instead, she becomes a woman whose gray appearance masks a life of profound loss, resilience, and love.
While the book occasionally struggles with pacing and some plot elements feel forced, these issues don’t significantly detract from its overall impact. “Before Dorothy” offers both entertainment and insight, creating a worthy addition to the growing genre of literary prequels while standing as a compelling historical novel in its own right.
For readers seeking historical fiction that combines careful research with emotional depth, “Before Dorothy” delivers a satisfying journey. Though it may not achieve the timeless magic of its source material, it offers something perhaps more valuable: a reminder that every supporting character has their own story to tell, and that sometimes the most profound adventures happen not in magical lands, but in the courage required to build a life from nothing on the unforgiving prairie.