Hazel Gaynor’s ‘Before Dorothy’ Breathes Life into Aunt Em’s Story

Hazel Gaynor’s latest novel, Before Dorothy, offers a compelling origin story for Aunt Em, a character from L. Frank Baum’s beloved The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Set in the early 1920s, this narrative intertwines the realities of life on the Kansas prairies with the themes of family and resilience during one of America’s most challenging eras.

Exploring Aunt Em’s Rich Backstory

In Before Dorothy, the story unfolds amidst the backdrop of the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl, a significant departure from the original work published in 1900. Gaynor’s portrayal of Aunt Em, originally depicted as a thin and gaunt figure, transforms her into a fully developed character with a vibrant internal life. This reimagined Emily is one of three sisters in an Irish immigrant family, married to Henry Gale, a struggling farmer.

The novel details the tragic loss of Emily’s sister, Annie, and her husband, John, who die in a boating accident on Lake Michigan. Their orphaned daughter, Dorothy, is entrusted to Emily and Henry, who must navigate the challenges of raising a child in a world marked by economic hardship. As Gaynor writes, “Dorothy had nothing and she now needed her Aunt Em to be everything.” This pivotal moment sets the stage for a deeper exploration of family bonds and the struggles faced by women during this tumultuous time.

A Vivid Depiction of Kansas Life

Gaynor’s Kansas is richly depicted, where “prosperity and ruin were as finely balanced as a circus performer on a high wire.” Her evocative descriptions of the weather and landscape allow readers to almost feel the heat and taste the dust that permeate the air. The author includes several nods to Baum’s world, creating an engaging experience for fans of the original story.

Readers will find numerous Easter eggs throughout the novel, such as references to circus acts, a contemptible neighbor, and even a toy lion. One particularly memorable moment features Henry commenting on John Gale, saying, “I’m quite sure if you tapped his chest there would be an echo where his heart should be.” Such lines add a delightful layer of wit that enriches the narrative.

Before Dorothy is not just a tribute to a classic; it serves as a powerful reminder of the extraordinary adventures and the places that shape us, even those that may not feel like home. Through Gaynor’s lens, Aunt Em’s story becomes one of resilience, love, and the enduring power of family ties, set against the harsh realities of early 20th-century America.