We learn of Auntie Em's life with her sister Annie in Chicago and her life in Kansas before and after seven-year-old Dorothy came to live with Em and Henry after Annie passed away.
Em and her sister lived in Chicago until Uncle Henry swept her off her feet and took her to Kansas.
Annie stayed in Chicago and married a man Em wasn't fond of - she wasn't even sure her sister loved him. Her sister had a secret that Em wanted to reveal, and it was something that came between them.
Em loved Kansas and her life on the farm, and when she was called back to Chicago to take her niece Dorothy to live with her, Em wondered how Dorothy would adapt to the rural life.
We go back and forth through both time periods that are filled with love and tenderness, and hope.
We learn of the hardships and the heartaches Auntie Em endured along with taking us through the depression, the stock market crash, and living in the dust bowl of the 1930s.
If you loved The Wizard of Oz and didn't know Auntie Em's story, BEFORE DOROTHY is a book you won't want to miss.
There are subtle mentions of the characters and scenes in The Wizard of Oz that will make you smile.
You will love how Toto got his name in this book - I'm guessing that is the real story about his name.
Auntie Em is a wonderful person who had a difficult and at times sad life.
I didn't really like her sister Annie - she was cold and only thought of herself.
BEFORE DOROTHY is another gem by Hazel Gaynor that you won't want to miss.
Hazel Gaynor's marvelous, descriptive writing pulls you right in and warms your heart.
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Thank you for the review.
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