CR 051: Hazel Gaynor’s Delightfully Fresh Take on the Wonderful World of Oz

The bestselling historical fiction author discusses her latest novel, “Before Dorothy.”

Hazel Gaynor, photo by Fran Veale

For years, Hazel Gaynor wanted to write a story related to the Wizard of Oz. As a child in England, she watched the beloved 1939 film every year on Christmas, and later became a fan of Gregory Maguire’s novel Wicked. While still an unpublished author, she attempted to write a contemporary take on the classic tale, but it wasn’t quite right, and her thousands of written words were cast aside.

Years later, with multiple bestselling novels to her name, Gaynor finally realized how to bring her Oz story to life: She would tell the story of Emily Gale—more widely known as Auntie Em. Though a seemingly minor character in both the original L. Frank Baum book and the 1939 film adaptation, Gaynor points out that Emily is actually quite critical to the story. “She’s so pivotal to Dorothy’s longing to return home,” Gaynor says. “It’s Auntie Em who Dorothy cries for when she’s locked in the Wicked Witch’s castle. She shouts for her when she’s in the twister and she’…