Like Geoff Ryman's "WAS," Elizabeth Letts' interconnects two aspects relating to "The Wizard Of Oz," both book and film.
During the making of the film, the MGM publicity department turned out a photo, seen here, of Judy Garland and Maud Baum, Frank's widow, reading the book together on the set. Letts took this as inspiration and combines a story that links the travails Garland faced on making this movie, from her mother, the execs, and the drugs she was fed, to the nurturing, loving, almost maternal relationship she had with Baum's widow. The film also recounts the REAL love story that existed between L. Frank Baum and his wife, and children, and both stories are deeply moving.
Two things I want to say. The first is, in reading of the real love existing between the Baums, it reminded how much I love and appreciate my David. The other is I never realized L. Frank Baum was such a hot man!!!!!!!!!! Damn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The warmth and love flowing through both stories, coupled with the intervention and help of Ida Koverman at MGM, give this story a sentimentality, without being mawkish. It has the most perfect ending for this book, and I have to confess it brought me to tears.
It also instilled in me a desire to read Baum's 'Oz' books, and, of course, see the movie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Published in 1900, "The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz" could be called the twentieth century's first classic. It has earned every right to that title!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Read Letts' book, darlings! It will have you glowing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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