This month for Ozathon 2024 we’re reading the fourth book in the series, Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz. Published in 1908, this is the book that reintroduces the character of the Wizard. In the first book, the Wizard is (debatably) portrayed as a good man but a humbug of a wizard. In The Marvelous Land of Oz, he’s portrayed as more sinister, kidnapping the rightful ruler of Oz and stealing the throne. He not only conceals Ozma’s identity but he forces her into a life of servitude to a wicked witch. How will Baum rehabilitate this character?
This book begins in California rather than Kansas and begins with a violent earthquake that sends Dorothy and her friends Zeb, Jim, and Eureka plummeting into the earth. It was written soon after Baum moved to California, and also soon after the deadly 1906 earthquake struck Northern California, killing thousands and destroying much of San Francisco.
The Oz books are journey novels, whether the characters are traveling through Oz, or traveling through other lands to get to Oz. This book is similar, in that our travelers will get thrust into adventures, meet strange and sometimes terrifying creatures, and eventually make their way to Oz to be reunited with good friends. For me, there’s comfort in this pattern, which offsets the many dark turns these books take.
In case you’ve been wondering if EVERY Oz book in the series is my “favorite”, because I’ve gushed so much about the last three, this book is not one I warmed to when I was young. Maybe it’s because Baum’s male characters are notably less likeable than his female ones — the adult ones at least. However, I’m looking forward to viewing this novel, and its place within the series, with new eyes.
I hope you’ll join us on this next leg of Baum’s journey. I’ll write more about the book towards the end of the month, and my co-host Lory will share her thoughts as well at Entering the Enchanted Castle.
