This retelling of the Wizard of Oz started slow for me - but about a third of the way in - I couldn’t put it down. This story tells what happened to Dorthy when she returned to Kansas. It as both sequel and prequel. Loved how Frank Baum was worked into the story. Thank you Netgalley and Crooked Lane books for the opportunity to read this early edition.

I loved this book. The characters and the story kept me turning pages at a rapid pace. It was a great continuation of the Wizard of Oz story. I loved it.

I feel like this book started off so strong but in the end I’m left feeling dissatisfied and disappointed.

My biggest issue with this book is that Dorothy was BARELY a character in her own story. Sure, she was talked about plenty in her absence regarding the murder of the wicked witch and Alvina, but we didn’t get to hear much from her experience or her ensuing treatment in the asylum. We were told that Dorothy is being kept in a comatose-like state in the asylum and afterwards it seems as if she was forgotten. In the very end, when Dorothy escaped, the story ended. We didn’t even get a glimpse into what Dorothy’s future may hold. I felt like the biggest part of the story was missing.

I think if the author would have included Dorothy’s point of view from inside the asylum, her experiences in Oz, and her life after leaving Kansas, it would have brought this book to the next level and would have been much more intriguing. We didn’t get any in depth details or stories about her experience in Oz or what led to her having to melt the wicked witch. I understand the author wanted her to not remember many details when she got back to Kansas, but I think inputting her recollections would’ve carried the story much further and created a sense of excitement and interest to the reader.

It more or less felt like we just went in circles of “whodunnit” 70% of the book, causing a majority of the book to feel very slooooow. It felt like a crime novel with just a TOUCH of Wizard of Oz thrown in.

But, while I found this book overly wordy, I did really enjoy the style of writing. The author captured the language and thinking of the 1860’s well, whether it was about religious views, women, psychology and medicine, etc. It really put into perspective how far society has come since then. During the time this story took place, women were not yet seen as equals to men. Not only that, but the instant a woman “dreamed” or had any unique, original thoughts or opinions of her own, she was deemed “delusional” or a “witch” and was either killed or spent the rest of their days experiencing abusive “treatment” in the insane asylums- where they simply did not belong. People had no clue about the differentiation of having an incurable mental disorder and simply having your own thoughts and ideals and dreams. This was a time where science was discounted and religion (god and the devil) seemingly explained all. Science was a relatively untouched subject back then and the battle between religion and science still continues today. The thought of Dorothy visiting a magical world with talking animate objects and good / bad witches was simply an insult to their senses.

I will say, the fact that Alvina was Dorothy’s biological mom shocked me. The fact that the reverend had an affair outside his marriage with Alvina and got her pregnant with Dorothy, did not. I’ll leave it at that.

Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books Publishing for the ARC edition of this book.

I just ADORE Gordon McAlpine's books, and found this to be a fitting final novel from the oh-so-talented author... With his trademark wit and wisdom, he once again takes a classic story and set of characters, spins them 90 degrees or so off-kilter, and then uses the resultant chaos to reveal so much about the human condition. I never cease to be amazed at his ability to craft his own unique worlds from well-loved stories. His Kansas is as bleak and stark as the black-and-white version in the MGM movie, but the duplicity (both intentional and un-) that underpins it is on full technicolor display as the story of Dorothy's post-tornado exploits unfold. There is so much going on here that it's difficult to unpack it all without turning a review into an exegesis on man's inhumanity to man, particularly in light of current political and social realities, but suffice to say that this is as thoughtful a look at the darkness that lurks in men's souls as it is a story about women refusing to be told what their place - or their reality - looks like. It was brilliant!

What an absolutely fantastic read that was. I read it in one sitting, cover to cover. I could not put it down. This is my favourite book of the year so far.

It hooked me from the first page, the POV of the unknown townsperson and their infallible beliefs was so well done. I am not a religious person whatsoever but even the biblical quotes didn't make me hesitant. It made it all the more believable for the time period in which the novel was published, communities were founded on religion, it was instilled into them and it made the turn of events later on in the book make so much more sense.

It was so interesting to read, a rather dark tale in contrast to the original, great for the adult who loved The Wizard of Oz as a child, it is such a popular classic but I never actually stopped to think about the implications of a young girl believing that something like this had happened in a time and place where such things would be seen as demonic or sinful. It makes you wonder what actual opinions of the author of the original would have been like. Whether children would have been able to enjoy stories like this, in communities were it was set. 1900 was a very different time, but sometimes you don't realise how much. Especially in regards to gender beliefs, the law and religious importance.

It's such a loved story, portrayed in so many ways, but the way the author put this completely original twist on it was mindblowing.
Seeing the POV of Evelyn and the way she would have been treated by people of the time was awful yet humbling, and her attitude towards it all, her sense of justice was great to read.

3.5* rounded to 4
Wading into the waters of touching a much beloved book or movie is a challenge for any author.. Lately I have seen a rash of books that are prequels, sequel, companion story, or retelling of classic books, so I am really into them right now. This one is rather dark. Dorothy comes back from Oz and Henry and Emily's house is destroyed. The town 'witch' is dead, and Dorothy, while innocently recounting her journey from Oz, shares that she has 'melted the witch' by accident. The townspeople rally and point a finger at Dorothy, as who else could have done the crime and oh, she admitted it! But what if they are wrong?
A mystery, a murder investigation, a trial, and plenty of twists occur as the story unfolds. I think you might be better off if the Wizard of Oz isn't a masterpiece to you, as you might not like how some characters are in the book's 'reality'.
I enjoyed this book and its not too long to lose the reader in the middle - to which I am very glad because I was just to the point of losing focus when I snapped back in. The "After Oz" was poignant and I was glad for it.
I would recommend this to readers who enjoy retellings, but might worry about readers who don't want their beloved movie touched.
Thanks for this advance reader copy from NetGalley and the publisher.

After Oz by Gordon McAlpine

What an amazing spin on such a classic tale. This darker tale sees Dorothy turning up a few days after a tornado hits her small town and she's going on about talking animals, witches, and all kind of fantastical happenings. The conservative, bible belt townsfolk see this as the work of some pagan beliefs and soon poor 11 year old Dorothy is off to the insane asylum.

This book was incredible and McAlpine did a fantastic job in a very short time of delivering a gut punch of a story. Growing up loving the Wizard of Oz and Wicked this book had me really sitting back and thinking about what the heck actually would have happened to Dorothy going back to her close-minded small town after such an incident.

Thank you Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

An interesting follow up to Dorothy going to Oz. A murder mystery of when she returns, but is only 11 years old, being accused of murder.

The affecting account of the aftermath of Dorothy Gale's trip to Oz is newly imagined in this extraordinary novel. The devastating effects of the tornado that ripped through Dorothy's Kansas town cannot compare to the destruction of prejudice, intolerance and zealotry that come afterwards. An emotional tale, wonderfully told.

First of all, thanks to Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for an eARC of After Oz by Gordon McAlpine. Overall, I appreciated this unique retelling of The Wizard of Oz that deals with what happens after Dorthy is back in Kansas. I loved the setup of the crime and Dr. Wilford as a new character that propels the story forward. Her endevor proves to be the heart of the book, and along with the crime Dorthy is accused of, it sheds light on the other characters and gives some of them a new makeover. While I would say the story seemed to drag a bit in the middle, the climatic ending more than made up for it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

When I read the synopsis of this book, I knew I had to read it. A novel about what happens to Dorothy after the tornado and her return to Kansas? I'm in!
When Dorothy is found in a field after going missing during the tornado, the town folk are relieved. She's been missing for three days and search parties have worked tirelessly to find her. Their relief quickly turns to concern when Dorothy begins to tell of her trip to Oz and the strange creatures she encountered there. But when she mentions accidentally killing the wicked witch, they're horrified. Alvina Clough, the local curmudgeon, has been found dead in her home and "melted", just as Dorothy describes.
After a hasty legal gathering, Dorothy is found mentally incompetent to stand trial and sent to a nearby institution for the insane, where she is visited by a female doctor interested in her story of Oz.
How did Alvina really die? Was she murdered, and if so, by whom? Will Dorothy spend the rest of her life at the institution? While this book won't not be hailed as ground-breaking literature, it is definitely a fun and entertaining read. I found myself looking forward to getting back to it to find out what was happening in that small Kansas town. But it's not a shallow read. An underlying theme is the attitudes and prejudices that can be found in some small towns, often going against common sense and reason in favor of convenience and loyalty. Four out of five stars!

Of course, this one is based on The Wizard of Oz, in the aftermath of Dorothy's return from Oz. The community of Sunbonnet, Kansas, where Dorothy lives with her aunt and uncle Gale, is not the sweet little town of the original story. The townspeople don't believe Dorothy's story about the fantastical land of Oz and send her to the Topeka Insane Asylum. A young psychologist takes an interest in Dorothy's story and discovers some interesting information about the townspeople of Sunbonnet, so she sets out to vindicate and free Dorothy.
I only gave it 3 stars because this was not the sweet little story I thought it would be. But I did enjoy it quite a bit. The author of the original story made his appearance in the book, as well as some others you may recognize ☺️

Growing up watching “The Wizard of Oz” over and over again, I was so thrilled to read this book. And what a clever book it was.

After Oz, when Dorothy relates her account to the town doctor, she is considered delusional and not of sound mind. The town sends her to an asylum for the suspected murder of a local spinster. What happens to her next?

What I found amazing and intriguing about this book was almost the satire of a God fearing small town. Where everyone sees themself as blameless and innocent, yet they contribute to the dysfunction that surrounds them. Such a fun and clever account of what happens to Dorothy when she returns. Is there no place like home?

Thank you to Gordon McAlpine and Crooked Lane Books for allowing me to read an advanced copy of After Oz!

This book had me intrigued from the get-go. I was really excited to see someone tackle this topic with such a fresh and realistic POV. I enjoyed the story over all from start to finish. The middle did get a bit repetitive and I felt like a lot of information was unnecessary to the story. Again, overall this was a great read that I would recommend to anyone! Such a unique twist of a classic and timeless story. Well done!!

Firstly I would like to thank Gordon McAlpine , Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy of 'After Oz'.

I have been enthralled by the original books and films since my childhood and through the years I have read many that relate to the originals , but none of them quite captured the essence until this novel. The book encapsulates the same magical charm as the 1939 film and it became apparent from the very start that the author shares the same passion and love of the original L.Frank Baum tales .
The whole novel felt authentic and true to the time period and locational setting. Whilst I am sure a few readers could find the religious quotes throughout the book quite overwhelming - to me this only added to the realism as it fits perfectly into giving the reader a sense of the era .

Whilst I don't want to give away any spoilers , I loved how the novel had a refreshing take on the original story being told from a different perspective and from the view of an onlooker rather than from the main characters. It felt genuinely like I was reading a classic sequel novel written in the same time period. I could certainly see this book being directed as a movie at some point in the future and I would be the first in line to view it.

I found myself engrossed with the novel and read it into the night . In all honesty I'm not sure what I can read next to fill the void that this book will leave. I cannot endorse this book enough . It has been a wonderful read that will stay with me

#AfterOz #NetGalley

This was interesting and gripped me from the start. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Thanks to Netgalley for my ARC

As a lifelong fan of The Wizard of Oz I loved this concept. Dorothy could be a murderer? What a fun twist on an old story. I'm a sucker for religion in books too, so those details added a lot to the book for me.

The middle did get little slow and repetitive. It was very sleuth/investigation heavy for a while. That was my only complaint. That ending really brought it back for me. Very satisfying.

I would love to read more from this author.

Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for this digital ARC of Gordon McAlpine's 'After Oz.'

I've been fascinated by Wizard of Oz-related creative work for years. 'Was' by Geoff Ryman is one of my all-time favorite novels and David Lynch's 'Wild at Heart' is one of my all-time favorite films so when I read the description of 'After Oz' I was very happy when I received the approval for the ARC.

The premise is that having disappeared for several days in the wake of the famous twister, 11-year-old Dorothy Gale is found alive in a pumpkin patch and confuses people with tales of 'Oz,' talking animals and inanimate objects, wizards, witches, and the Emerald City she encountered on her magical travels. However, what were discounted as the ramblings of an already odd child made worse by her encounter with a tornado are suddenly given much more gravitas and attention when some of the fantastical tale can be read as a description of real life events, particularly the murder of a much-unloved local wealthy spinster.

We see the unfolding narrative through the eyes and words of an unidentified local man and young psychologist Dr. Evelyn Grace Wilford, unusual for her time.

Written very cleverly in the style of the late 19th century, the novel turns into somewhat of a whodunnit as Dr Wilford peels back the layers of this hypocritically self-righteous 'Christian' community to get at the truth behind the horrific murder.

I thought it was a very clever extension of Frank L. Baum's classic tale (though the Oz in this book is more derived from the film than his books, no harm in that as far as I'm concerned). But I also saw in it clear reflections of modern day America where the hypocrisy of evangelical Christianity is laid bare by their willingness to trot out Bible verses in support of their own poisoned piety while ignoring or willfully misinterpreting those verses which don't serve their needs. The populace of the town like to paint themselves as god fearing, upright Christians but are riddled with self-righteous, self-delusion and are, in reality, weak, easily led, and often nasty individuals who'll do anything, rationalize their worst behaviors as long as it retains their status quo and extends their control over others.

Dorothy herself is (deliberately, I felt) a peripheral figure in the novel. We know her story, we meet her a couple of times, but this is a story about exposing hypocritical behavior and insidiously pious individuals who'd rather bury their heads in the sand than face the reality of what's happening in their own community.

This is partly a dark and very interesting take on beloved fictional characters and partly an excoriation of the poisonous 'Christianity' that pervaded America then and still does to an extent, nearly a century and a half later.

Thank you, Gordon McAlpine NetGalley, for the ARC. I leave this review voluntarily and happily. Also, thank you publishers for your hard work!

I loved this book. Even though it got slow in some places, I really enjoyed it. It really makes you stop and think about all the strange and unique stories out there, and if they were told today and a person truly meant what they said, how would we as people respond to them. I believe this book explains that decently, even though sad to say. This book is definitely church induced, so if you don't like things from the Bible and such, turn the other way. There is also death.

Dorothy tells the tale of her experience in Oz, but no one believes her. In fact, she's sent to the doctor, and others take in her mental state. If not for the fact a body showed up and she keeps saying she 'melted' a witch, she's now in the asylum. What's going to happen to her and the town? What does Dorothy truly believe, and will anyone believe her?

This book was truly the real take of what would happen if a girl told the story of Oz. It's git interviews and so many opinions, but even so, do you believe? It's up to you. I think this was well worth the read.

It was a refreshingly unique twist inspired by the classic Wizard of Oz. I loved that the author stayed true to the period of the late 1800’s in the way the characters talk and act. It may be hard for some readers that don’t understand the life of those in the 1800’s (for example the religious/biblical aspects) , but I thank the author for his integrity in staying true to the period and not trying to modernize it for today’s thinking.