Was (novel) facts for kids
First edition
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| Author | Geoff Ryman |
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| Cover artist | Thomi Wroblewski |
| Country | UK |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Harper Collins |
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Publication date
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01 May 1992 |
| Media type | Print (hardback & paperback) |
| Pages | 352 pp (hardcover edition) & 368 pp (paperback edition) |
| ISBN | 978-0-00-223931-8 (hardcover edition) |
| OCLC | 26301503 |
Was (also known as Was... in the UK) is a book from 1992 by Canadian author Geoff Ryman. It's inspired by the classic story The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum and the famous 1939 movie musical film version. The story travels through time, from the 1860s in Kansas to the late 1980s in California.
Was is a story for older readers that looks at the world of Oz in a different way. It explores the life of a character named "Dorothy Gael" in the 1800s in Kansas. After her mother's death, she lives with Aunt Emily and Uncle Henry. She creates an imaginary world to help her cope with difficult times. This imaginary world is based on things she experiences in real life.
The book also talks about how important it is for kids to have a good childhood. It even looks at the life of Judy Garland, the actress who played Dorothy Gale in the 1939 movie. It shows how different characters' lives are connected, even if they don't know it.
What Happens in the Story?
The book has three main parts: "Winter Kitchen," "Summer Kitchen," and "Oz Circle." The main characters are Jonathan and the "real" Dorothy. Jonathan is an actor who travels to Manhattan, Kansas, on a special journey.
Other characters include L. Frank Baum, who appears as a substitute teacher in Kansas. Millie, a makeup artist from the 1939 film version movie set, shares a story about meeting Judy Garland.
Awards and Recognition
- The book was a finalist for the World Fantasy Award in 1993.
- It was also shortlisted for the Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel in 1993.
Musical Version
A musical play based on the book was created. It first opened at the Ethel M. Barber Theatre at Northwestern University in October 2005. Tina Landau directed the show. Barry Kleinbort wrote the words and songs, and Joseph Thalken wrote the music. An earlier version of the musical was performed at the Human Race Theatre in Dayton, Ohio.
See also
In Spanish: Was (novela) para niños
