Was is an interesting novel. It reminded me, more than anything, of Karen Wallace's Wendy, a book which re-writes the events of Peter Pan as if they were a metaphor for a far worse situation.
Was focuses mostly on the life of Dorothy Gael (sic). After the death of her parents she is sent to live with her aunt and uncle, Henry and Emma Gulch. Her life with them is not at all easy or pleasant, and, like many children in such situations, she has nowhere to turn, having gained a reputation as a liar. She does, indeed, lie constantly, to herself and others. It is the only way she can cope with her life as it is (much like Jean Ure's Bad Alice).
There are, however, two other main strands of the plot. The shorter one focuses on Frances Ethel Gumm (a name film buffs may know, although she became famous under a very different pseudonym). Her section is very short, comparatively; perhaps because this character is, in fact, a real, incredibly well known person, and so artistic liberties cannot be taken to such an extent as with the other characters.
The third character is Jonathan, a gay actor dying of Aids. As he grows older he has become more and more obsessed with collecting and photographing the past - old buildings that still stand, and places where people he admires have lived.
Each of these three people were greatly affected by L. Frank Baum's Wizard of Oz. Dorothy did not see the film until the very end of her life; Frances experienced it during her late teens; and Jonathan was brought up on it, falling in love with the story and its origins. Eventually, events come full circle, which I found very effective.
I haven't seen the film in years, and I'm sure someone who knows it well may have picked up references and ideas that I didn't. The writing is good, and the plot is amazing. I really couldn't put this down - I almost got in trouble at work reading it. The idea behind it is brilliant, and fairly original.
To be honest, I really can't find the words to describe this book. The characters are touching and believable, and although the ending could have been horrible and tragic, Geoff Ryman went down the other route, giving the most satisfying (although not happy) ending possible. The addition of a end note detailing exactly which bits were based on reality was a helpful addition, as the book is very plausible.
All in all, it's a book with great depth, that leaves you with a great deal to think about. It's a fairly long book, and not for everyone. Still, it's amazing.
Was focuses mostly on the life of Dorothy Gael (sic). After the death of her parents she is sent to live with her aunt and uncle, Henry and Emma Gulch. Her life with them is not at all easy or pleasant, and, like many children in such situations, she has nowhere to turn, having gained a reputation as a liar. She does, indeed, lie constantly, to herself and others. It is the only way she can cope with her life as it is (much like Jean Ure's Bad Alice).
There are, however, two other main strands of the plot. The shorter one focuses on Frances Ethel Gumm (a name film buffs may know, although she became famous under a very different pseudonym). Her section is very short, comparatively; perhaps because this character is, in fact, a real, incredibly well known person, and so artistic liberties cannot be taken to such an extent as with the other characters.
Frances Gumm
The third character is Jonathan, a gay actor dying of Aids. As he grows older he has become more and more obsessed with collecting and photographing the past - old buildings that still stand, and places where people he admires have lived.
Each of these three people were greatly affected by L. Frank Baum's Wizard of Oz. Dorothy did not see the film until the very end of her life; Frances experienced it during her late teens; and Jonathan was brought up on it, falling in love with the story and its origins. Eventually, events come full circle, which I found very effective.
I haven't seen the film in years, and I'm sure someone who knows it well may have picked up references and ideas that I didn't. The writing is good, and the plot is amazing. I really couldn't put this down - I almost got in trouble at work reading it. The idea behind it is brilliant, and fairly original.
To be honest, I really can't find the words to describe this book. The characters are touching and believable, and although the ending could have been horrible and tragic, Geoff Ryman went down the other route, giving the most satisfying (although not happy) ending possible. The addition of a end note detailing exactly which bits were based on reality was a helpful addition, as the book is very plausible.
All in all, it's a book with great depth, that leaves you with a great deal to think about. It's a fairly long book, and not for everyone. Still, it's amazing.
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