L. Frank Baum

The Road to Oz

While not as dark as the previous book, The Road to Oz shares similarities with Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz. Dorothy unintentionally embarks on another journey, meeting new characters and facing easily overcome challenges before ending up in Oz. However, there was little conflict and only one malicious encounter. Some new characters like Button Bright were annoying, and Polychrome's purpose was unclear. It seems Baum wanted to write something other than Oz books but included characters ending up in Oz to capitalize on the brand. While enjoyable for kids, the books are wearing thin for adult readers. The exclusion of the Musicker from Ozma's party contradicts the land's supposed kindness and generosity.

Liana

Dorothy, not planning to go on another trip has ended up forced to take one. As she at no point considers the Shaggy Man or any of the other individuals they meet along the way, equals, she is traveling as an orphan (lone traveler). She is also a literal orphan. By crossing through the "ten acre lot", aka a cornfield, she has invoked her orphan magic. The road whether she wants it to or not is taking her to Oz.




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Sarah Sammis

Sam Pulliam

The Road to Oz is the fifth book in the Wizard of Oz series and follows Dorothy as she is accidentally brought to Oz with a new group of characters.
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As you might know, I’m trying to work through the fourteen books in the Oz series, and in 2021, I’ve committed to reading one each month until I’m done. The beginning of The Road to Oz had me laughing out loud. The Shaggy Man and Button-Bright are new characters and their interactions are so funny. This one also gave me some insight into L. Frank Baum. I’m fascinated by him and what he was thinking about when he wrote these stories and in this particular entry, he includes a brief exchange between (I think) The Shaggy Man and the Tin Woodman where they talk about using money in exchange for goods. Oz, what I gather is supposed to be a perfect place in Baum’s eyes, doesn’t use money and the Tin Woodman finds the idea of money disgusting. I really thought this was interesting to include in the story. I do think the end was a little tedious but overall, still an interesting and fun story.

The Road to Oz

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