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4.15 AVERAGE
4.15 AVERAGE
Can't believe this won a Pulitzer Prize. Poorly written and unnecessarily long.
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I have to take off a star for the prejudiced, racist bullshit. Every time a black person speaks or is described the book jumps off a cliff which is so frustrating because the prose is truly great. The lore, the passion, the tragedy! It's all there and it's all so so good. Unfortunately I can't recommend the book without a hefty disclaimer. It would probably make a Gen Z child's hair turn white from the problematic themes and language.
But for history? It's a must read. The Southerners are shown as a flawed, antiqued product of a flawed society. The Yankees are painted crudely with a villainous brush, but it's such a flimsy caricature and eventually they end up being the only refuge for Scarlett and we get to enjoy watching her turn her back on The Glorious Old Guard. The biggest disservice is the glamorization of slavery, and the flat out racist depiction of enslaved people. It's why I just can't in good heart recommend it because it really is startling to hear/read.
This book almost outsold the Bible when it was published, so as an American it's very much worth a read to understand the context of what people were sucking down.
If you're a fan of romance, it's one of the greats and has to be considered the way we HAVE to read LOTR if we love fantasy. It's a genre defining work.
But for history? It's a must read. The Southerners are shown as a flawed, antiqued product of a flawed society. The Yankees are painted crudely with a villainous brush, but it's such a flimsy caricature and eventually they end up being the only refuge for Scarlett and we get to enjoy watching her turn her back on The Glorious Old Guard. The biggest disservice is the glamorization of slavery, and the flat out racist depiction of enslaved people. It's why I just can't in good heart recommend it because it really is startling to hear/read.
This book almost outsold the Bible when it was published, so as an American it's very much worth a read to understand the context of what people were sucking down.
If you're a fan of romance, it's one of the greats and has to be considered the way we HAVE to read LOTR if we love fantasy. It's a genre defining work.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
While it romanticizes the dark history of our origins as a country, this sprawling epic is masterful. Scarlett's slow and painful transformations enthralled me. It was at once surprising and comfortingly predictable.
❝ E cominciava a essere evidente che tutto quel discorso sull’amore che aveva avuto per lei non significava nulla. Era un racconto del tempo passato, e pareva che non fosse neanche accaduto a lui. E questo era spaventoso. ❞
Può l’ultimo capitolo di un romanzo di 1104 pagine stravolgere la tua idea su un personaggio e aprirti gli occhi quando ormai sembra troppo tardi? “Via col vento” ne è la prova lampante. Forse è semplicemente il punto di vista del narratore che influenza il lettore a tal punto da non riuscire a distinguere la realtà da ciò che percepisce lo sguardo di Rossella. Bisognerebbe infatti aprire una discussione solo sulla protagonista con la quale sembra impossibile empatizzare: un’eterna bambina, viziata, capricciosa, egocentrica, a tratti violenta nei comportamenti e nel linguaggio, incapace di essere realista... ma ha anche dei difetti. E chissà se domani è davvero un altro giorno e Rossella riuscirà a tenere fede alle sue promesse, tornando a Tara, riallacciando i rapporti con quelle persone che ha ferito ripetutamente e involontariamente. Penso, però, che Rhett tenga troppo alla propria dignità per accettare l’amore di una persona che nel corso di più di 10 anni non ha dimostrato alcun tipo di crescita. Menzione d’onore per Melania che ha sempre e comunque i prosciutti sugli occhi. Gli dò 5 Mammy su 5.
///
https://www.instagram.com/p/ChKn7pksPNo/
Può l’ultimo capitolo di un romanzo di 1104 pagine stravolgere la tua idea su un personaggio e aprirti gli occhi quando ormai sembra troppo tardi? “Via col vento” ne è la prova lampante. Forse è semplicemente il punto di vista del narratore che influenza il lettore a tal punto da non riuscire a distinguere la realtà da ciò che percepisce lo sguardo di Rossella. Bisognerebbe infatti aprire una discussione solo sulla protagonista con la quale sembra impossibile empatizzare: un’eterna bambina, viziata, capricciosa, egocentrica, a tratti violenta nei comportamenti e nel linguaggio, incapace di essere realista... ma ha anche dei difetti. E chissà se domani è davvero un altro giorno e Rossella riuscirà a tenere fede alle sue promesse, tornando a Tara, riallacciando i rapporti con quelle persone che ha ferito ripetutamente e involontariamente. Penso, però, che Rhett tenga troppo alla propria dignità per accettare l’amore di una persona che nel corso di più di 10 anni non ha dimostrato alcun tipo di crescita. Menzione d’onore per Melania che ha sempre e comunque i prosciutti sugli occhi. Gli dò 5 Mammy su 5.
///
https://www.instagram.com/p/ChKn7pksPNo/
Re-read one of my favorite books. I have it read many times before, but it has probably been about 20 years since the last time. I have a love/hate relationship with Scarlet O'Hara. she is self-centered, vain, and strong-willed - not the kind of person I want to be.
But she does have certain qualities I admire. She has energy and determination in pursuing her goals, even if those goals are wrong-headed (Ashley & money).
She does not quietly let her life crash around her, but does whatever she thinks she has to do keep herself and her family together.
The problem is the things that she jettisons to pursue her goals are faith and morality.
She ends up rich and lonely, having pushed away the one man who knew her best and loved her anyway.
But she does have certain qualities I admire. She has energy and determination in pursuing her goals, even if those goals are wrong-headed (Ashley & money).
She does not quietly let her life crash around her, but does whatever she thinks she has to do keep herself and her family together.
The problem is the things that she jettisons to pursue her goals are faith and morality.
She ends up rich and lonely, having pushed away the one man who knew her best and loved her anyway.
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It’s a bold move to craft a novel around a protagonist who is spoiled, selfish, and often insufferable, yet Margaret Mitchell does just that with Scarlett O’Hara—and somehow, it works.
It works because Scarlett’s downfall feels inevitable, culminating in one of the most famous lines in literary and cinematic history: “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn.” But it also works because Scarlett is more than just a character—she is the South itself, stubbornly resisting change, refusing to believe her world could ever crumble, and doing whatever it takes to survive.
It works because Scarlett’s downfall feels inevitable, culminating in one of the most famous lines in literary and cinematic history: “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn.” But it also works because Scarlett is more than just a character—she is the South itself, stubbornly resisting change, refusing to believe her world could ever crumble, and doing whatever it takes to survive.
A Different View of the Civil War
One of the most fascinating aspects of Gone With the Wind is its portrayal of the antebellum South, offering a perspective rarely seen outside history books written by the victors. Had the Confederacy won, the Old South would likely be remembered as a land of prosperity, chivalry, and grandeur, ruled by passionate and genteel people. Of course, the truth is far more complex. Even today, remnants of that loss linger, and this novel captures the deep wounds of a fallen society struggling to rebuild itself.
Mitchell also challenges common narratives about the Civil War’s aftermath—portraying not just the devastation of war, but the chaos of Reconstruction. While the book romanticizes certain aspects of Southern life, it also explores the reality of survival in a shattered world, where former aristocrats are left in ruin, former slaves navigate newfound freedom, and old power structures collapse.
The novel even delves into the origins of the Ku Klux Klan, framing it not merely as a racist organization (though it unquestionably was) but as a reaction to lawlessness, violence, and fear in a world turned upside down. While there is no excusing the Klan, Mitchell presents a broader historical context, revealing the desperation that led to its rise. It’s an uncomfortable but thought-provoking portrayal, shedding light on the complexities of a society in turmoil.
Mitchell also challenges common narratives about the Civil War’s aftermath—portraying not just the devastation of war, but the chaos of Reconstruction. While the book romanticizes certain aspects of Southern life, it also explores the reality of survival in a shattered world, where former aristocrats are left in ruin, former slaves navigate newfound freedom, and old power structures collapse.
The novel even delves into the origins of the Ku Klux Klan, framing it not merely as a racist organization (though it unquestionably was) but as a reaction to lawlessness, violence, and fear in a world turned upside down. While there is no excusing the Klan, Mitchell presents a broader historical context, revealing the desperation that led to its rise. It’s an uncomfortable but thought-provoking portrayal, shedding light on the complexities of a society in turmoil.
Scarlett O’Hara: A Symbol of the South
Scarlett doesn’t think about where her wealth comes from, nor does she ever consider the possibility of losing it. Much like the South, she believes she is invincible—that her charm, beauty, and determination will always see her through. Even when her world collapses, she refuses to surrender, doing whatever it takes to cling to the remnants of the past.
Her journey isn’t one of moral growth—if anything, she becomes more ruthless and unrelenting as the novel progresses. But her transformation is fascinating because, even at her worst, you can’t look away. She is a survivor, embodying the same resilience, defiance, and pride as the land she loves.
And yet, Scarlett’s greatest weakness is that she never knows when to let go—of her illusions, of Ashley Wilkes, of the belief that she can always get what she wants. Her final realization comes too late, making her one of the most tragic figures in literature.
Her journey isn’t one of moral growth—if anything, she becomes more ruthless and unrelenting as the novel progresses. But her transformation is fascinating because, even at her worst, you can’t look away. She is a survivor, embodying the same resilience, defiance, and pride as the land she loves.
And yet, Scarlett’s greatest weakness is that she never knows when to let go—of her illusions, of Ashley Wilkes, of the belief that she can always get what she wants. Her final realization comes too late, making her one of the most tragic figures in literature.
“Tomorrow, I’ll think of some way to get him back. After all, tomorrow is another day.”
The heartbreak of Gone With the Wind is that Scarlett never stops fighting, even when the war is over. Like the South, she refuses to accept defeat—even when she has lost everything.
The Supporting Cast: Reflections of a Changing World
🔹 Rhett Butler – The only man who truly understands Scarlett. Clever, cynical, and completely unromantic about the South, Rhett is both her perfect match and her greatest tormentor. He encourages her worst tendencies, yet he is also the only one who truly loves her—until he, too, becomes disillusioned. His slow, inevitable abandonment of Scarlett mirrors the North’s conquest of the South, an unstoppable force against an immovable object.
🔹 Melanie Wilkes – The gentle yet quietly powerful contrast to Scarlett. At first glance, she seems fragile, but by the end, it is clear that she is the strongest character in the book. While Scarlett fights her battles through manipulation and brute force, Melanie wields grace, influence, and loyalty—proving that true strength doesn’t always come from power but from character.
🔹 Ashley Wilkes – The living embodiment of the Old South, romantic and honorable, but completely unsuited for the harsh new world. Scarlett’s obsession with him represents her clinging to a past that no longer exists. When she finally sees him for what he is—weak, indecisive, and trapped in nostalgia—she realizes too late that she has wasted her love on a dream.
A Novel That Demands a Reaction
The Supporting Cast: Reflections of a Changing World
🔹 Rhett Butler – The only man who truly understands Scarlett. Clever, cynical, and completely unromantic about the South, Rhett is both her perfect match and her greatest tormentor. He encourages her worst tendencies, yet he is also the only one who truly loves her—until he, too, becomes disillusioned. His slow, inevitable abandonment of Scarlett mirrors the North’s conquest of the South, an unstoppable force against an immovable object.
🔹 Melanie Wilkes – The gentle yet quietly powerful contrast to Scarlett. At first glance, she seems fragile, but by the end, it is clear that she is the strongest character in the book. While Scarlett fights her battles through manipulation and brute force, Melanie wields grace, influence, and loyalty—proving that true strength doesn’t always come from power but from character.
🔹 Ashley Wilkes – The living embodiment of the Old South, romantic and honorable, but completely unsuited for the harsh new world. Scarlett’s obsession with him represents her clinging to a past that no longer exists. When she finally sees him for what he is—weak, indecisive, and trapped in nostalgia—she realizes too late that she has wasted her love on a dream.
A Novel That Demands a Reaction
Gone With the Wind is a masterpiece, but it’s also infuriating, tragic, and deeply unsettling. The characters are flawed, frustrating, and at times utterly detestable, but they are also unforgettable. Scarlett O’Hara and Rhett Butler aren’t just characters—they are forces of nature, larger than life, and impossible to ignore.
Margaret Mitchell’s writing is rich, detailed, and immersive, though at times, overly descriptive. Some passages go on for pages, hammering home emotions and imagery that could have been conveyed in fewer words. Still, for a novel over 900 pages long, it never drags—it grips you from start to finish.
Final Thoughts: A Classic for a Reason
Margaret Mitchell’s writing is rich, detailed, and immersive, though at times, overly descriptive. Some passages go on for pages, hammering home emotions and imagery that could have been conveyed in fewer words. Still, for a novel over 900 pages long, it never drags—it grips you from start to finish.
Final Thoughts: A Classic for a Reason
Gone With the Wind isn’t just a love story, nor is it simply a historical novel—it’s an epic portrait of a world that no longer exists, told through the eyes of characters who refuse to accept its demise. It is about loss, survival, and the brutal reality of change.
Some aspects of the novel are uncomfortable, particularly its romanticized depiction of the South and its racial stereotypes. But to dismiss the book entirely would be to overlook its value as a historical perspective—a glimpse into the mindset of a defeated civilization.
Would I recommend it? Without a doubt.
But be warned—this book will consume you. It will frustrate you, devastate you, and leave you emotionally wrecked. When I finished, I wasn’t sure whether to give it five stars or throw it across the room—and honestly, that’s the sign of a truly great novel.
Some aspects of the novel are uncomfortable, particularly its romanticized depiction of the South and its racial stereotypes. But to dismiss the book entirely would be to overlook its value as a historical perspective—a glimpse into the mindset of a defeated civilization.
Would I recommend it? Without a doubt.
But be warned—this book will consume you. It will frustrate you, devastate you, and leave you emotionally wrecked. When I finished, I wasn’t sure whether to give it five stars or throw it across the room—and honestly, that’s the sign of a truly great novel.
Holy sh—
What—
Did I just—
How—
My god—
But—
Should I cry?
Should I celebrate?
Serves her right, but—
Oh god—
But—
What? What?
*stunned*
*numb silence*
Am I a terrible person?
“I’ll think about this tomorrow”
Oh god! Not me too! I can’t—
What—
Did I just—
How—
My god—
But—
Should I cry?
Should I celebrate?
Serves her right, but—
Oh god—
But—
What? What?
*stunned*
*numb silence*
Am I a terrible person?
“I’ll think about this tomorrow”
Oh god! Not me too! I can’t—
Re read this again this year. Absolutely love this book. I picked it up to confirm a detail, and couldn't put it down.
This is my favorite book of all time. Rarely can I read a book twice but this is one of the rare ones that I can. I love the story and I love the time period.
This is my favorite book of all time. Rarely can I read a book twice but this is one of the rare ones that I can. I love the story and I love the time period.
In the same way that one can despise and disapprove of Humbert Humbert, and yet regard Nabokov’s Lolita as a work of exceptional genius, so too we can register all the flaws and shocking behavior of Scarlett O’Hara and still recognize Gone With The Wind as a literary masterpiece. It’s an epic novel with hardly any likeable or even tolerable characters, and yet its 1000 pages fly by in a fascinating and engrossing narrative that creates the most immersive experience possible in a book of its scope. If you want to understand the Lost Cause mentality, you absolutely must read this book. A word of advice: try to avoid bringing the expectation of disapproval to this book. If you read it expecting an accurate historical appraisal of the Civil War and Reconstruction, you will be angry and disappointed. If you’re looking for anger, you’ll find plenty to outrage you. But if you’re looking for a window into the mindset of Southern plantation families as they lost their controlling grip on the world around them, you’ll be treated to a wonderfully immersive experience. The real fun for historians of memory is parsing out the attitudes that creep in from the 1930s from those imagined to belong in the 1860s. The book is arguably most instructive in what it suggests about Margaret Mitchell’s Atlanta.
900 pages in 5 days - I need a nap! Last read this when I was 18 and it's completely different to read it as an adult. So so so good!