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A review by clarice_mj
Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
1.0
Living in Charleston, SC since the early 70s, I have often heard folks wax sentimental about the film adaptation of “Gone With the Wind”, and, almost as often, received recommendations to read the book.
“SUCH a romantic story!” “Rhett Butler is SO sexy!” “Scarlett is a wonderful role model for young girls – a very strong woman.” Of course, there were a few who declared that Ashley and Melanie were the better role models, but most people who are enthusiastic about GWTW are fans of Rhett and Scarlett.
I have tried many times over the years to watch the movie version of “Gone With the Wind”. For some reason, I never last more than an hour. I even talked a date into leaving before intermission when he treated me to a much anticipated (by the community and local press) showing of the classic at movie theater in 1973. The cinematography was undeniably exceptional, but the script seemed to careen from one scene to the next and the characterization was thin.
I finally decided to give the book a chance. I have to admit, the book gave a lot more depth to Scarlett and Rhett – unfortunately, that caused me to go from disliking their characters to absolutely HATING them! I found that I didn’t like ANY of the characters populating the world of “Gone With the Wind”. Melanie and Ashley were weak and definitely contenders for the Darwin Awards. Thank goodness for them both that the sociopath, Scarlett, decided to keep them alive. All the other white characters were arrogant and racist, and the black characters were …. well …. caricatures.
Historic Romance? When a sociopath and a misogynist vie for control over one another – is that romance? I don’t think so.
Historic Fiction? Really? An Antebellum South that is a utopia of mutual love and respect between the rich, white plantation owners and their savage, child-like black slaves? More like Historic FANTASY!
I could find nothing redeeming about this novel. There is no way I could have finished it if I had been reading it instead of listening to an audio book version. If you MUST read this novel for an assignment or book club, I highly recommend the Audible Audio version narrated by Linda Stephens. Her narration was exceptional.
“SUCH a romantic story!” “Rhett Butler is SO sexy!” “Scarlett is a wonderful role model for young girls – a very strong woman.” Of course, there were a few who declared that Ashley and Melanie were the better role models, but most people who are enthusiastic about GWTW are fans of Rhett and Scarlett.
I have tried many times over the years to watch the movie version of “Gone With the Wind”. For some reason, I never last more than an hour. I even talked a date into leaving before intermission when he treated me to a much anticipated (by the community and local press) showing of the classic at movie theater in 1973. The cinematography was undeniably exceptional, but the script seemed to careen from one scene to the next and the characterization was thin.
I finally decided to give the book a chance. I have to admit, the book gave a lot more depth to Scarlett and Rhett – unfortunately, that caused me to go from disliking their characters to absolutely HATING them! I found that I didn’t like ANY of the characters populating the world of “Gone With the Wind”. Melanie and Ashley were weak and definitely contenders for the Darwin Awards. Thank goodness for them both that the sociopath, Scarlett, decided to keep them alive. All the other white characters were arrogant and racist, and the black characters were …. well …. caricatures.
Historic Romance? When a sociopath and a misogynist vie for control over one another – is that romance? I don’t think so.
Historic Fiction? Really? An Antebellum South that is a utopia of mutual love and respect between the rich, white plantation owners and their savage, child-like black slaves? More like Historic FANTASY!
I could find nothing redeeming about this novel. There is no way I could have finished it if I had been reading it instead of listening to an audio book version. If you MUST read this novel for an assignment or book club, I highly recommend the Audible Audio version narrated by Linda Stephens. Her narration was exceptional.