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Gone with the Wind

Margaret Mitchell

Start date: January 1, 2018

Finish date: March 31, 2018

Discussion: Gone With The Wind

Why we're reading this: Winner of the January-March Big Read Poll 2018
[close] Winner of the January-March Big Read Poll 2018

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Gone With The Wind

General Discussion - Gone With The Wind
By Matthew , Assistant List Master · 5 posts · 22 views

last updated Mar 31, 2018 10:02PM

Part Four - Gone With The Wind
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last updated Mar 24, 2018 09:35PM

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What Members Thought

Jun 20, 2017 Elaine rated it really liked it

Reviewing Gone with the Wind is akin to reviewing Citizen Kane; no matter what insights you might bring you have to be aware that thousands of people have already been there, done that, and probably said it better than you ever could.

Therefore, I will only leave a few personal remarks about this book which I have read several times.

Last week I found myself out of books to read, a bigger challenge in my mind than not having cream for coffee, or coffee for that matter. A book in hand is essential Reviewing Gone with the Wind is akin to reviewing Citizen Kane; no matter what insights you might bring you have to be aware that thousands of people have already been there, done that, and probably said it better than you ever could.

Therefore, I will only leave a few personal remarks about this book which I have read several times.

Last week I found myself out of books to read, a bigger challenge in my mind than not having cream for coffee, or coffee for that matter. A book in hand is essential to me. As always, I walked over to the bookcase where I have kept a few books that are important to me. After 20 moves and paying thousands of dollars to move books I reluctantly donated all but a small number to the local library. I remember them in my mind, and occasionally lust after them in my heart. But a handful, no more than 50, remain on my shelf, largely because the books have resonated with me over the many years. An artist I follow, Mark Lawrence, started a Facebook campaign about how a book has changed you, and although I was not able to enter due to time, I found myself reflecting on the books that have been important to me. Reflection, plus necessity, led to my hand pulling out my much damaged, Book of the Month, 1961 version of Gone with the Wind. I can only assume that this was passed down from my mother, or an older sister, but it became mine when I realized that Scarle to tt O'Hara was an early feminist.

As a very young girl my focus in reading this book was all about the swooning encounters with Rhett. Racing pulses and very rare and hard won kisses were my focus. But, I have returned to this book many times over my life because of Ms. Mitchell's bracing and insightful comments about war, the relationships between men and women, American ideals, politics and politicians, racial tension and race-based beliefs, the divide between new money, and old values. In that light, she is to be commended for taking on just about every topic under the sun. Yes, as many others have said, it is extremely hard to read the numerous casually tossed off racial stereotypes that are sprinkled throughout the book. Whether she herself shared such beliefs or if she wrote such beliefs to reflect the time of the novel is the author's story to share, but none the less such stereotypes are like litter strewn across an otherwise beautifully written novel.

As an older woman, I am able to quit worrying about Rhett and Scarlett, and instead focus on the rest of the narrative - the sweeping war narratives, the celebration of those who wait behind, the descriptions of the South as an entity. I was also able to see Scarlett's journey towards being a woman, and the many challenges she faced entering the world of business. Unfortunately, the challenges she faced are still true today.

And thus, this ripped up copy of a Book of the Month edition of Gone with the Wind remains on my bookshelf, tucked back in to be rediscovered a few years from now. ...more

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