Gone with the Wind in What You Read I Will Follow

Mar 05, 2018 Michelle rated it did not like it

It took me over a year to finish this book. I hated it. The misogyny, the racism, the characters, all of it, I hated. Just when you think you could fall in love with Rhett for being an AMAZING dad, he acts so rude and nasty to Scarlett that you want to scream. I would never recommend anybody read it. It’s too drawn out. Love epic?? I think not.

Selfish, spoiled Scarlett is a horrible mom, ignoring 2 of her children and only competing for Bonnie’s love because she loves her father (Rhett) more. E ...more

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Feb 26, 2019 Vanessa Siemens rated it really liked it

This book has stirred up countless thoughts and emotions that it's hard to put it all into words. The main character in this book, Scarlett is someone I wanted to hate and love through the entire book. She is selfish, greedy, determined, stubborn, outspoken, business-minded but also very ignorant at times. I appreciate a character who becomes endearing despite all their flaws. Throughout the book, you want justice to come to her and yet at the end when she is left destitute, your heart is broken This book has stirred up countless thoughts and emotions that it's hard to put it all into words. The main character in this book, Scarlett is someone I wanted to hate and love through the entire book. She is selfish, greedy, determined, stubborn, outspoken, business-minded but also very ignorant at times. I appreciate a character who becomes endearing despite all their flaws. Throughout the book, you want justice to come to her and yet at the end when she is left destitute, your heart is broken with hers when she sees the truth of her life and relationships too late. And yet, as we've gotten to know Scarlett throughout the book, you are left with hope, knowing that her character and determination will help her through.

Although the political pieces felt a bit dragged out and long at times, it was interesting to glimpse what life would have been like during the American civil war. We often hear the history from the perspective of the Yankees who won the war and yet this gave the perspective of those who were defeated and had their entire way of living turned on its head. Certain scenarios throughout the book, and the way particular characters are talked about are shocking read through our present day cultural lens and yet it gives a window into a worldview that was prevalent in the late 1800's. Although some of the text might be offensive to some in present day, it gives a realistic picture of how society was in the South.

I recently visited some plantations in the South and learned of how many plantations were devastated after the war. The ending of slavery was a good thing and yet I found this book to give a clear picture of what happens in a society when abrupt cultural change is brought about. It was interesting to see many of the previous slaves remain with their masters because they took care of them and their children and this was the way of life they chose. Of course, change is hard, so in some ways this makes sense. The story shows how poverty rose up strongly, creating a greater social divide, especially since those from the North didn't necessarily want to associate with those they had freed from slavery. There's so many complexities to consider.

One of my favourite characters was Melanie because she is so pure of heart and loving. She is a stark contrast to Scarlett and yet they form a unique friendship through their years of being together and supporting each other in unique ways, providing strength for the other.

Although Scarlett is scorned and hated by her contemporaries, in many ways she is an ambitious woman, trying to fight her way to a different way of living and being. She defies many cultural norms of her time and Rhett encourages her in those places. I loved how Rhett was able to speak the truth into her life and call her on her behaviour and thoughts, knowing her in many ways better than she knew herself.

Throughout the book it's easy to forget how young Scarlett is. When the story ends, she is only 28. In light of this, her behaviour isn't as shocking when you look at everything she went through at such a young age. Her character development is beautiful as you see her change throughout (even when she doesn't see it) and you see her form bonds of love with Melanie and Rhett (even when she is not aware of it at the time). Although the ending is gut-wrenching, I appreciate that Scarlett comes to a place of deeper revelation about herself, others and life in general. This gives me hope for whatever the future holds for her.

Reading this now, I understand why it is a classic and I enjoyed it and meeting the characters in it along the way. ...more

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