Prompted by Engie's recent reviews of Gone with the Wind; I pulled out my copy, dusted it off and sat down to re-read this classic novel.
I can't remember how many years ago it was when I last read this book - but I'm guessing it's been more than 30 years (and probably about the same amount of time since I saw the movie). And as I told The Husband when I finally closed the giant book this afternoon - I remembered the basic plot but apparently, I had forgotten 90% of the story.
It is a period piece, so we have to keep that in mind when reading about slavery, etc. If those problematic pieces would have been left out; it wouldn't have been a very believable read of the times in which it was set. Much like The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer. You can't whitewash the past, unfortunately.
And yes, I have to agree with Engie's assessment of Scarlett. Despite everything she endured and the successes that she achieved despite the hardships she faced; she is not a nice person at all. Therefore, the ending was fitting for Scarlett.
I thoroughly enjoyed this re-read and would suggest, if you haven't read it in some time - or if you've never read - now might be a good time. Yes, it's a tome (clocking in at 1,037 pages) but it is well written; a sweeping saga will hold your attention straight through to the end - a book you, most likely, won't regret reading or re-reading.
Scarlet never was a nice person, as explained by Rhett when he left her. She was manipulative and cunning and gorgeous. A cautionary tale for our times, I'd say.
ReplyDeleteI picked up on that long before Rhett left. It was kinda surprising to me; because that's not how I remembered her from when I read the book eons ago.
DeleteI read it as a teen and then again in maybe 2014 or 2015? I can't remember. It's a work of art, honestly.
ReplyDeleteIt truly is a work of art; and is still an enjoyable (if sometimes uncomfortable) read today.
DeleteI read it on a train when I was traveling to visit Coach his senior year of college (so 1994!). I thought I knew what it was about, but I remember being surprised when discovering all the details of Scarlet's character. It is an epic book.
ReplyDeleteIt is epic and deserves to be re-read often.
DeleteI've never read this book and I had no idea so many other people WOULD have read it. In fact, I don't even think I knew this WAS a book. I have seen the movie before. I'm not sure I have the bandwidth to start such a big book now, but I am writing it down as a future goal. Maybe this coming summer? Would it make a good beach read, I wonder...?
ReplyDeleteYou've never read it?! How? If you've got the time over the summer, you should read it. It's excellent.
DeleteI used to read this every single June, as soon as school was over. It was my reward after a long year of teaching. And I have to say that each time I read it, I did discover something new about it. It's so much better than the movie, and the movie is incredible.
ReplyDeleteI imagine re-reading that often you would discover something new each time. I vaguely remember the movie and it was good; but not as good as the book (movies rarely are, I find).
DeleteOkay, between you and Engie, I am trying to gear myself up to read this. I tried to read it some years ago and could not get into it. But I was probably in my early/mid twenties then, and I think my ability to read things that don't immediately pull me in has improved somewhat (although I am also much quicker to DNF; not sure how/why those two things go hand in hand), so maybe it's time to give it another go. Do I still own a copy, is the question.
ReplyDeleteGive it another try - once you get through the first bits I think the story will hook you.
DeleteOh, Suzanne. I was hooked after about chapter three. If it doesn't get you pretty quickly, DNF and don't waste your time. It is a masterpiece, though. SO GOOD. I am already trying to figure out when it is appropriate to read it again.
DeleteIt is a great book!! Scarlett was a mess of a human, but so many people are and this makes her even more believable.
ReplyDeleteExactly! That's what made her a compelling heroine.
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