I just got finished reading it a half an hour ago and I loved it. It was amazing. It took me about a week to read it all because I wanted to take my time reading it but I bought the Kindle book for $.99 and I don't regret it either. It was worth the buy.😊😊
My dad gave me a copy when I was 10, back in 1972. I was too intimidated by the length to read it for 2 more years. I was hooked. My dad and I outlined our own sequel but because of copyright laws...it remained between us, our quality time together. I still reread every 2 or 3 years. Probably time to revisit my old friends Scarlett, Rhett and Melony.
Best review of this book that I have ever heard. Although, most reviewers don’t have the courage to even discuss it. Just discovered your channel and you are a stand out. Much respect, looking forward to diving into all of your past reviews.
This is a really good yarn of a book. Scarlett is fascinating...Rhett is such a sympathetic character...it really is his love story as we never really feel Scarlett's love for Ashley. Just a sort of emotional talisman she clings to out of habit and bitterness and a sort of pathetic vendetta. Backdrop is beautiful, chaotic, terrifying. Margaret Mitchell was a southern woman raised on the grief of the vanquished and the humiliation of what transpired post war. Great book and must be read through the lens of that era. 💚
I just ordered The Killer Angels. Never heard of it or the author. As a huge fan of historical fiction (Ken Follett and especially John Jakes, who discovered within the last few years) this one seems right up my alley and was an instant buy. I'm currently reading Lonesome Dove for a second time, last read was in the 90s during high school.
I'm here for it! I love historical fiction, and civil war (and post war) fiction is my jam. I never read Gone with the Wind yet, but I got this thick-ass 1974 paperback edition with yellowing-brown pages and a cover ready to fall off. I cannot WAIT to dive in. Great review!
The book was written by a Southern woman with a Southern bias. The characters are stereotypes, yet the book is supremely entertaining and well-written. The main flaw is that Mitchell tried to excuse slavery on the grounds that slaves were taken care of, ignoring the fact that slavery is a moral wrong, and an evil practice. Mitchell's bio THE ROAD TO TARA, is as fascinating as the novel itself.
Scarlett had two qualities: courage and family devotion. Scarlett did many things, but she never felt sorry for herself. Her courage was the main reason why readers admired her, despite her bad flaws.
Just started this for August, you got me interested in this Mike, with your top 10 books of all-time. I'm a huge Dune fan, and did not think I would like Gone With The Wind, but I'm 523 pages in and I can't believe im saying this but im loving Gone With The Wind lol.
I'm always surprised when I remember to look and see how big it is. I've read it many times and it seems to fly by. You feel like you are there, seeing and experiencing it all. Even if the movie had never existed, I think it would still feel like that. Love it or hate it, you have to admit that it's at least well written!
IMHO you missed/didn't cover the DEPTH of Mitchell's characterizations Scarlett is strong, but her strength is one dimensional. It is usually with her but escapes her when she is vulnerable--like when she's crying to Rhett after Frank dies--glad her mother isn't alive to see her behavior and fearing going to Hell. Melanie is sweet and loyal--but underneath that she is just as strong as Scarlett. Strong enough to help Scarlett murder a man and then coolly lie about it. Again when Ashley is injured. Her strength never escapes her. It is the foundation of her sweetness. Ashley has all the gallantry of the old southern gentleman--but it is a veneer.. He can go to war, as society would dictate he would do. But underneath he's weak, and depends on Melanie for her strength. IMHO he knows his weakness and recognized the veneer, but doesn't have the strength to try and change. Rhett is a scallywag--on the surface tough and cynical. But it is a mask hiding his depth, his capacity and desire for love. He knowingly adopts the mask when he recognizes his vulnerability if he reveals that desire. He shows his full self to Melanie and Bonnie--he knows his vulnerability is safe. In the jail scene he starts to become vulnerable to Scarlett, then quickly pulls on the mask when he realizes what's happening.
I lost track of how many times I have said GONE WITH THE WIND Is the perfect novel. Perfect story, perfect carachters. I have read it twice and I will read it again. Perfect book!
Great review Mike! I first read this book when I was about 12 years old It was an old crappy mass market version with Scarlett’s bosoms all over the cover and I was expected romance and boot knocking. Instead I had my mind blown by the most realistic and awe inspiring picture of a period of American history that I’d never imagined. In good and bad ways.
That's why I loathe those stupid covers! I cannot remember buying my first copy or what drew me to it. I know it was from a thrift store. And I probably saw the movie first. If I had just seen a cover like that in the store, I never would have picked it up!
When I was 10 we moved from Atlanta to Copenhagen, Denmark. My Mom had picked up the book in the airport when we left. Since I couldn't read Danish yet, this book was all I had to read for an entire summer. I read it so many times that it fell apart and I had to tape it back together again. Being homesick in Europe meant something, I think. But as an avid reader, I also knew that this was just a good, good story. I loved it then and I love it now. Yes, there are questionable topics in it - I recognized this even in 1973. But I still love the story and the characters. An all time favorite for me. And it was my jumping-off spot to becoming a History buff.
Thanks for this review. After finishing the book, I wanted to get a couple of reviews from different perspectives, so I listen to yours as well as the review by “Supposedly Fun”. he does a deeper dive, but both offer some interesting points. I recently read this book after people suggested not criticizing the movie until reading the book. I agree with some of your comments about the book being captivating, and that it is not a love story between Rhett and Scarlett. There are some troubling elements that were not mentioned in this review. I’m glad I read it and I would not recommend it as historical fiction as much as historical propaganda/fiction. The story had some accuracy with the timeline of events, but many inaccuracies regarding African-Americans and their viewpoints, treatment of the enslaved, Yankees, and anyone else seen as “perpetrators”. The love story is between Margaret Mitchell and the old South/confederacy. I can’t help but think that this book with all of it readers, was how people learned a false history of the Civil War, the reconstruction years, and slavery. That is probably the most troubling aspect of this book to me. I am not sure where the writing started to become cringy, but early enough on where I wondered if I could finish the book. I decided if I was going to be able to review it, I did need to complete it. Had she just kept with the characters and left out her overt racism, and hatred of the union/northerners, I think it could’ve been a much more beautiful story that did not need a further deep dive. Margaret Mitchell told the story as the narrator; it wasn’t Scarlett telling her view of things. If it had been Scarlett with her self-centered nature, it would’ve been more palatable when African-Americans were labeled as inferior, lazy, etc. It would’ve been understandable that she saw the KKK as heroes and necessary. In Scarlett’s experience, it would be understandable for her to resent the federal government/union soldiers. However, Margaret Mitchell tells these stories as if they are historical facts of the time versus the view of Scarlett. This is where it becomes dangerous propaganda that fed many peoples minds. Even Melanie, who is so “sweet”, knew her husband was in the KKK and didn’t seem bothered by the purpose of the group. I really liked the movie when I watched it several times many years ago, despite the more subtle racism. After reading the book and knowing more about the author and her views at the time, I don’t think the movie will seem quite as enjoyable. I would not ban this book, but I would not recommend it to anybody looking for a history of the Civil War and the aftermath. I think it could be a good book for a high school or college class to examine the writing, character development, and some of the more disturbing themes in this book, especially given the time frame when it was written.
I’m presently reading Gone with the Wind at the age 65 for the first time, even though the film is one of my all time favourites and like you watched Zillions of times . About 3/4 of the way through loving it. So much more to it than the film. Touches a lot more on the reconstruction after the war than the film depicts. And as a uk subscriber didnt really know much about the history of that era. Obviously this is a fictional story from Margaret Mitchell view. But the book peeked my interest of that period that I’ve googled and learning the history of that time frame. Definitely can’t help rooting for Scarlet despite her bad traits. Gone with the Wind will be added to my top 10 favourite books.
Loved the review! Back in the 80's, I found a 1938 hardcover edition of this book inside an old desk that was being scrapped at work. Needless to say, I rescued it and love reading it - especially enjoying all the extra content the movie didn't include.
Great Review! I went into this book completely blind other than knowing the names Scarlett and Rhett. What I found was one of the best (if not THE best) books I've ever read.
My husband bought this for me as a birthday present, it's very hight on my TBR list. Last month I read Lonesome Dove because of your review. It was incredible! Can't wait to read Gone With the Wind now.❤
I plan to make this my next classic read for 2024. The year before last was Leo Tolstoy's War and Peace, this year was my year of Jane Austen. Gone with the Wind is a favorite of my mums, and I grew up watching the movie at least once a year. I know my enjoyment of Historical Fiction comes from my mum. She prefers American history, but I am down with a mix of world regions. 🌎🥰📖 📚📚📚📚📚
Well darn. I haven't read this book since I was 12. You've convinced me to give it a re-read. I have seen the movie many times. The first time was with my Mom when they re-released it into theaters I think it was back in the '70's.
I was so upset when it was released in theaters for some anniversary. Maybe the 50th? I found out about it after the fact. I wanted to cry. Many years later, maybe for the 70th or 75th, my sister and I were able to get tickets. It was so wonderful to finally see it in all its glory, on the big screen!
I first read this novel as a teen and couldn't put it down! I still love it. Scarlett, perfect or not, is a vibrant ALIVE woman with determination and grit!
Hey Mike, if you haven't already, another excellent classic historical fiction epic I would be thrilled to see you review is War & Peace! I'll admit, when I started, I was fairly intimidated by both the length and sheer number of characters, but once I settled in, I could not stop.
Excellent review Mike. I think you nailed it very well. Both Scarlett and Rhett are "outliers" to the Old South. Rhett was pretty much disowned by his Family before the war started. He seems to have known the war was hopeless from the beginning, but when the war was truly in its last phases, quixotically, he enlists in the fight, proving, he's a true Southerner. Scarlett, a plantation princess outrages women of her class by not giving a damn about the proprieties. If Scarlett feels like doing something she does it. Neither one identifies with the norms of their society. But when it falls apart, perhaps because of their innate rejection of that society, their narcissism, and lack of moral scruples they are well equipped to survive the destruction. In a sense they represent the New South and it's not pretty. But it's very real, and very convincing. The funny part , I believe, is that the book was considered progressive when it was first published, It didn't uphold the prevailing Southern view that an age of chivalry and romance had been destroyed, but rather ridiculed that point of view, Scarlett and Rhett could care less about chivalry (except, of course, if they could use it to their advantage,) GWTW is also about a man and a woman who love each other very intensely but can't get along because of their similar but differing character traits. On the whole, I think Rhett behaves a lot better towards Scarlett than she does to him. He puts up with a lot, and only after she has driven him away, does Scarlett realize what a mess she has made of things, but still is convinced she'll get him back. I always thought Rhett would be better off with Belle than Scarlett. Rhett knows that Scarlett is a "little b-----" but is fascinated and thinks he'll win her over in the end. He does, but by then, he's lost his patience. I've often felt that Mitchell was onto something about American men and American women. Rhett and Scarlett are emblematic of a recognizable and repeatable pattern of the war of the sexes American style. GWTW is a great book and no amount of moral posturing and virtue signaling will change that. Those whose eyes are too sensitive and ears are too chaste to read this book or watch the movie can revel in their moral superiority and enjoy their fifteen minutes of fame, and be satisfied with that, since virtue is its own reward. Cheers !
I loved this whole comment. "On the whole, I think Rhett behaves a lot better towards Scarlett than she does to him." YES! He was no angel. But he was way more patient with her than he should have been. He was waiting for her to grow up. She eventually did. Alas, too late. "I always thought Rhett would be better off with Belle than Scarlett" Yay, I am not alone in my view! That's another thing I love about the book over the movie. We got to know Belle a bit more. I loved the actress and the scenes in the movie. But the book went a bit more in depth.
hey mike totally unrelated but I started reading like 3 months ago and currently im reading the red rising saga its so good i just started book 4 :- ). thanks for all the book recommendations
Melanie annoyed me for a long time. But I came to adore her. This is a case where the movie helped me. Olivia de Havilland was wonderful in the role. She not only portrayed Melanie's goodness, but her intelligence, dignity, and strength. I used to think she was naive and utterly blind. I grew up with this book and movie at the same time. It's all mixed up in my mind, but in the best way. I've changed my view on Melanie through the years. She knew a whole lot more than she let on. In the movie, her interactions with Rhett after [insert horrible event spoiler] shatter me, every time. Ashley didn't deserve her.
I read this book when I was 14. Bought a book club edition that I have since given away to my sister. I really loved the book and the movie. I finally bought the 75 anniversary edition and am reading it for a second time.
And this is why we shouldn't be canceling things. We need to remember the past even if it was ugly. Cancelling something only increases the possibility of it happening again. Great review ... Never read the book and not sure I ever will...maybe... Lol anyways keep up the good work.
It’s 12:54 am in NC and I just finished Gone With the Wind! Wow! Historical fiction is starting to work its magic on me. When I wake up later today I shall start on either Pillars of the Earth, or The Winter King. I love reading!
If you love the movie, I think you will love the book even more. It goes into so much more detail. The character of Ashley, also, is so much better done in the book. In my opinion, that's the weakest part of the film. I'm not sure if it's how he was written or if it's the performance of the actor. (Though he's great in certain parts.) But when you see Ashley in the movie, you can't figure out what she could have possibly seen in him. When you read the book, you understand that better. I still want to strangle him. But from a young girl's point of view, I can see why she crushed on him. He was a much more well-rounded character in the book.
@@Yesica1993 I 100% believe you. The characters are great. I see what you mean with Ashley, but I just assumed that he was the archetype of a gentleman that she wanted and so I just went with it
@@jamesalexander958 Yes, you are correct. He has more positive qualities in the book. (At least outward qualities, if not always moral ones.) The book fleshes out that gentleman archetype in a way that makes him, if not more likable, then at least more understandable. He's tragic too, because his way of life was also "gone with the wind." I can't believe I'm somewhat defending Ashley, LOL! I want to throttle the man. Pick a woman and commit one way or the other! But, yes, that's what I love about all of the characters. They are all very complex, just like real people are. For the character of Ashley, that was not very well portrayed in the movie version.
Do it, do it! It goes so much more in depth! If nothing else, you'll understand Scarlett's obsession with Ashley a bit better. I think that was the weakest point of the movie. Though I still hated Book!Ashley, I did understand him so much better than if I'd only watched the movie. And could sympathize with Scarlett a bit more as to why she had such a crush on him as a girl and why it continued her whole life.
Thank you for a nice review. Absolutely agree with you point of view! As a not native speeder, had to watch with a 0.75 speed to get everything you were saying haha Looking forward for your other reviews
It’s one of the best of the 20th Century. Ashley represents the Old South that Scarlett is in love with. Rhett represents 1930s, post Depression US, where the winners were the unscrupulous industrialist mega tycoons. Not deliberately in the story itself but that was the culture this story fell into. In 1929 many Americans could absolutely identify with “I’ll never go hungry again!” In 1939 there would have been very few dry eyes in the theater when she declared that. The South of the 1930s disdained industrialism and held on to agrarianism to their detriment for far too long. I think this book also inadvertently served to inspire the Greatest Generation to persevere in the soon to come WWII.
Outstanding analysis, Mike. First time I read GWTW was in '73 when I was 16. Love it to this day for all the compelling reasons you described. Initially, I was drawn in by the complex and fascinating characters, but later did a deep dive into the history of the Civil War, Reconstruction, Jim Crow and Civil Rights eras. Read "Memos of David O. Selznick" and saw how he grappled with both the concerns of black Americans and Southerners. Pretty sure there were some Confederate War veterans at the film's festivities. I was horrified when I read that Hattie McDaniel was excluded from the premiere and did not sit with the other stars of GWTW at the Academy Awards ceremony. I share your positive perspective that one's distaste of aspects of the book and film indicate the progress that has been made over time. There is still much human misery today as children and adults are being trafficked as I type this post. Wonder what people 100 years from now will think about our efforts to eradicate this and other problems. You have earned a new subscriber today!
Fiddle dee dee. Great balls of fire! It's an interesting reading of plantation life and slavery. It's written in the third person and there are times when you might wonder if the narrator feels the same way about slavery as Scarlet. Scarlet's so shallow she doesn't question it's morality. In fact she's pretty amoral herself. Now when I say 'narrator' I don't mean the author. In third person fiction the narrator is also a character. In the case of "Gone with the Wind" I believe the narrator is a Southern sympathizer.
Thank you for doing this review. My wife and I love reading Sanderson and Outlander together. We’ve had trouble with other books known for Romance because it gets overbearing really fast. It sounds like this book has great epic qualities and a romance so it’s right up our alley 😊
I don't have my first copy anymore. It had alot of book fungi or whatever you call it but it smelled amazing 🤣 and I finished it in 24 hours! It was disintegrating and I threw it away after I read it after my end of highschool exams. [The warmth of june, the sunlight, the peace...That experience will be with me for a long time]
I just picked this up today, along with Dracula and Frankenstein. Your recommendation was a deciding factor. Because of all the subversion in modern escapism, I decided to go back to the classics.
I read this book last year. EXCELLENT read. And yes, the racism was rough. BUT! My God I love/hate Scarlett! Her mindset actually helped me push through some rough patches myself. So yes, I can say this book has helped me personally.
Mitchell had a hell of a time writing the book - it took her ten years. When the book was finally finished she vowed she would never write another book again, and she never did.
So glad you did this review. I think this book is crucial for those interested in this time frame. Our presentation of the south is exclusively evil. This book shows the flaws and nuances of all parties involved in a really honest way
Currently reading it, only on page 10, oh god It's gonna take me a lifetime to finish this book, but I love the movie so it inspired me to read it, I know it should be vise versa. I'm curious if you read all 14 Oz books and what you thought of them and Frank Baum writing style? Hope to find a video of that if you did one. Regardless, I'm liking the book so far, Scarlett seems the same in the book as she is in the movie lol. I'm reading a library book of it, it's so long that it was two months over due, they should give you six months to read a huge monster like this book. Granted I could have gotten further than 10 pages for two months worth, I took my sweet time of cracking it open and reading it.
This one is also in my top 10. I first read it at 18 and now at 33 I read not only Scarlett, but Ashley, on a much deeper level. Thanks for inspiring the re-read! I've also read Scarlett and Rhett Butler's People but they didn't come close to the greatness of the original.
I love Gone With The Wind. It deserves all the accolades. Also, I'd like to make a suggestion- Holmes On The Range by Steve Hockensmith. This series is my new literary love. lol It's set in the 1800's Old West, focusing on an illiterate cowboy and his younger brother who try to fashion themselves into detectives, thanks to a campfire reading of The Red-Headed League. It has everything- mystery, action, humor, and some of the best characters and character development, in my opinion. If you love characters who work hard against impossible odds, you'll love this.
Fantastic review! I watched part of the movie adaptation when it was airing on TV several years ago, but I need to watch it. I really, REALLY need to read the book, too! I just got a beautiful edition from my former piano teacher while she was getting ready to move, and it’s really been on my mind lately. Thanks for sharing this!
Mike this was a great review. Gone With the Wind was one of my mother's favorite movies. I have seen a lot and can quote most of the dialogue. After decades of watching it, I read the book in what seems like ages ago and enjoyed it as well, especially the parts left out of the movie. I did not like the sequel either. I am black and of a certain age. I may be offended by slavery and how it was in the south, but I chose to read it as a woman because I feel like Scarlett is a strong character. She does not faint or shy away from hardships. And she did some low down things to recreate the wealth she was born into. Her toughness and thick skin kept her from giving up. This book did not shy away from the horrors of war.
There was a rumor that Gone With the Wind was a true story, but the author just changed the names of the characters. Have you heard anything about this?
It's one of the top 5 in my great American novels list (Grapes of Wrath, Lonesome Dove, The Last of the Mohicans, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn are the others for me, with To Kill a Mockingbird sometimes jumping in and out). I think it contains a great love story but in no way would I call it a romance. I love romances, and this isn't a romance novel. The focus of the story is on the change and the perseverance of one family through the major upheaval of the Civil War. They're not nice people- maybe that's why they survived. But survive they did and the story is fascinating.
I always say Scarlett is one of the few true female antiheros. She's not going to change, and that's a lot more realistic than her growing a heart of gold. That's still a very rare type of female character. We may root for Walter White and Tony Soprano with all their flaws, but we still want our women to be sweet and soft underneath it all.
Mike, I never read Gone With the Wind, but I’ve seen the movie many times. Your review has made me want to read the actual book. I never could figure out why Scarlet had such a thing for Ashley Wilkes. I guess because her and Rhett were so alike. So I’m going to have to check it out. Like you said the Southern people had their way of life ripped from them.
As I've said in a few comments, the way Ashley was portrayed in the movie is one of the few weak points! I promise if you read the book you'll get a more rounded picture and you'll see a bit more of why Scarlett was infatuated with him. In the book he's portrayed as dashing, skilled in horse riding, hunting, a soldier, etc. But he was also the more "artsy" type who loved good books and music and all the beautiful things of life. He could have been a great person if he, y'know, fully committed to his wife and stopped lusting after Scarlett. I will never respect him for that reason. But I can better see why Scarlett was drawn to him, especially when she was younger. Why she continued for so long is still hard for me to take... except that he also represented the way of life that was being lost to them all. She never really loved him because she never really knew him. She only knew and loved her image of him and the past that he represented.
The strength of the story and why it's so re-readable is that the characters are so realistic. Magnified for fiction, sure. But they are complex. You may hate them one moment and root for them the next. Or if not root for them, at least understand why they acted as they did. You see them in horrible situations and wonder... what would I do? Would I always do the right thing? What even is the right thing in some circumstances? Argh! You are making me want to reread it and I can't right now!
Yeah, it’s a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. Just skip it and review the latest YA trash instead. 🙄 So over this era of denigrating those who actually have talent. The book is a brilliant character study of an antiheroine. You can’t stand her, but the brilliance of Mitchell’s writing makes you root for her anyway. I’ve never experienced anything else like it.
I haven't read it (watched the movie several times), but I doubt that Gone with the Wind qualifies as one of the Great American Novels, which is not to say that it is bad or not a part of American history and culture, but not as sophisticated as something like Moby Dick. That's just a nitpick though. What makes me write a comment is the criticism that the movie and book get. It will forever be beyond me how some people are seemingly incapable or unwilling to see any kind of artistic work as a product of its time. I mostly read classic literature if I would let modern sensibilities decide whether to read or like something from the past I wouldn't be able to read and enjoy some/many of humanity's greatest achievements. The problem is not whether a work of art has elements that we do not agree with today but whether those are its sole purpose. I would have a tough time enjoying a ficitonal work that would try to convince me that a group of people are inherently inferior. Still, a movie like Birth of Nation can still have its value if for nothing else than it's historical importance. I guess Gone with the Wind does a have simple and romanticized idea of antebellum south and slavery, but I don't think that it ever is the main focus of the story in the book or the movie. The main focus is on the characters. Because of this video I read up on Margaret Mitchell and given her background, Gone with the End couldn't have turned any different. It would have been interesting to see what she might have had to say about it if she had lived longer. Since I mentioned the characters, Scarlett might be one of my favorite female characters. I often have the impression that when someone demands strong female characters in popular movies today that it mostly boils down to them being able to fight as well as the male characters (I am probably wrong on this, but that's the impression often get). Give me a strong (but still flawed) woman like Scarlett any day of the week. For some reason I always expect Gone of the Wind to not quite work for me anymore whenever I watch it, and am afterwards always amazed how easily it draws you into the story.
Some additional thoughts about GWTW. GWTW is an American novel that in many ways is comparable to Tolstoi's War and Peace. It occupies roughly the same territory in Russian literary history that the Civil War does in American history, the impact of Napoleon's invasion of Russia and the human costs that invasion imposed on ordinary Russians at all social levels. I read both works around the same time. I saw the GWTW movie when I was 15, and I read War and Peace just after I turned 16. Within a year or so I read GWTW as a novel. Although I think War and Peace is the better novel, and Tolstoi's view more humane, I liked GWTW better. Why ? It's not just because I'm an American. It's because Scarlett and Rhett are the type of heroes I find it easy to accept. Pierre and Natasha are simply not strong people. For sure, Natasha is a lovely and decent young girl. No real problem with her, but she's no Scarlett O'Hara although she's far more likable. The problem is Pierre. Pierre is a brave and one feels a man of great potential. But Pierre dithers around he gives up a lot of liberal ideas and his admiration for Napoleon, but he doesn't know what to do. Finally, he decides to assassinate Napoleon but whatever his intent he doesn';t get very far before being caught by the French and narrowly escapes death. Prince Andre, who is a soldier does his duty and gets killed. No dithering in his case. But Pierre who is a better person than Rhett doesn't really do much. In Russian literature from my reading people wander around asking: What is to be done ? They just don't seem to know. Someone has to tell them. One Russian writer said of Russian Revolutionaries of the 1880's that there are men in Russia with the courage to walk through fire to right the wrongs of society, but they need direction. (I had the same problem with Doctor Zhivago who never really could seem to make up his mind what to do.) Of course, I concede that in upheavals like these finding the right course of action is not easy, but in fiction, at least, I like decisive individuals for heroes. That, of course, may simply be a cultural trait: Americans are used to making decisions for themselves, and seldom look around for someone to tell them what to do.
My original copy was a small paperback that was already old when I found it at a used bookstore. I'm 50+ and I've had it since 8th grade. I only know that because I had scrawled my classroom number in it. It's literally falling apart. I finally gave up trying to read from it. My eyesight was never great. It's obviously not getting any better as I age. The tiny print is no longer comfortable to read. I put it into a plastic bag for protection. I can't bear to part with it. What was difficult was trying to find a replacement with a cover that didn't look like a cheap romance. I usually don't pay much attention to covers. But the ones I was finding were awful. Any "romance" here was never my interest or focus. I love the full story and the characters. I think I found the one you were reading from. It was good, but the cover was a bit torn and it wasn't exactly what I wanted. I hit the jackpot and finally found The One. I think it was from Thriftbooks. It's green on top and bottom, with a drawing of Tara in the center. Simple and elegant. It's an ex-library hardcover with the plastic cover, so it should last me the rest of my life. It was in near new shape. I think it was something like $10.00, which was a steal! My sister is also a huge fan, so I gave your edition to her. We also adore the film. We had the opportunity to see it in theaters for the 70th or 75th anniversary. Something like that. It was wonderful!
I say if you love a book it doesn't have to be one kind of book. I don't read like that, and I know you don't either. A few summers back Mom read this one and all the sequels (by other authors) and had a ball with the whole thing. I'm a big fan of the movie. I read half the novel.
I really love your perspective on the controversy. I like hearing why people take issue with it, who should NOT read it, but then your rationale (perhaps because your thoughts align with mine lol)
I have read this book several times, starting in high school and i am swept away every time. Its a great historical record. People may not like it, but it is an accurate portrayal. Thanks for discussing it honestly. Its a great book. 17:10
Thank you for reviewing this book, it’s one of my favorites as well and feel it gets written off too often today, also side note you set off my Alexa while I watched 😂
It was never the great American novel. It is a romance and lacks insights. It is prejudiced and self righteous. This review is worthy of the book. Insipid.
Thank you for defending this book. It's one of my favourites.
I just got finished reading it a half an hour ago and I loved it. It was amazing. It took me about a week to read it all because I wanted to take my time reading it but I bought the Kindle book for $.99 and I don't regret it either. It was worth the buy.😊😊
I'm so glad!
My dad gave me a copy when I was 10, back in 1972. I was too intimidated by the length to read it for 2 more years. I was hooked. My dad and I outlined our own sequel but because of copyright laws...it remained between us, our quality time together. I still reread every 2 or 3 years. Probably time to revisit my old friends Scarlett, Rhett and Melony.
Me to, I see the 1000 pages and it looks like a book that will take me forever.
@@tammie1078Please try it. I was 16 in 1973 when I read it. Was so upset when it was over.
Best review of this book that I have ever heard. Although, most reviewers don’t have the courage to even discuss it. Just discovered your channel and you are a stand out. Much respect, looking forward to diving into all of your past reviews.
This is a really good yarn of a book. Scarlett is fascinating...Rhett is such a sympathetic character...it really is his love story as we never really feel Scarlett's love for Ashley. Just a sort of emotional talisman she clings to out of habit and bitterness and a sort of pathetic vendetta. Backdrop is beautiful, chaotic, terrifying. Margaret Mitchell was a southern woman raised on the grief of the vanquished and the humiliation of what transpired post war. Great book and must be read through the lens of that era. 💚
Lonesome Dove and Gone with Wind….Killer Angels by Michael Shaara should be your next historical fiction. Love your content! Thanks for creating
I just ordered The Killer Angels. Never heard of it or the author. As a huge fan of historical fiction (Ken Follett and especially John Jakes, who discovered within the last few years) this one seems right up my alley and was an instant buy. I'm currently reading Lonesome Dove for a second time, last read was in the 90s during high school.
I'm here for it! I love historical fiction, and civil war (and post war) fiction is my jam. I never read Gone with the Wind yet, but I got this thick-ass 1974 paperback edition with yellowing-brown pages and a cover ready to fall off. I cannot WAIT to dive in.
Great review!
Love this book! Read it when I was 13 in 1976 after seeing the movie.
The book was written by a Southern woman with a Southern bias. The characters are stereotypes, yet the book is supremely entertaining and well-written. The main flaw is that Mitchell tried to excuse slavery on the grounds that slaves were taken care of, ignoring the fact that slavery is a moral wrong, and an evil practice. Mitchell's bio THE ROAD TO TARA, is as fascinating as the novel itself.
Can't wait to read this! Can only imagine how cool Rhett Butler is on page.
Scarlett had two qualities: courage and family devotion. Scarlett did many things, but she never felt sorry for herself. Her courage was the main reason why readers admired her, despite her bad flaws.
Just started this for August, you got me interested in this Mike, with your top 10 books of all-time. I'm a huge Dune fan, and did not think I would like Gone With The Wind, but I'm 523 pages in and I can't believe im saying this but im loving Gone With The Wind lol.
I'm always surprised when I remember to look and see how big it is. I've read it many times and it seems to fly by. You feel like you are there, seeing and experiencing it all. Even if the movie had never existed, I think it would still feel like that. Love it or hate it, you have to admit that it's at least well written!
@@Yesica1993 Its very well written, this is my first time reading the book I have never watched the movie either it's fantastic.
IMHO you missed/didn't cover the DEPTH of Mitchell's characterizations
Scarlett is strong, but her strength is one dimensional. It is usually with her but escapes her when she is vulnerable--like when she's crying to Rhett after Frank dies--glad her mother isn't alive to see her behavior and fearing going to Hell.
Melanie is sweet and loyal--but underneath that she is just as strong as Scarlett. Strong enough to help Scarlett murder a man and then coolly lie about it. Again when Ashley is injured. Her strength never escapes her. It is the foundation of her sweetness.
Ashley has all the gallantry of the old southern gentleman--but it is a veneer.. He can go to war, as society would dictate he would do. But underneath he's weak, and depends on Melanie for her strength. IMHO he knows his weakness and recognized the veneer, but doesn't have the strength to try and change.
Rhett is a scallywag--on the surface tough and cynical. But it is a mask hiding his depth, his capacity and desire for love. He knowingly adopts the mask when he recognizes his vulnerability if he reveals that desire. He shows his full self to Melanie and Bonnie--he knows his vulnerability is safe. In the jail scene he starts to become vulnerable to Scarlett, then quickly pulls on the mask when he realizes what's happening.
I love that you’ve reviewed both Gone With the Wind & Lonesome Dove! Two of my favorites. Great characters in both books!! Love historical fiction❤
Finally decided at age 68 to take the plunge. Only 3 chapters in. Characterization unbelievable from the start. Will slow down and savor.
I lost track of how many times I have said GONE WITH THE WIND Is the perfect novel. Perfect story, perfect carachters. I have read it twice and I will read it again. Perfect book!
Another fantastic video!!! Thank you!!! And it's important to learn from the truth of the past!
Great review Mike! I first read this book when I was about 12 years old It was an old crappy mass market version with Scarlett’s bosoms all over the cover and I was expected romance and boot knocking. Instead I had my mind blown by the most realistic and awe inspiring picture of a period of American history that I’d never imagined. In good and bad ways.
That's why I loathe those stupid covers! I cannot remember buying my first copy or what drew me to it. I know it was from a thrift store. And I probably saw the movie first. If I had just seen a cover like that in the store, I never would have picked it up!
I have watch the movie every year at new years eve since I was 7.
A great tradition.
I love this book. It's some of the best writing in the English Language. It's so special. Thanks for the great video.
It really is!
My Favorite videos from Mike are the ones where he talks about classics.believe it or not it’s how I started watching this channel.
I was absolutely surprised when Mike said he was going to read GWTW!!!
You single handedly put this book on my radar. It just never seemed interesting to me until I heard you talking about it
When I was 10 we moved from Atlanta to Copenhagen, Denmark. My Mom had picked up the book in the airport when we left. Since I couldn't read Danish yet, this book was all I had to read for an entire summer. I read it so many times that it fell apart and I had to tape it back together again. Being homesick in Europe meant something, I think. But as an avid reader, I also knew that this was just a good, good story. I loved it then and I love it now. Yes, there are questionable topics in it - I recognized this even in 1973. But I still love the story and the characters. An all time favorite for me. And it was my jumping-off spot to becoming a History buff.
Thanks for this review. After finishing the book, I wanted to get a couple of reviews from different perspectives, so I listen to yours as well as the review by “Supposedly Fun”. he does a deeper dive, but both offer some interesting points. I recently read this book after people suggested not criticizing the movie until reading the book. I agree with some of your comments about the book being captivating, and that it is not a love story between Rhett and Scarlett. There are some troubling elements that were not mentioned in this review. I’m glad I read it and I would not recommend it as historical fiction as much as historical propaganda/fiction. The story had some accuracy with the timeline of events, but many inaccuracies regarding African-Americans and their viewpoints, treatment of the enslaved, Yankees, and anyone else seen as “perpetrators”.
The love story is between Margaret Mitchell and the old South/confederacy. I can’t help but think that this book with all of it readers, was how people learned a false history of the Civil War, the reconstruction years, and slavery. That is probably the most troubling aspect of this book to me.
I am not sure where the writing started to become cringy, but early enough on where I wondered if I could finish the book. I decided if I was going to be able to review it, I did need to complete it. Had she just kept with the characters and left out her overt racism, and hatred of the union/northerners, I think it could’ve been a much more beautiful story that did not need a further deep dive.
Margaret Mitchell told the story as the narrator; it wasn’t Scarlett telling her view of things. If it had been Scarlett with her self-centered nature, it would’ve been more palatable when African-Americans were labeled as inferior, lazy, etc. It would’ve been understandable that she saw the KKK as heroes and necessary. In Scarlett’s experience, it would be understandable for her to resent the federal government/union soldiers. However, Margaret Mitchell tells these stories as if they are historical facts of the time versus the view of Scarlett. This is where it becomes dangerous propaganda that fed many peoples minds. Even Melanie, who is so “sweet”, knew her husband was in the KKK and didn’t seem bothered by the purpose of the group.
I really liked the movie when I watched it several times many years ago, despite the more subtle racism. After reading the book and knowing more about the author and her views at the time, I don’t think the movie will seem quite as enjoyable. I would not ban this book, but I would not recommend it to anybody looking for a history of the Civil War and the aftermath. I think it could be a good book for a high school or college class to examine the writing, character development, and some of the more disturbing themes in this book, especially given the time frame when it was written.
I’m presently reading Gone with the Wind at the age 65 for the first time, even though the film is one of my all time favourites and like you watched Zillions of times . About 3/4 of the way through loving it. So much more to it than the film. Touches a lot more on the reconstruction after the war than the film depicts. And as a uk subscriber didnt really know much about the history of that era. Obviously this is a fictional story from Margaret Mitchell view. But the book peeked my interest of that period that I’ve googled and learning the history of that time frame. Definitely can’t help rooting for Scarlet despite her bad traits. Gone with the Wind will be added to my top 10 favourite books.
I love this comment!
Love your diversity Mike! Please include classics!!! Love this book- and I highly recommend to anybody interested in American history.
Loved the review! Back in the 80's, I found a 1938 hardcover edition of this book inside an old desk that was being scrapped at work. Needless to say, I rescued it and love reading it - especially enjoying all the extra content the movie didn't include.
Great Review! I went into this book completely blind other than knowing the names Scarlett and Rhett. What I found was one of the best (if not THE best) books I've ever read.
Yay! I wish I could do a brain wipe and then read it for the first time!
My husband bought this for me as a birthday present, it's very hight on my TBR list. Last month I read Lonesome Dove because of your review. It was incredible! Can't wait to read Gone With the Wind now.❤
I plan to make this my next classic read for 2024. The year before last was Leo Tolstoy's War and Peace, this year was my year of Jane Austen. Gone with the Wind is a favorite of my mums, and I grew up watching the movie at least once a year. I know my enjoyment of Historical Fiction comes from my mum. She prefers American history, but I am down with a mix of world regions.
🌎🥰📖 📚📚📚📚📚
You made me read lonesome dove, and now i want to read gone with the wind after your review!
Well darn. I haven't read this book since I was 12. You've convinced me to give it a re-read. I have seen the movie many times. The first time was with my Mom when they re-released it into theaters I think it was back in the '70's.
I was so upset when it was released in theaters for some anniversary. Maybe the 50th? I found out about it after the fact. I wanted to cry. Many years later, maybe for the 70th or 75th, my sister and I were able to get tickets. It was so wonderful to finally see it in all its glory, on the big screen!
@@Yesica1993 I'm glad you got to see it in a theater also and you enjoyed it. A memorable experience.😃
@@RobynHoodeofSherwoodThanks!
Thanks for this. My favourite book, and probably among my favourite movies as well. Read it the first time when I was 13. Immediately hooked ❤
I first read this novel as a teen and couldn't put it down! I still love it. Scarlett, perfect or not, is a vibrant ALIVE woman with determination and grit!
Hey Mike, if you haven't already, another excellent classic historical fiction epic I would be thrilled to see you review is War & Peace! I'll admit, when I started, I was fairly intimidated by both the length and sheer number of characters, but once I settled in, I could not stop.
Excellent review Mike. I think you nailed it very well. Both Scarlett and Rhett are "outliers" to the Old South. Rhett was pretty much disowned by his Family before the war started. He seems to have known the war was hopeless from the beginning, but when the war was truly in its last phases, quixotically, he enlists in the fight, proving, he's a true Southerner. Scarlett, a plantation princess outrages women of her class by not giving a damn about the proprieties. If Scarlett feels like doing something she does it. Neither one identifies with the norms of their society. But when it falls apart, perhaps because of their innate rejection of that society, their narcissism, and lack of moral scruples they are well equipped to survive
the destruction. In a sense they represent the New South and it's not pretty. But it's very real, and very convincing.
The funny part , I believe, is that the book was considered progressive when it was first published, It didn't uphold the prevailing Southern view that an age of chivalry and romance had been destroyed, but rather ridiculed that point of view, Scarlett and Rhett could care less about chivalry (except, of course, if they could use it to their advantage,)
GWTW is also about a man and a woman who love each other very intensely but can't get along because of their similar but differing character traits. On the whole, I think Rhett behaves a lot better towards Scarlett than she does to him. He puts up with a lot, and only
after she has driven him away, does Scarlett realize what a mess she has made of things, but still is convinced she'll get him back. I always thought Rhett would be better off with
Belle than Scarlett. Rhett knows that Scarlett is a "little b-----" but is fascinated and thinks he'll win her over in the end. He does, but by then, he's lost his patience. I've often felt that Mitchell was onto something about American men and American women. Rhett and Scarlett are emblematic of a recognizable and repeatable pattern of the war of the sexes American style.
GWTW is a great book and no amount of moral posturing and virtue signaling will change that. Those whose eyes are too sensitive and ears are too chaste to read this book or watch the movie can revel in their moral superiority and enjoy their fifteen minutes of fame, and be satisfied with that, since virtue is its own reward.
Cheers !
I loved this whole comment.
"On the whole, I think Rhett behaves a lot better towards Scarlett than she does to him."
YES! He was no angel. But he was way more patient with her than he should have been. He was waiting for her to grow up. She eventually did. Alas, too late.
"I always thought Rhett would be better off with Belle than Scarlett"
Yay, I am not alone in my view! That's another thing I love about the book over the movie. We got to know Belle a bit more. I loved the actress and the scenes in the movie. But the book went a bit more in depth.
hey mike totally unrelated but I started reading like 3 months ago and currently im reading the red rising saga its so good i just started book 4 :- ). thanks for all the book recommendations
Great video, thank you for continuing to do book reviews. Top ten book of all time for me and a great movie.
Melanie annoyed me for a long time. But I came to adore her. This is a case where the movie helped me. Olivia de Havilland was wonderful in the role. She not only portrayed Melanie's goodness, but her intelligence, dignity, and strength. I used to think she was naive and utterly blind. I grew up with this book and movie at the same time. It's all mixed up in my mind, but in the best way. I've changed my view on Melanie through the years. She knew a whole lot more than she let on. In the movie, her interactions with Rhett after [insert horrible event spoiler] shatter me, every time. Ashley didn't deserve her.
I agree with your take on Melanie!! As I have become older, I realize Melanie made the best of a difficult situation.
I read this book when I was 14. Bought a book club edition that I have since given away to my sister. I really loved the book and the movie. I finally bought the 75 anniversary edition and am reading it for a second time.
2024 for me is the read of the Epic. Im reading a ton of books all over 600 pages that are staples in what they do. This is on the list!
This has been sitting on my shelf for a while and I do mean to get to it at some point. Great review, Mike!
And this is why we shouldn't be canceling things. We need to remember the past even if it was ugly. Cancelling something only increases the possibility of it happening again. Great review ... Never read the book and not sure I ever will...maybe... Lol anyways keep up the good work.
Yes, Mike! Btw, when's the movie night?
Wasn’t sure anyone still wanted to. When I ask I get crickets 😂
I have this on my reading list, just waiting on the B&N classic leather bound version.
That would be an awesome version!
It’s 12:54 am in NC and I just finished Gone With the Wind! Wow! Historical fiction is starting to work its magic on me. When I wake up later today I shall start on either Pillars of the Earth, or The Winter King. I love reading!
My wife and I watched the movie a few months ago and we loved it
If you love the movie, I think you will love the book even more. It goes into so much more detail. The character of Ashley, also, is so much better done in the book. In my opinion, that's the weakest part of the film. I'm not sure if it's how he was written or if it's the performance of the actor. (Though he's great in certain parts.) But when you see Ashley in the movie, you can't figure out what she could have possibly seen in him. When you read the book, you understand that better. I still want to strangle him. But from a young girl's point of view, I can see why she crushed on him. He was a much more well-rounded character in the book.
@@Yesica1993 I 100% believe you. The characters are great. I see what you mean with Ashley, but I just assumed that he was the archetype of a gentleman that she wanted and so I just went with it
@@jamesalexander958 Yes, you are correct. He has more positive qualities in the book. (At least outward qualities, if not always moral ones.) The book fleshes out that gentleman archetype in a way that makes him, if not more likable, then at least more understandable. He's tragic too, because his way of life was also "gone with the wind."
I can't believe I'm somewhat defending Ashley, LOL! I want to throttle the man. Pick a woman and commit one way or the other! But, yes, that's what I love about all of the characters. They are all very complex, just like real people are. For the character of Ashley, that was not very well portrayed in the movie version.
My second favorite book of all time just behind Dune.
I have watched the movie adaptation so many times since I was 9 years old I might read the book if the library has a copy
Do it, do it! It goes so much more in depth! If nothing else, you'll understand Scarlett's obsession with Ashley a bit better. I think that was the weakest point of the movie. Though I still hated Book!Ashley, I did understand him so much better than if I'd only watched the movie. And could sympathize with Scarlett a bit more as to why she had such a crush on him as a girl and why it continued her whole life.
Thank you for a nice review. Absolutely agree with you point of view! As a not native speeder, had to watch with a 0.75 speed to get everything you were saying haha
Looking forward for your other reviews
It’s one of the best of the 20th Century.
Ashley represents the Old South that Scarlett is in love with. Rhett represents 1930s, post Depression US, where the winners were the unscrupulous industrialist mega tycoons. Not deliberately in the story itself but that was the culture this story fell into. In 1929 many Americans could absolutely identify with “I’ll never go hungry again!” In 1939 there would have been very few dry eyes in the theater when she declared that. The South of the 1930s disdained industrialism and held on to agrarianism to their detriment for far too long.
I think this book also inadvertently served to inspire the Greatest Generation to persevere in the soon to come WWII.
This is a must-buy!
Outstanding analysis, Mike. First time I read GWTW was in '73 when I was 16. Love it to this day for all the compelling reasons you described. Initially, I was drawn in by the complex and fascinating characters, but later did a deep dive into the history of the Civil War, Reconstruction, Jim Crow and Civil Rights eras. Read "Memos of David O. Selznick" and saw how he grappled with both the concerns of black Americans and Southerners. Pretty sure there were some Confederate War veterans at the film's festivities. I was horrified when I read that Hattie McDaniel was excluded from the premiere and did not sit with the other stars of GWTW at the Academy Awards ceremony. I share your positive perspective that one's distaste of aspects of the book and film indicate the progress that has been made over time. There is still much human misery today as children and adults are being trafficked as I type this post. Wonder what people 100 years from now will think about our efforts to eradicate this and other problems.
You have earned a new subscriber today!
Fiddle dee dee. Great balls of fire! It's an interesting reading of plantation life and slavery. It's written in the third person and there are times when you might wonder if the narrator feels the same way about slavery as Scarlet. Scarlet's so shallow she doesn't question it's morality. In fact she's pretty amoral herself. Now when I say 'narrator' I don't mean the author. In third person fiction the narrator is also a character. In the case of "Gone with the Wind" I believe the narrator is a Southern sympathizer.
Thank you for doing this review. My wife and I love reading Sanderson and Outlander together. We’ve had trouble with other books known for Romance because it gets overbearing really fast. It sounds like this book has great epic qualities and a romance so it’s right up our alley 😊
You've definitely convinced me! Though there are many mammoths on the TBR ahead of it.
I don't have my first copy anymore. It had alot of book fungi or whatever you call it but it smelled amazing 🤣 and I finished it in 24 hours! It was disintegrating and I threw it away after I read it after my end of highschool exams. [The warmth of june, the sunlight, the peace...That experience will be with me for a long time]
Great review! Its one of my favorite books too. I agree with your sentiments regarding the book!
I just picked this up today, along with Dracula and Frankenstein. Your recommendation was a deciding factor. Because of all the subversion in modern escapism, I decided to go back to the classics.
Should read this soon, haven't seencthe movie either. Thanks for a great review Mike!
Excellent review.
I read this book last year. EXCELLENT read. And yes, the racism was rough. BUT!
My God I love/hate Scarlett! Her mindset actually helped me push through some rough patches myself. So yes, I can say this book has helped me personally.
Mitchell had a hell of a time writing the book - it took her ten years. When the book was finally finished she vowed she would never write another book again, and she never did.
So glad you did this review. I think this book is crucial for those interested in this time frame. Our presentation of the south is exclusively evil. This book shows the flaws and nuances of all parties involved in a really honest way
Added to the reading list! Speaking of classics, you may want to try Crime and Punishment sometime.
Currently reading it, only on page 10, oh god It's gonna take me a lifetime to finish this book, but I love the movie so it inspired me to read it, I know it should be vise versa. I'm curious if you read all 14 Oz books and what you thought of them and Frank Baum writing style? Hope to find a video of that if you did one. Regardless, I'm liking the book so far, Scarlett seems the same in the book as she is in the movie lol. I'm reading a library book of it, it's so long that it was two months over due, they should give you six months to read a huge monster like this book. Granted I could have gotten further than 10 pages for two months worth, I took my sweet time of cracking it open and reading it.
Any update on spoiler talk for Light Bringer?
This one is also in my top 10. I first read it at 18 and now at 33 I read not only Scarlett, but Ashley, on a much deeper level. Thanks for inspiring the re-read! I've also read Scarlett and Rhett Butler's People but they didn't come close to the greatness of the original.
I love Gone With The Wind. It deserves all the accolades. Also, I'd like to make a suggestion- Holmes On The Range by Steve Hockensmith. This series is my new literary love. lol It's set in the 1800's Old West, focusing on an illiterate cowboy and his younger brother who try to fashion themselves into detectives, thanks to a campfire reading of The Red-Headed League. It has everything- mystery, action, humor, and some of the best characters and character development, in my opinion. If you love characters who work hard against impossible odds, you'll love this.
You don't need to apologize for bad things happening in books
Fantastic review! I watched part of the movie adaptation when it was airing on TV several years ago, but I need to watch it. I really, REALLY need to read the book, too! I just got a beautiful edition from my former piano teacher while she was getting ready to move, and it’s really been on my mind lately.
Thanks for sharing this!
You triggered my Alexa lol
Scrolling through comments, I reached this comment just as he said that!
Mine said .. I didn’t quite get that.
I really like the book, but I couldn't stand Rhett. I was waiting for him to get his comeuppance, but it never came.
Mike this was a great review. Gone With the Wind was one of my mother's favorite movies. I have seen a lot and can quote most of the dialogue. After decades of watching it, I read the book in what seems like ages ago and enjoyed it as well, especially the parts left out of the movie. I did not like the sequel either. I am black and of a certain age. I may be offended by slavery and how it was in the south, but I chose to read it as a woman because I feel like Scarlett is a strong character. She does not faint or shy away from hardships. And she did some low down things to recreate the wealth she was born into. Her toughness and thick skin kept her from giving up. This book did not shy away from the horrors of war.
There was a rumor that Gone With the Wind was a true story, but the author just changed the names of the characters. Have you heard anything about this?
It's one of the top 5 in my great American novels list (Grapes of Wrath, Lonesome Dove, The Last of the Mohicans, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn are the others for me, with To Kill a Mockingbird sometimes jumping in and out). I think it contains a great love story but in no way would I call it a romance. I love romances, and this isn't a romance novel. The focus of the story is on the change and the perseverance of one family through the major upheaval of the Civil War. They're not nice people- maybe that's why they survived. But survive they did and the story is fascinating.
I always say Scarlett is one of the few true female antiheros. She's not going to change, and that's a lot more realistic than her growing a heart of gold. That's still a very rare type of female character. We may root for Walter White and Tony Soprano with all their flaws, but we still want our women to be sweet and soft underneath it all.
When you said ‘’Alexa’’ you triggered my Alexa and she answered the question LOL
HA ha whoops!
Mike, I never read Gone With the Wind, but I’ve seen the movie many times. Your review has made me want to read the actual book. I never could figure out why Scarlet had such a thing for Ashley Wilkes. I guess because her and Rhett were so alike. So I’m going to have to check it out. Like you said the Southern people had their way of life ripped from them.
As I've said in a few comments, the way Ashley was portrayed in the movie is one of the few weak points! I promise if you read the book you'll get a more rounded picture and you'll see a bit more of why Scarlett was infatuated with him. In the book he's portrayed as dashing, skilled in horse riding, hunting, a soldier, etc. But he was also the more "artsy" type who loved good books and music and all the beautiful things of life. He could have been a great person if he, y'know, fully committed to his wife and stopped lusting after Scarlett. I will never respect him for that reason. But I can better see why Scarlett was drawn to him, especially when she was younger. Why she continued for so long is still hard for me to take... except that he also represented the way of life that was being lost to them all. She never really loved him because she never really knew him. She only knew and loved her image of him and the past that he represented.
Please do a movie review?
I'll give it another try.
"Gone with the Wind" is the only book I've read that succeeds with character, setting, and dialogue.
The strength of the story and why it's so re-readable is that the characters are so realistic. Magnified for fiction, sure. But they are complex. You may hate them one moment and root for them the next. Or if not root for them, at least understand why they acted as they did. You see them in horrible situations and wonder... what would I do? Would I always do the right thing? What even is the right thing in some circumstances?
Argh! You are making me want to reread it and I can't right now!
Yeah, it’s a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. Just skip it and review the latest YA trash instead. 🙄 So over this era of denigrating those who actually have talent. The book is a brilliant character study of an antiheroine. You can’t stand her, but the brilliance of Mitchell’s writing makes you root for her anyway. I’ve never experienced anything else like it.
Well said
In my top 10 of all time also! Maybe time for another read.
Storm of Swords 😹
Because of you I am considering it!
I haven't read it (watched the movie several times), but I doubt that Gone with the Wind qualifies as one of the Great American Novels, which is not to say that it is bad or not a part of American history and culture, but not as sophisticated as something like Moby Dick. That's just a nitpick though.
What makes me write a comment is the criticism that the movie and book get. It will forever be beyond me how some people are seemingly incapable or unwilling to see any kind of artistic work as a product of its time. I mostly read classic literature if I would let modern sensibilities decide whether to read or like something from the past I wouldn't be able to read and enjoy some/many of humanity's greatest achievements.
The problem is not whether a work of art has elements that we do not agree with today but whether those are its sole purpose. I would have a tough time enjoying a ficitonal work that would try to convince me that a group of people are inherently inferior. Still, a movie like Birth of Nation can still have its value if for nothing else than it's historical importance.
I guess Gone with the Wind does a have simple and romanticized idea of antebellum south and slavery, but I don't think that it ever is the main focus of the story in the book or the movie. The main focus is on the characters. Because of this video I read up on Margaret Mitchell and given her background, Gone with the End couldn't have turned any different. It would have been interesting to see what she might have had to say about it if she had lived longer.
Since I mentioned the characters, Scarlett might be one of my favorite female characters. I often have the impression that when someone demands strong female characters in popular movies today that it mostly boils down to them being able to fight as well as the male characters (I am probably wrong on this, but that's the impression often get). Give me a strong (but still flawed) woman like Scarlett any day of the week.
For some reason I always expect Gone of the Wind to not quite work for me anymore whenever I watch it, and am afterwards always amazed how easily it draws you into the story.
I’m halfway through I will say I think I enjoyed the first part of the story better than I am the second half but who knows that might change
Some additional thoughts about GWTW. GWTW is an American novel that in many ways is comparable to Tolstoi's War and Peace. It occupies roughly the same territory in Russian literary history that the Civil War does in American history, the impact of Napoleon's invasion of Russia and the human costs that invasion imposed on ordinary Russians at all social levels. I read both works around the same time. I saw the GWTW movie when I was 15, and I read War and Peace just after I turned 16. Within a year or so I read GWTW as a novel. Although I think War and Peace is the better novel, and Tolstoi's view more humane, I liked GWTW better. Why ? It's not just because I'm an American. It's because Scarlett and Rhett are the type of heroes I find it easy to accept. Pierre and Natasha are simply not strong people. For sure, Natasha is a lovely and decent young girl. No real problem with her, but she's no Scarlett O'Hara although she's far more likable. The problem is Pierre. Pierre is a brave and one feels a man of great potential. But Pierre dithers around he gives up a lot of liberal ideas and his admiration for Napoleon, but he doesn't know what to do. Finally, he decides to assassinate Napoleon but whatever his intent he doesn';t get very far before being caught by the French and narrowly escapes death. Prince Andre, who is a soldier does his duty and gets killed. No dithering in his case. But Pierre who is a better person
than Rhett doesn't really do much. In Russian literature from my reading people wander around asking: What is to be done ? They just don't seem to know. Someone has to tell them. One Russian writer said of Russian Revolutionaries of the 1880's that there are men in Russia with the courage to walk through fire to right the wrongs of society, but they need direction. (I had the same problem with Doctor Zhivago who never really could seem to make up his mind what to do.) Of course, I concede that in upheavals like these finding the right course of action is not easy, but in fiction, at least, I like decisive individuals for heroes. That, of course, may simply be a cultural trait: Americans are used to making decisions for themselves, and seldom look around for someone to tell them what to do.
Frankly my dear,I dont give a ham,spam,ram,bam,Wham(Insert ,,Wake me up before you Go Go" Here) 🤩😂
My original copy was a small paperback that was already old when I found it at a used bookstore. I'm 50+ and I've had it since 8th grade. I only know that because I had scrawled my classroom number in it. It's literally falling apart. I finally gave up trying to read from it. My eyesight was never great. It's obviously not getting any better as I age. The tiny print is no longer comfortable to read. I put it into a plastic bag for protection. I can't bear to part with it.
What was difficult was trying to find a replacement with a cover that didn't look like a cheap romance. I usually don't pay much attention to covers. But the ones I was finding were awful. Any "romance" here was never my interest or focus. I love the full story and the characters. I think I found the one you were reading from. It was good, but the cover was a bit torn and it wasn't exactly what I wanted. I hit the jackpot and finally found The One. I think it was from Thriftbooks. It's green on top and bottom, with a drawing of Tara in the center. Simple and elegant. It's an ex-library hardcover with the plastic cover, so it should last me the rest of my life. It was in near new shape. I think it was something like $10.00, which was a steal! My sister is also a huge fan, so I gave your edition to her. We also adore the film. We had the opportunity to see it in theaters for the 70th or 75th anniversary. Something like that. It was wonderful!
I say if you love a book it doesn't have to be one kind of book. I don't read like that, and I know you don't either. A few summers back Mom read this one and all the sequels (by other authors) and had a ball with the whole thing. I'm a big fan of the movie. I read half the novel.
I agree with this is a good book, but top ten seems a little nostalgia based😅
🎉🎉🎉Yessss!!!!
Mike you’re making me want to go read gone with the wind. And that’s not something. I ever thought I’d say
It's fantastic! It's big, but it never feels that way to me.
I really love your perspective on the controversy. I like hearing why people take issue with it, who should NOT read it, but then your rationale (perhaps because your thoughts align with mine lol)
I have read this book several times, starting in high school and i am swept away every time. Its a great historical record. People may not like it, but it is an accurate portrayal. Thanks for discussing it honestly. Its a great book. 17:10
Thank you for reviewing this book, it’s one of my favorites as well and feel it gets written off too often today, also side note you set off my Alexa while I watched 😂
It was never the great American novel. It is a romance and lacks insights. It is prejudiced and self righteous. This review is worthy of the book. Insipid.
Thanks for watching!
❤Gone With The Wind❤