Gone with the Wind (Gone with the Wind) (Penguin Joint Venture Readers S.)

by Margaret Mitchell

[Amber (The Literary Phoenix)]

Every time I read this book, I get a little something different from it.

My first read was a sheer feat of determination:  I was eleven, and it was a huge book.  And an adult book.  I felt like a rock star.

The second time, I fell in love with the story.  The richness of the world Margaret Mitchell presents is astounding.

The third time, I fell in love with Scarlett.  Scarlett is the immense character of spirit and soul, with an unbreakable determination and strength.  I envied her strong shoulders for bearing the burdens she did, and her ability to say "Fiddle-dee-dee!" and not care what others thought.

This time, I've fallen in love with Melanie Wilkes.

Melly has been on my radar since the beginning, but like Scarlett, I haven't always had the patience for her slow, deliberate actions and selfless heart.  As I get older and smarter, I have learned to appreciate this silently strong character.  Where Scarlett will trod over anyone she must to rise to the top, Melly stands resolute behind all the other characters, both a sanctuary and a rock.  She is graceful and poised.  Most of all, her kindness stands out.  Strangely, this is an uncommon characteristic in literature, but it makes Melanie all the more bright.

As long and grueling as it is, Gone With the Wind remains vehemently one of my favorite books.  From the richness of the story to the depth and growth of the characters, I find myself drawn into the Old South.  Margaret Mitchell effortlessly paints different shades of Georgia - from the grand plantations to Yankee-occupied Atlanta.   You can see, hear, taste, touch, and smell every aspect of this novel and every book should have this incredible balance of description and experience.

As I've mentioned, the characters are fantastic.  There are parts of Rhett and Scarlett that, four reads in, I'm still not certain about.  One of the most popular post-reading questions about this book is: "Do you think Rhett and Scarlett will make amends?" and I love this question, because I don't know.  The more I read it, the more I think that the best they can ever hope for is a struggling friendship but... ah... anyway, if you've read Gone With the Wind I'd love to hear your opinion on this.

I understand and acknowledge the problematic scenes where POC characters are portrayed in a stereotyped manner and slavery is longed for... I try to be mindful that Gone With the Wind was written in 1936 and the world has grown smarter, more respectful, and more accountable.  Characters like Prissy and Big Sam are unfairly characterized especially.  That said, I would fully recommend reading this book despite these portrayals, but knowing they are there and that they are problematic.

In short, this book is a classic for a reason.  It is beautifully written, the characters are relatable even almost ninety years later, and I love it.  Three good reasons for you to give Gone With the Wind a try.

Intimidated by the size?  No problem.  The Recorded Books version read by Linda Stephens (this one!) is fabulous.