The Book Page

By DB

October 30, 2007 7:27 AM | Link to this

Mostly curious, I think. I felt so badly burned by Alexandra Ripley’s abortion of a sequel (and let’s not even go there with regards to the mini-series!) that I find that I have a heavy dose of skepticism for anyone else’s treatment of the GWTW world.

Still, I’ll probably end up reading it, although I won’t be standing at the bookshop door at 8:59 am to get it! I have been rather surprised at the lack of publicity leading up to this book, especially in Atlanta — I seem to remember the Ripley book having a much longer period of fanfare, but that’s probably because it was the “first” sequel.

It could also be the fact that I’m much older, now, than when I first read GWTW. At the age of 12, Scarlett’s creed of “damn the torpedos, full speed ahead” was very appealing and inspiring to a shy girl on the verge of adolescence. As a youn adult, I felt pity and sympathy for Scarlett and her self-centered ways. As a much older adult (!), I find myself wanting to smack some sense into Scarlett!

By Mike

October 30, 2007 7:51 AM | Link to this

I’ve never read GWTW, but I’ve seen the movie, and I read “Scarlett.” I put it down when she got on the boat for Ireland thinking it was a good story. The second half was pure science fiction. I have no doubt that this one will be better, and I’m looking forward to it.

By John

October 30, 2007 8:23 AM | Link to this

You’re right. The buzz that surrounded “Scarlett” is not there this time. But, after all, “Scarlett” was the first sequel. Also, the world has changed a lot over the past 16 years; we’re all on information overload. It’s getting harder and harder for “event” books and movies to stand out in the crowd.

I’m a big fan of McCaig’s writing. His “Jacob’s Ladder” is excellent.

I got a copy of “Rhett Butler’s People” last week, and I’m about 100 pages from the end. In my opinion, McCaig has done a very good job of capturing Rhett, especially the younger man. And he’s woven in some of the minor characters from Miss Mitchell’s book (including Tom Jaffery and Archie, the convict), so it’s good to see “old friends” again.

By ron

October 30, 2007 8:34 AM | Link to this

I didn’t read “Scarlett”, and I won’t be reading “Rhett Butlers People”.I try to stay away from sequels and remakes and part 2 through 11.

By FCM

October 30, 2007 8:45 AM | Link to this

GWTW remains an influential book…I think it should be a must read in the mind set of Huck Finn or To Kill a Mockingbird. It is depective of the era it was written in as much as the era it is written about.

I have a first edition 2nd printing bought in Boston for $2.50 in 1990….last appraised below the Mason-Dixon for about 10 times that amount.

I read Scarlett and The Wind Done Gone…the second was a bast^%$ization (no pun intended). Fortunately I am able to purge both of those from my data dump most of the time.

To answer your question, yes I think we do care what happens to beloved characters once the book is over…no matter what the book. However, I am not sure I will get all psyched about this book the way I was for Scarlett—it was such a loathesome tome—-I may eventually read it, perhaps even buy it when it goes on the markdowns shelf.

By Marsha

October 30, 2007 9:00 AM | Link to this

I will be very interested in reading about Rhett Butler. If well written, this novel should be a great deal of fun to peruse.

By Kate

October 30, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this

I have never understood the romanticization of the Civil War, especially in the South. I suppose it is the desire to control the writing of history since generally the victors get the last word.

The AJC is certainly giving this book some big press…2 blogs today, an advance last Sunday, your column this coming Sunday. Interesting.

By lovelyliz

October 30, 2007 9:35 AM | Link to this

I never did!!!!!!!

I tried, but I just couldn’t buy into the story or even remotely care about it.

But if that’s what floats your boat………….

By Lit Teach

October 30, 2007 10:00 AM | Link to this

FCT,

My American Lit students were enthralled by the portion of GWTW that we viewed in class. We stopped watching after Ashley was shot but they did get the best part in my opinion. I wanted them to see images of the South before and after the war.

The Wind Done Gone- The only book I’ve ever wanted to burn!

By Sri

October 30, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this

As a foreigner living in Atlanta for the past few years, let me tell you this from an outsider’s perspective….people from outside the US DO very strongly care about the original GWTW. Strictly from a tourism perspective, folks, GWTW is a very strong brand name for folks from abroad. I don’t think people care that much for off-shoots of GWTW, but Ms Mitchell’s opus is widely respected, worldwide. I have myself taken several of my friends and relatives from abroad to Ms Mitchell’s house/museum on Peachtree (which means more $$$ for the city!!). There is a continued sense of awe/nostalgia/reverence all combined from foreign tourists. The original GWTW does matter a lot, folks. Along with Coca Cola and the 1996 Olympics, a very strong association that foreigners/foreign tourists have of Atlanta is GWTW. Frankly, I am somewhat surprised by the headline of this blog. I guess it was inserted just to have some shock value.

By Carol

October 30, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this

I’m a big GWTW fan. Have read the book several times over several years and looking forward to Rhett’s people. Didn’t like “Scarlett” at all but hoping for better reading this time around. The premise sounds promising and not a continuation of M. Mitchell’s style of writing.

By Phil Kloer

October 30, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this

To Sri: Shock value? Moi? I really didn’t think the headline “Does anyone still care about GWTW?” would shock anyone, except maybe the folks who work at the Margaret Mitchell House. (Who are all fine people, by the way.)

I was just trying to start a conversation.

By Jeff

October 30, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this

I read GWTW and Tess of the D’Urbervilles in the same summer back in my HS days (yes, a long and boring summer!)

That said, I have no inclination to read any more about any of those characters.It was fascinating at the time, but I honestly don’t see the draw people feel to any of it.

Oh wait, yes I do. It is the literary equivalent of the modern day soap opera, and you KNOW how people who watch those things get!

By Viki

October 30, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this

I agree with John about it becoming harder for book releases to become an “event”. In recent years it has been such a delight to see the buzz and events that the Harry Potter series has created. I was working at a bookstore when Scarlett came out and people were just buzzing about it. Our reserve list was very long and their was much media coverage here in GA about the book. I love seeing customers excited about a particular book and love hearing peoples’ interests in particular authors/works. That is why this Book Page is so lovely. Happy Tuesday Everyone.

By Anna Burke

October 30, 2007 10:42 PM | Link to this

I always thought that Rhett and Melanie were the two most interesting main characters in the book. I’d be interested in Rhett’s story, if it’s written and imagined well. If it’s just designed to rake in the dough, no thanks. I’ll wait until after I’ve read your review on Sunday, Phil, before I make my buying decision.