Rhett Butler's People: The Authorized Novel based on Margaret Mitchell's Gone with the Wind

Written by Donald McCaig

Narrated by John Bedford Lloyd

The bestseller now in trade paperback for the first time to coincide with the publication of the author's new book. Fully authorized by the Margaret Mitchell estate, Rhett Butler's People is the astonishing and long-awaited novel that parallels the Great American Novel, Gone With The Wind. Twelve years in the making, the publication of Rhett Butler's People marks a major and historic cultural event. Through the storytelling mastery of award-winning writer Donald McCaig, the life and times of the dashing Rhett Butler unfolds. Through Rhett's eyes we meet the people who shaped his larger than life personality as it sprang from Margaret Mitchell's unforgettable pages: Langston Butler, Rhett's unyielding father; Rosemary his steadfast sister; Tunis Bonneau, Rhett's best friend and a onetime slave; Belle Watling, the woman for whom Rhett cared long before he met Scarlett O'Hara at Twelve Oaks Plantation, on the fateful eve of the Civil War. Of course there is Scarlett. Katie Scarlett O'Hara, the headstrong, passionate woman whose life is inextricably entwined with Rhett's: more like him than she cares to admit; more in love with him than she'll ever know. Brought to vivid and authentic life by the hand of a master, Rhett Butler's People fulfills the dreams of those whose imaginations have been indelibly marked by Gone With The Wind.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Jan 16, 2018
• ISBN: 9781501986307

Donald McCaig

Donald McCaig is the award-winning author of Nop’s Trials; Nop’s Hope; Eminent Dogs, Dangerous Men; Rhett Butler’s People; and Jacob’s Ladder. He, his wife, Anne, and their border collies work a sheep farm in the mountains of western Virginia.

Reviews for Rhett Butler's People

[Heather Wilder · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

The author changed quite a few details of the original story making it a disappointing story. The voice did no justice to the characters. The recording was not good in some spots.

[MonteAquino · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Rhett Butler is HIM. The CO-PROTAGONIST of Gone with the Wind.
Agreed that the protagonist is Scarlett, but if it weren't for the appearance of the gallant, cheeky, attractive, and somewhat rakish Rhett, we would have ended up with a rather lackluster drama.
If Gone with the Wind seemed short to you, left you wanting more, or you weren't convinced by the ending, here is a very interesting new opportunity.

Donald McCaig narrates the life of Rhett Butler from his youth, the disdain from his father, his fall from grace in Charleston society, the businesses and dealings that brought him fortune, his friendships, his loves with Bella Watling, his encounter with Scarlett, and their passionate courtship.

We will relive the most important events of the original work from a different point of view and, most importantly, we will learn what finally happened between Rhett and Scarlett.

It is a different version from the book Scarlett by Alexandra Ripley, which is also a sequel to Gone with the Wind. This one has fewer pages, and yet, I liked and was convinced by it much more. Highly recommended. This gentleman writes very well.

Oh! By the way... Do you know there is a prequel to Gone with the Wind? It stars Mamita, when Scarlett is little, and recounts the events that led to the American Civil War. It was written by the same author as Rhett, although I think I'm going to stop now... I don't know... maybe if I read it I’ll get some credits for a subject, a course, a master’s, or something in American History ?? (Translated from Spanish)

[Nuryta · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Rhett Butler, by Donald McCaig
"Gone with the Wind" left me with a bitter taste because even though Scarlett didn't deserve it, I would have liked a fairy tale ending, at least for Rhett Butler. In this case, Donald McCaig meets my expectations in a different way, thanks Maren for the recommendation at that time.
Rhett was an idealistic and rebellious young man; he disagreed with his father regarding the future of a great landowner and the management of assets, including slaves. His ideas were clear and well-intentioned; however, the actions taken in protest against his father had serious consequences not only for him but also for some of those he loved and wished to protect, which increased his desire to free himself and move on beyond the reach of his family, although he would continue to love and keep an eye on his beloved sister.
Being intelligent and rebellious, he made decisions that sought his own well-being, even if it caused difficulties for others. He learned something from his father despite everything; his goal was to prove that he could amass a fortune in his own way and wanted to take advantage of it. Only those who were in his heart and those who joined him due to his strange sense of honor would benefit.
Regarding his relationship with Scarlett, it takes a bit of a backseat, reiterating the initial version from his point of view. It will be toward the end that opportunities and situations will give them a chance to reunite, but for that, both must hit rock bottom and rebuild themselves; after all, they have always been two of a kind.
A lovely novel that answers some questions about "Gone with the Wind" and provides a different nuance to better understand the man that is Rhett Butler.
Read in 2021
P.S.: If you liked this review or any of our colleagues' and decide to reward it with a like, you should do it on the big heart ? where it says: Did you like this review? Or just in case, to the hearts. Thank you very much!! (Translated from Spanish)

[Dafatota · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

He is one of the most fascinating characters in universal literature. This novel explores the life of Rhett Butler, a southern gentleman, from his childhood to his marriage to the indomitable Scarlett O'Hara. And who is Rhett Butler? He is a man who lives his life as he pleases, without thinking about the social conventions of the time, a man who represents opportunism, realism, and selfishness. He led a scandalous life, which led him to commit many imprudences. Throughout the story, he wins Scarlett over and marries her. His married life was a disaster because she loved another person. It is an interesting story that explores the character's life in quite a bit of depth, although at times it feels a bit forced. I liked the old-fashioned theme, the classic; it's a magical and romantic mid-era. Of all the women he had to find a good wife, he chose the femme fatale, the one that everyone desired, and in the end, she became his torment. By seeking a pretty face, he ended up with the worst. I think they were made for each other. I liked the novel and enjoyed it a lot. (Translated from Spanish)

[Kathebet · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Oh Tara! I really enjoyed this story! #donaldmccaig offers us a quite broad perspective on the life of the unforgettable #rhettbutler, a man rejected by his father and expelled by a dreamy aristocratic society bewildered by the longing for a victorious war. Rhett Butler was not considered a gentleman, but he was much better than one. His tireless love for Scarlett O'Hara plunged him into what would be his greatest adventure, giving everything of himself in the attempt to win her love.

I must say that I really liked this different approach to one of my favorite stories; Mc'Caig concludes what perhaps Margaret Mitchell owed in terms of a more precise closure for the protagonists of this story. However, there were some events that should have been developed even more (always wanting more content). It is a must-read for lovers of "Gone with the Wind." #rhettbutler #donaldmccaig (Translated from Spanish)

[LadyCotillalectoraLagartijaplatea · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved learning about why Rhett was such a peculiar person for his time, so unique, charismatic, and original; for me, he is one of the quintessential heartthrobs in the history of cinema. The truth is that the writer immerses you in the life of this character, who in the first part is a bit in the background. I must say that I haven't read the first one; the reason is simple: I love that movie, and not even its book, which I'm sure will be wonderful, do I want to spoil for myself. But this was about the handsome Rhett, and well... I couldn't resist getting to know his story. Moreover, we see the story from his perspective, the romance with Scarlett, their breakup, all from the opposite side. What fascinated me was the ending, which the writer wraps up magnificently, in my opinion, and I believe it's a worthy sequel that the tragically deceased author would have loved. (Translated from Spanish)

[karenleefield · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Rhett Butler’s People by Donald McCraig is an authorised sequel to Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell, which is a personal favourite, as is another authorised sequel by Alexandra Ripley called Scarlett. So when I saw Rhett Butler’s People I instantly knew that I had to buy and read it!

For three reasons I was a little disappointed. Although the title is not misleading, which is a credit to the author, Rhett Butler’s People isn’t really about Rhett and Scarlett. Whilst it touches on the main events of their (well known) story, I thought it would be a retelling of the original story, but from Rhett’s perspective. This book is mainly about Rhett’s childhood and then the people in his life as an adult. A large portion of the book is told from their point of view and is about their lives. I wasn’t expecting that, but I managed to get over it fast.

The second reason I was disappointed was because the story concentrates on the American Civil War far too much for my liking. I wasn’t interested in that side of the story at all and found it dragged the story down. (I’ve never enjoyed reading about battles or wars of any kind.)

Putting those two disappointments to one side, the book was good. Once I accepted that the book isn’t really about Rhett and Scarlett, I became riveted with some of the storylines, especially those which tugged at the heart strings. And it did expand on the original story to some degree.

I found the writing to be readable and in parts, absorbing. The characters were well written and had depth. The settings were realistic. Overall, a good read, but I would have liked the war to be in the background. It would have made a huge difference to my review, which as it stands is quite puny. There isn’t a lot more to say, because the book didn’t “speak” to me as the previous two did, which is a shame.

But what about the third reason for my disappointment? Donald McCraig chose to ignore the other sequel called Scarlett, therefore making up a different sequence of events after the “I don’t give a damn” moment. As his book is an authorised sequel, as was the book written by Alexandra Ripley, I felt he made a bad move when he made that decision. For me, it was tragic and a complete let down and I’m afraid to say that Rhett’s Butler’s People will not be given a place on my “favourites shelf” as a result.

[F.D · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

From the famous book "Gone with the Wind" by the acclaimed Donald McCaig, we delve into the turbulent era where we can learn about the story behind the original character RHEITT BUTLER, an opportunist, a womanizer, a hero to many, someone with style and eloquent money, fun and with an alternative ending for all those of us who are left wondering what happened to Scarlett O'Hara. I hope you enjoy the story. I will leave you with the protagonist's famous quote from the movie and book: "Frankly, Scarlett, I don't give a damn." (Translated from Spanish)

[shuffy2_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Who was Rhett Butler before Scarlett O’Hara? What happened after Rhett told her he did not give a damn?

Rhett Butler always was one to speak his mind, even to his father which did not make for an easy childhood but he learned to stand on his own two feet. A lesson that was invaluable throughout his life, especially during the war. Yet it was those two feet that kept coming back to Scarlett, for better or worse. In business, he knows when to fight and when to cut his losses but how does that translate to his personal life?

I enjoyed this retelling, I know others did not but I thought it delved deeper into Rhett’s life before Scarlett and shed light on the characters of the other Southern gentlemen after the Civil War. David McCraig was not kind to some of Margaret Mitchell’s other characters but often history is not kind when you look at it through a 21st century perspective. He seems to flip the story upside down which some fans will not like… I like Gone With the Wind and I enjoyed Rhett Butler’s People. Yes, a bit long but it kept me entertained.

[jessbass87 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this book. This gem gives us unknown insight into Rhett's past and we discover connections we could only have guessed at. I mean who could have known that Rhett is essentially the reason that Belle Watling became a fallen woman? Then there is the story that continues after where the original left off. I always want to know what happens after the book is done and with this prequel/sequel I get a little bit of everything.

[kimsalyers · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I didn't know this book ever existed until I borrowed it from a friend that works at the court house. she brought to me at work when she came and seen her dad and father in law at nursing home
I found it really interesting

[dpappas_25 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Cathecarte Puryear blinked. "You are a natural philosopher?"

The boy dismissed that possibility. "No, sir. I'm a renegade."

The characters from Margaret Mitchell's Gone With the Wind are some of my all time favorites. With the upcoming release of Donald McCaig's book focusing on Mammy I decided to finally read the authorized sequels/companion books of GWTW, which I had previously been wary to read. I wasn't a big fan of Scarlett by Alexandra Ripley but I did end up enjoying this book much more than Scarlett.

This book shows vastly different sides to some of the characters of GWTW. While I didn't quite agree with McCaig's portrayals of certain characters (mostly Melanie) I did understand why he portrayed them as he did and didn't think that they were too outlandish. I loved the mix between old and new characters and found the plot lines regarding both as equally interesting.

If you loved the hard and strong Rhett Butler of GWTW then you might be a bit taken aback by the Rhett Butler of this book. Personally, I enjoyed getting to see a different and softer side to Rhett. I liked getting to read McCaig's version of Rhett's childhood and seeing how McCaig thought Rhett was driven to become the man he was.

Overall I thought that this book did a good job at staying true to the characters and spirit of GWTW, with a few exceptions. McCaig did a great job at not making anything be too over-the-top. I look forward to reading McCaig's book on Mammy.

[shouldireadit · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What happened after Rhett left Scarlett? Who was he before Scarlett? All these questions and more are answered in this exciting novel that merges scenes from "Gone with the Wind" with Rhett's story. An excellent addition to one of the best novels written. Margaret Mitchell would've been pleased.

[bonreads-1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Overall, I liked the story. Unfortunately I didn't really care for the writing style. It seemed choppy, and jumped around. Personally, I didn't like the new ending. It seemed too wrapped up. Almost like it was thrown in to say, "see it did end happily!"

[lit_chick_2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Authorized by Margaret Mitchell’s estate, Rhett Butler’s People parallels that Great American Novel, Gone With the Wind – told from Rhett Buter’s point of view. Let’s be clear that this is NOT Gone With the Wind. But it’s a good read. I enjoyed McCaig’s storytelling, and his rendering of Rhett’s upbringing and youth; and later: renegade, outcast, rebel, gambler, lover, Southerner. And it was nice to know that some things don’t change:

“You will do what Charleston ladies do. Presented with mulatto children who resemble their husbands like peas in a pod; awakened by their husbands’ drunken footfalls approaching their bed you will do that Charleston ladies have always done: you will fix a smile on your face and pretend that God’s in Head heavens and nothing – absolutely nothing – is wrong in His world.” (83)

Guardedly recommended. If you’re a reader who dislikes sequels, prequels, and collaborations, pass on this one. If, on the other hand, you can get past that, take Rhett Butler’s People for what it is, and enjoy a bit more of “the greatest love story ever told”– well, you might just pass some pleasant hours between these covers. I did.

[lollypup-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Wasn't Margaret Mitchell but McCaig definitely gets an A for effort. In the romance department, it was lacking that "woman's touch". I am a Rhett Butler "lover" (if I could have met a man like him in my single days, WOW!!!!!).
This book had too much of the war detail for my taste, however, I did enjoy reading more about Rhett.

[satyridae · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Fanfic by someone not a fan. Fairly interesting, fairly well-done. I couldn't not read it, somehow. I haven't read GWTW in ages and frankly my dear, it didn't knock me out the last time I assayed it, so I was not particularly bugged by the disconnects I noticed between it and this.

[judy5cents · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Another authorized sequel from the Margaret Mitchell estate. Apparently, they went through more than a few writers before settling on McCaig, and I have to say he does a pretty good job with a nearly impossible task. My biggest objection to Gone With The Wind is the blatant racism, and McCaig manages to follow the GWTW storyline while presenting a Rhett Butler whose bigotry has been all but erased.

I like McCaig's writing style and I enjoyed seeing the familiar characters live again, as well as finding out more about Rhett's origins. Still, I have to wonder, as I did when I read "Scarlett" back in 1992, is this really what would have happened in the tomorrow that Scarlett always talked about.

[triciadm_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

it was nice to be able to see from the other view of the greatest love story of all time, it has always been about Scarlett and now we know Rhett's version of the story.

[rperritt_2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was a good book. It was a little confusing at times because it jumped around quit a bit.

[mandiez_2 · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

TERRIBLE!

As a massive fan of Gone with the Wind, and as someone who genuinely enjoyed Scarlett, I thought this book was extremely disappointing.

It reads as if the author had perhaps skimmed the original Gone with the Wind, or watched the movie without paying much attention. Details such as Rhett's mothers name are wrong - inexcusable!

The characterization of Scarlett in particular is abhorrent.. by the end of this book, she is making Rhett tea and preparing the children's breakfast - definitely not the fiery, stubborn, selfish, spoilt Scarlett O'Hara of Margaret Mitchell's book!

I would not recommend this book to anyone.

[vabookworm87 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I haven’t read Margaret Mitchell's Gone With the Wind, but I have seen the movie (I know, *scoff*). I acknowledge that there are probably significant differences between the book and movie but in a way it worked in my favor. It allowed there to be a number of surprises in Rhett Butler's People.

Somewhat to my surprise, I really enjoyed Rhett Butler's People! It was cool to gain insights as to Rhett's youth. At certain points, familiar events would pop up that would make me smile. For example, Rhett is waiting on a train and has a conversation with a friend:

"Have you anything on this afternoon? Wouldn't you like a day in the country? John Wilkes's son is getting engaged and John is hosting a barbeque. Everyone is invited. Twelve Oaks hospitality..."

As soon as it hit that line I knew Scarlett was soon to enter the picture! The story was both romantic and thought-provoking. You follow Rhett's pursuit of Scarlett, his involvement in the Civil War, his opinions on slavery and the KKK, and more! Not only do you follow along with Rhett, but anyone who is part of his life, ranging from his younger sister to his lady friend Belle Watling. Following the highs and the lows of Rhett's life, one can't help but become emotionally attached to the characters! I learned things about characters that I would never have expected, and developed a whole new appreciation for some of the characters. When I saw Gone With the Wind, I totally just saw Belle as Rhett’s hooker friend. After Rhett Butler's People, I really feel for the woman!

If you enjoyed either the book or the movie Gone With the Wind, I highly recommend this book! I thought it would seem a bit redundant, but it was actually a lot of fun to read! I won't give away the end, but I personally thought it was well written. I think Donald McCaig did justice to Margaret Mitchell and I think she would approve of his work. Check it out some time!

[bratlaw · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

If you like "Gone with the Wind" then you will like this novel. In GWTW, Scarlett was the main character with Rhett walking in and out. This story tells where he went and what he did. It has the rich detail and character of Margaret Mitchell's Book and it rounds out the story nicely. It's a true love story of bygone times.

[cyderry · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I have been an enormous fan of Gone with the Wind since I first saw the movie and then realized after reading the book how much had been missing, so when I saw this book on the Library shelves, and saw that it was authorized by the Margaret Mitchell estate, I had to read it. I'm certainly glad I did. All those nagging questions that made me read and re-read GWTW, were finally answered to my satisfaction and delight.

This is the story based on the character Rhett Butler from Gone of the Wind. Rhett is the same dashing, witty, rogue who scandalizes Atlanta and yet manages to win every lady's heart. In GWTW, Rhett just appears at the Wilkes Barbecue at Twelve Oaks, and then proceeds to get involved with all the characters of that book. This book which runs concurrently with GWTW answers all the behind the scenes questions that are just innuendos there.

Why was Rhett at the BBQ, how did he know the Wilkes', why was he 'not received' in Charleston homes even his own, what's his relationship with Belle Waitling? All these questions and so many more are detailed and explained through a riveting and poignant love story that is seen in a new light.

It's as if Donald McCaig, the author, sat down with Margaret Mitchell and said, I don't understand this point in GWTW, how did this happen and she explained it - every last detail. This book is so intertwined with the story of Scarlett & Rhett that you'd think that there would be no room for anyone else, but no Mr. McCaig (amazing that a man can write with such feeling) manages to tell the tales of not just Scarlett and Rhett, but his sister Rosemary, his friends, Melanie and Ashley, and even Belle Waitiling.

I can understand if some Southerners do not feel that their area came off in a good light in this book, however, since Mr. McCaig was dealing with pre-existing characters and events, it would have been extremely bad form to try to change them beyond how they were originally written. I have read other sequels and they did not appear to be as well researched or written as this book when laid alongside of Margaret Mitchell's original masterpiece. Obviously, Donald McCaig studied and I definitely mean studied GWTW to find all the tiny incidents that reference Rhett, his family and his character so that he could expound on them and broaden Rhett's persona to where it would rival Scarlett. They truly were a pair that belonged together. This book, IMHO,in the same regard, belongs with Gone With The Wind.

[julieq_3 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Whenever I read a book I often wonder about the characters own history. What has brought this character to this moment? So when I saw this book I thought who wouldn't want to know more about the rogue Rhett Butler. I wasn't as thrilled with the story as I wanted to be. It skipped around a lot and each story was interesting but I was expecting more information on Rhett and not on everyone else too.

[edecklund · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

I was surprised when I saw this on the library shelf. How could I have missed a GWTW sequel? I found out soon enough when I listened to it. It's bad. Go to the bottom of this review, though, for some things I liked.I'm not a "Windy," although I know sorta-"Windies," and have seen the movies and listened to the audio books. Explanations: "Windies" are like "Trekkies" only mostly female and, of course, better dressed. The other movie is "Scarlett." I've lived in Atlanta and visited the Margaret Mitchell Museum as well as the Road to Tara Museum in Jonesboro. I enjoy the quirky, half-true Civil War and cinematic history of GWTW. So, I wanted to like "Rhett Butler's People" but couldn't. It shares the same problems "Scarlett" does. It fluctuates between continuing the story and starting all over again. It views the South critically and then sympathetically. The plot works and then blows up and then works and then blows up... It's a historical novel, no it's a romance, no it's an apology, it's antireligious, no it's not, it's unbelievable, it's only a story... You know how in the slasher movies you cringe when you hear "let's split up." Nobody could be that stupid, right. Well there are dozens of those situations here.Rhett Butler and Scarlett O'Hara. Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh. What wonderful, larger-than-life, amazing characters. Handsome and beautiful. Tough and competent. Shrewd and conniving. Hateful and loving. What I liked: At the end of the printed version, the author admits his inaccuracies. I like to think he was jerked around by editors and the estate to explain the other problems with quality and plotting. Some of the descriptive scenes are marvelous. So much so in the beginning of the book, I was enthralled. I liked Tunis and Tazewell.Most of all I liked the narrator's "Clark Gable" voice.

[madamejeanie · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This novel can't be called a sequel to "Gone With The Wind," because it occupies the same space in time. It is more like a parallel novel, fleshing out the character of Rhett Butler and following the course of HIS life, filling in all the gaps and answering all the questions Margaret Mitchell left dangling in her famous book. This story is rich and deep, filled with many of the same characters from Ms. Mitchell's novel but introducing dozens more, people who were integral to the life of this rakehell rogue named Rhett Butler. The writing style is similar to Ms. Mitchell's so that it isn't jarring to the senses of someone like me who has read GWTW literally dozens of times. But it is definitely written from a male vantage point.

The story is deep and very well-told, beginning in the pre-dawn chill with a clash on a field of honor, and then plunging into a tale of adventure, romance, and derring-do. It fleshes out the character of Rhett Butler to be just as dashing, audacious, and elegant as Ms. Mitchell intended him to be, but with depth of character and flashes of tragedy that left holes in his soul that he would never fill again. It is an epic story that gallops alongside what might be one of the most famous epic stories in American literature. This book is a keeper.

I also own and have read the "official" sequel to GWTW by Alexandra Ripley and Stephens Mitchell titled "Scarlett," and while it, too, is a book well-written enough to stand alongside the original, the story it tells plays out completely differently than "Rhett Butler's People." This novel ends just a few months after the original, but in a much more satisfying way, IMO. Both books are worth the reading if you are a GWTW fan. I'll have to give "Rhett Butler's People" a very strong 5. It was very good.

[redbowlingballruth · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Rhett Butler's People is a retelling of the wonderful Gone with the Wind, told from the persepctive of the mysterious Rhett Butler himself. Being the huge Gone with the Wind fan that I am, I could'nt wait to get my hands and eyes on this book!

I enjoyed this book, but it wasn't really what I pictured it to be. I sort of had an idea of how it would be; a perfect retelling og GWTW only know we finally got to see what was going on in that pretty head of Mr. Butler. Well, I'm not fully satisfied. Things were diffrent and I felt some of the characters didn't match those we got to meet in GWTW. Most importantly, it had none of the magic that makes Gone With the Wind so special to me.

Still I enjoyed it and am glad I read it. It was interesting and refreshing, and nice to meet again the characters I loved so.

If you're a Gone with the Wind fan, like myself, it's well worth a read. :)

[kqueue_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Overall an enjoyable story and I thought Mr. McCaig's interpretation of Scarlett and Rhett were completely in agreement with M. Mitchell's original work (unlike Alexandra Ripley's sequel). One thing that really detracted from the story for me was the horrendous editing. The name of Belle's house shifted from Chapeau Rouge to Chateau Rouge in the space of two pages. Rhett's gigantic horse was described as an astonishing 11 hands (which is actually a small pony size). There were numerous other mistakes as well. Maybe I'm just overly anal, but errors like this really bug me and it pulls me out of the story and jerks me back to the reality that I'm just reading abook, not living in the civil war torn South.

[msimelda · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I suggest you just skip around in this book to find characters, situations you are interested in reading about. Otherwise, it's pretty boring.