Oh boy. Where should I start? Okay. Let me briefly describe this book to you: The much loved chronicle of a selfish Southern belle's life during the Civil War. Those are the mildest terms I can use to describe this book. I cannot go further. You see, I did something entirely unusual and stopped reading it in the middle! Many years ago, as a girl of 11 or so, I tried to read the book, and since I couldn't understand very well, I never finished it then. So recently, I decided that I'd take another whack at it. After all, so many people I knew loved the book! My grandmother had stayed up 24 hours reading it as a young girl! I hoped to find some redeeming quality in the book by the end of the first few chapters...Chapter 4...nope....5? nope....6? nope....and by the time Rhett Butler's (The "hero" mind you) handkerchief was seen in the possession of a "bad woman", I simply couldn't stomach it anymore, and put the book up. This is a different review, because generally I love books, but this one I was terribly disappointed in. So let me highlight some of the main problems in this novel:
The problems:
1. Scarlett O'Hara herself: She is an A number 1 first class flirt! Selfish, willful, bitter, disrespectful....the only attractive thing about her person is her outward appearance, and this she knows all too well...add vanity to the list, will you?
2. Rhett Butler: Let me put it to you in one-word descriptions...they are quite correct: rogue, cad, wicked, vain, flirt, reprobate, wayward, crafty, ungentlemanly, wily, EW! He made me so mad throughout the book, because of the way he treated all the women- disrespectfully and as if they were his playthings if he wished. A most vile man.
3. Scarlett's relationship with Ashley Wilkes. Basically, she loves Ashley, but out of tradition, he marries his cousin Melanie. Scarlett, in revenge, marries someone she doesn't love at all, even views with contempt, becomes a widow in 2 months, and ever after as far as I got, burns with a passion for Ashley who is off to war, even though she lives with his wife...I mean seriously? That was another main issue I couldn't stomach in the book.
4. Scarlett's waywardness: She is so willful and disrespectful, and is constantly bringing disgrace upon her father's household, and herself, though Rhett convinces her little by little, the old ways are worth nothing.
The Virtues:
Melanie Wilkes: This is a girl it is easy to love because she is so opposite Scarlett's personality, and Scarlett hates her. Melanie is the only woman Rhett Butler half-way respects, and she is the proper wife for Ashley. I only wish I knew what happens to them! :/
The truth: Like it or not, there is some truth in this book: Scarlett and Rhett have a conversation at one point that goes something like this: "You sir, are no gentleman!" "You are right. And you miss, are no lady." Agreed. Then, there are several instances where the author acknowledges the "slow fade" principle. After laying waste to several traditions and customs (very good ideas some of them) Scarlett finds it easier and easier to continue on in that path.
Those were the only two redeeming qualities I found in the book so far! I would NOT recommend this book to any self-respecting person, or at least, as far as I got in the book....what do you all think, if you have read it? Do the characters reform at all? I just couldn't stand it any longer so I stopped reading! :) -Rachel
Plot: *** (as far as I got, the plot was interesting if nothing else.)
Characters: **** (Well, if you are judging strength of characters, they are all memorable.)
Morals: * (Sorry anyone who loves the book! :) Maybe if I had finished it they redeem themselves! ;)
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