Gone with the Wind

by Margaret Mitchell
Gone with the Wind cover
Good Books rating 3.9
Historical Fiction
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  • ID: 34
  • Added: 2025-08-10
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • Publisher: eClassica
  • Published: 2020-01-01
  • Formats: 120
  • Reviews: 4

This is the tale of Scarlett O’Hara, the spoiled, light-minded, flirtatious daughter of a wealthy plantation owner in the South, who arrives at young womanhood just in time to see the Civil War forever change her life. In spite of a huge popularity around men, she only loves Ashley Wilkes. But one day she meets the daring and rude, handsome and charming Captain Butler. Scarlett does not like him at first sight, as he is arrogant and disparaging against her. Whilst Butler falls in love with Scarlett at first sight. – Since its original publication in 1936, Gone with the Wind – winner of the Pulitzer Prize and one of the bestselling novels of all time – has been heralded by readers everywhere as ›The Great American Novel‹.

Reviews
Prospect Magazine · 2025-09-02
controversial 3.25

The novel and its film adaptation have contributed significantly to shaping the American myth of white supremacy, leaving a complex and controversial legacy.

This review focuses on the problematic aspects of 'Gone with the Wind,' particularly how both the novel and its famous film adaptation have reinforced and shaped narratives tied to white supremacy in America. The reviewer critically examines the cultural impact of the work beyond its literary merits, acknowledging its role in perpetuating stereotypes and a romanticized view of the Antebellum South. They highlight the legacy as 'poisonous,' stressing that while the story is culturally significant and widely influential, it also carries a burden of controversy due to its racial implications. The review invites a deeper reflection on how historical fiction can influence societal perceptions and the importance of critically engaging with such works in the context of their broader social impact.

Quick quotes

    "The poisonous legacy of Gone with the Wind: Margaret Mitchell's novel and the film adaptation shaped the American myth of white supremacy."

    "It unleashed a variety of social forces that foreshadowed an alliance of white liberals and black people who encouraged the expectation that black people would one day achieve equality."

    "The film eventually became a template for measuring social change."

grubstlodger.uk · 2025-09-02
poignant 4.00

The story’s climax is emotionally intense, with tragedy deepening the characters’ complexities and leading to a poignant realization of true love and loss.

This reviewer emphasizes the emotional depth of the story’s climax, where personal tragedies such as the death of Bonnie and Melanie’s miscarriage significantly alter the relationships and understanding between the characters. They note how these events catalyze Scarlett’s growth, making her recognize her true feelings for Rhett and the complexities of love and loss that permeate the narrative. They also reflect on the resolution where Rhett, broken by grief and disillusionment, leaves Scarlett despite her newfound love for him, underscoring the bittersweet tone that defines the novel’s conclusion. The reviewer appreciates the faithful adaptation of the book’s structure in the film, highlighting the strong emotional beats and the tragic consequences that shape the story’s ultimate message about love and resilience.

Quick quotes

    "Scarlett’s longstanding and mutual 'lost love' with Ashley is finally brought to light."

    "Out of the stress of the tragedy, Melanie miscarries her own baby."

    "Rhett is a broken man who can no longer put up with her. He leaves, but Scarlett determines to find a way to get him back ‘tomorrow.’"

London Grip · 2025-09-02
enduring 4.25

The novel was initially seen as a 'woman's book' with muted critical reception but has since become a benchmark for sweeping historical romances, highlighting its enduring impact and cultural significance.

The reviewer reflects on how 'Gone with the Wind' was originally received with a certain degree of critical dismissal, being labeled as a 'woman's book' and perhaps overlooked by some literary circles. However, over time, it has established itself as a significant work in historical fiction, setting a standard for epic love stories against the backdrop of major historical events. The novel's scale and emotional depth have allowed it to endure as a classic, illustrating the complexity of its characters and the turbulent era it depicts. They appreciate the novel's place as a cultural milestone that combines romance with historical drama, noting that its influence extends beyond literature into shaping how historical romances are perceived and written. This perspective highlights the novel’s layered storytelling, which intertwines personal and societal upheaval, making it a benchmark for sweeping historical narratives.

Quick quotes

    "Margaret Mitchell's Gone with the Wind was published in 1936 to a muted critical reception – it was regarded as a 'woman's book'."

    "It is a benchmark and a blueprint for sweeping historical romances."

    "The novel has endured as one of the bestselling novels of all time despite initial critical dismissal."

Emerging Civil War · 2020-06-26
thoughtful 4.10

The novel is viewed as a significant work of art rather than a strict historical lesson, with its impact enduring despite modern critiques. The reviewer encourages appreciating its artistic value while acknowledging its historical context and complexities.

This thoughtful reflection on 'Gone with the Wind' approaches the novel as a piece of art that continues to resonate with audiences beyond its original historical setting. The reviewer acknowledges the discomfort some readers may feel due to the book's portrayal of certain historical realities, yet they advocate for appreciating the novel's artistic qualities and storytelling prowess. They stress the importance of context in understanding and valuing the work, suggesting that great art often gains new meanings and audiences over time. The reviewer also discusses the balance between recognizing the novel's problematic aspects and celebrating its enduring legacy as a cultural phenomenon. They highlight that despite some criticisms, the story’s emotional power and complexity remain influential, and its status as a classic is reinforced by its continued relevance and ability to provoke discussion.

Quick quotes

    I really, really want to see it on a movie theater screen because I choose to see it as art, not a history lesson.

    A work of art that finds new meaning and new audiences over time meets one of the criteria for 'great' art.

    Can we see Gone With The Wind as art?

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