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1037
Novel • Fiction
American South • 1860s
1936
Adult
18+ years
Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell follows Scarlett O'Hara, the resourceful and determined daughter of a wealthy Georgia plantation owner, as she navigates love, loss, and survival during and after the Civil War. Scarlett's journey is impacted by her unrequited love for Ashley Wilkes and her turbulent relationship with the charming Rhett Butler, set against the backdrop of the South's decline. The book includes depictions of combat, sexual assault, and discriminatory language.
Melancholic
Romantic
Nostalgic
Emotional
Bittersweet
1,233,715 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
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Margaret Mitchell's Gone With The Wind is praised for its rich, immersive portrayal of the American South during the Civil War and Reconstruction. The strong, complex character of Scarlett O'Hara captivates readers. However, its romanticized depiction of the Confederacy and racial stereotypes can be problematic. Overall, the novel remains a compelling but controversial epic.
A reader who enjoys sweeping historical sagas, intricate romances, and complex characters will be captivated by Margaret Mitchell's Gone With The Wind. Fans of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy will appreciate the rich, dramatic narrative and vivid depiction of a bygone era.
1,233,715 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Rhett Butler
A charming and shrewd rogue with a dashing appearance, who becomes both a romantic interest and a complex partner to Scarlett, noted for his sardonic wit and entrepreneurial spirit.
Melanie Wilkes
A gentle and loyal woman married to Ashley, characterized by her unwavering kindness and resilience, though she often appears frail and understated.
Ashley Wilkes
A contemplative and honorable man with intellectual inclinations, who finds himself at odds with the post-war world, and is the longstanding object of Scarlett's affection.
Mammy
An authoritative and nurturing head servant in the O’Hara household, known for her loyalty to the family and her candid opinions on Scarlett’s behavior.
Gerald O’Hara
Scarlett’s Irish immigrant father, who is a lively and ambitious man devoted to his family and the plantation he built into a successful estate.
Ellen O’Hara
Scarlett’s serene and compassionate mother, who manages Tara with grace and is deeply involved in the welfare of her community.
Aunt Pittypat Hamilton
A timid and anxious spinster aunt living in Atlanta, who provides a home for Scarlett and Melanie during key moments in their lives.
Bonnie Blue Butler
The cherished and spirited daughter of Scarlett and Rhett, whose lively personality and striking blue eyes endear her to her parents.
Suellen O’Hara
Scarlett’s scheming middle sister, who eventually marries and manages parts of the family’s affairs at Tara.
Carreen O’Hara
The youngest O’Hara sibling, deeply pious and reserved, who withdraws from social life following personal loss.
Will Benteen
A steadfast Confederate veteran who becomes a vital part of Tara’s management and family life, contributing to the plantation’s recovery.
Frank Kennedy
A cautious and modest shopkeeper who becomes Scarlett’s second husband, through whom she gains further business influence and acumen.
Charles Hamilton
Scarlett’s amiable first husband and brother to Melanie, whose marriage to Scarlett is brief and marked by his untimely death.
Uncle Peter
The capable and devoted majordomo of Aunt Pittypat’s household, who is essential in managing the affairs of her household.
Wade Hamilton
Scarlett’s anxious son with her first husband, Charles, who is shaped by the turbulent events around him.
Ella Kennedy
Scarlett’s daughter with Frank, largely overlooked by her mother, who considers her somewhat scatterbrained.
Belle Watling
A resourceful and independent businesswoman who owns a brothel in Atlanta, and despite being marginalized, plays a critical role in providing aid to key characters.
1037
Novel • Fiction
American South • 1860s
1936
Adult
18+ years
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