Gone With the Wind Fans discussion

Is anyone planning on or has already read Ruth's Journey: The Story of Mammy from Gone with the Wind? I just bought it about a week ago (curiosity always gets the best of me with these types of books - I guess I just can't get enough of GWTW). I was just wondering what everyone's thoughts were regarding this novel.

This is new to me. I too just can't seem to get enough of GWTW and I will check out Ruth's Journey. Thank you.

It'll be the next book I read once I finish The Secret Place. I'll let you know what I think.

I suspect Margaret Mitchell is spinning in her Atlanta grave with her heirs (starting with executor/brother Stephens) trying to cash in on her success. She famously refused to write a sequel, insisting she had no idea what happened to Scarlett after GWTW. The first sequel, "Scarlett," was so dreadful I couldn't get through it, so I didn't even try those on Rhett and Mammy. The whole idea seems ghoulish and disrespectful, something Pat Conroy acknowledged when he turned down the offer to write "Scarlett." He, like Rhett (underneath it all), is a Southern gentleman respectful of women. Shame on Mitchell's greedy estate.

Michael wrote: "I suspect Margaret Mitchell is spinning in her Atlanta grave with her heirs (starting with executor/brother Stephens) trying to cash in on her success. She famously refused to write a sequel, insis..."

I agree with you to an extent. Ms Mitchell did refuse to write a sequel and did state that she wouldn't comment on what "happens" after GWTW ends but personally I just can't help my curiosity. Granted thus far the sequels haven't been great and I agree with you that the estate is definitely milking it for all they can get.

I did read Rhett Butler's People and thought that it was ok (it was far better then Scarlett - that was just awful!). I liked Mr. McCraig's writing but didn't agree with everything he did with Ms Mitchell's characters. Still who doesn't love Mammy and isn't curious about reading a book about her?

To each his own, Jennifer, and if people choose to read those sequels that's certainly their prerogative. I adore Mammy too but prefer to remember her as MM wrote her. Last year I made a pilgrimage to Ms. McDaniel's memorial in Old Hollywood Cemetery add found it quite moving.

That would be very moving - she was perfect in the role.

Ok - so I just finished this book and what a disaster! It was awful (that doesn't even describe how bad it was). I think that Michael may just be right - good things should just be left alone to stand in their splendor.