Old Books, New Readers discussion

Post your comments, thoughts, favorite quotes, and connections to Part 3.

The book takes a more intense turn in Part 3. Having a harder time putting it down...

I had to stop myself at the beginning of Part 3 because I needed to devote some time to another book-club read. I had a feeling things were about to shake up😲

I highly encourage you to watch the PBS documentary "Margaret Mitchell: American Rebel." (Thank you to my reading buddies for recommending this!) It will give you so much more insight about the author (and the characters). But, it does include SPOILERS - especially for how the books ends.

Sylvia wrote: "I highly encourage you to watch the PBS documentary "Margaret Mitchell: American Rebel." (Thank you to my reading buddies for recommending this!) It will give you so much more insight about the aut..."

As soon as I make it through this monster, the first thing I will watch will be that documentary and then maybe the movie.

Sylvia wrote: "The book takes a more intense turn in Part 3. Having a harder time putting it down..."

Yes it definitely does - more intense and much darker. My first thought was to admire Mitchell's skill in creating such a different tone.

I am starting part 3 today, and I feel like I'm walking into a haunted house. I know something's going to jump out and shock me, but I don't know what it is or how it's going to be done. 😲🤞

Daniel wrote: "I am starting part 3 today, and I feel like I'm walking into a haunted house. I know something's going to jump out and shock me, but I don't know what it is or how it's going to be done. 😲🤞"
I am almost finished chapter 24, fasten your seat belt because you are in for a ride. Do not want to write spoilers so won't say any more😱

As I continue to read, I am more and more in awe of Margaret Mitchell as a writer. The quality of her writing, the complexity of her characters, and the depth of her story, Mitchell definitely deserves the recognition as one of the all-time best American writers.

"For so many of them were her beaux and they tried to smile when they saw her"

This quote was very moving for me because these men were dying and still trying to hold it together in front of a beautiful lady.

I just finished chap 18. It was a history lesson they don’t teach in schools, esp Northen schools. The depleted population of Atlanta and the subdued panic mesmerized me. Mitchell had the uncanny ability to mix factual history easily with fiction. Now, I know, am convinced, this book is a classic! Tom

Just finished Part 3. No spoilers. Just want to say this book is keeping me up nights.

Mary! Wow! I can’t wait to catch up!Tom

I am stating Part 3 today. Enjoy Reading, 📕

**Few vague spoilers**

Phew, I'm half through the book now, and I am still incredulously rooting for this rag-tag troop of survivors. Scarlett may be the prettiest girl in the South, but her attitude makes her the ugliest. I realize all her thoughts are broadcasted to the reader, but still, she says and thinks the most vile things. I was almost happy to see her "denied" joy at the end of Part 3. On a different note, I feel that Melanie is not as oblivious about Scarlett's true feelings towards her or her marriage to Ashley.

I do respect how Scarlett rises to the occasion, even though she is kicking and screaming the whole way in her head. Although she hated being a nurse in Atlanta, she still did the job. If Scarlett worked in a office, I'm sure she could lay off 50 people in a day and not bat an eye lash. Ellen would of rebuilt Tara with fewer tantrums and a lot more grace. Mitchell's vivid prose makes my arm hairs stand up every time hooves are heard coming up the driveway. For such a massive book, this thing really moves.

Danny, have you seen the movie version? If so, which seems more vivid and carries the highest amount of emotional impact?

Paul, I haven't seen the movie version, but I'm guessing the book.

Don’t spoil your enjoyment of the book by watching the movie, but when you do finish reading, find the movie online and see how they compare. I do think you are enjoying the book more because you haven’t seen the movie than you would if you saw the movie first. That’s the way it usually works. First the book,then the movie, and the movie is rarely as good as the book.

Part 3 has so much going on! How is everyone doing - still hanging in there with us? What are your thoughts about the changes in Scarlett? And the developing relationship between her and Melanie? And why do you think Rhett really went off to join the war? I'm suspicious there is more to his motivations than what he tells Scarlett. Thoughts?

Sylvia wrote: "Part 3 has so much going on! How is everyone doing - still hanging in there with us? What are your thoughts about the changes in Scarlett? And the developing relationship between her and Melanie? A..."

I am still hanging in there with the group. I am enjoying this book. Scarlett is growing up with Rhett's assistance. The scene in the book where he talks to Scarlett about kissing her after she gets over Ashley goes to Scarlett naivete about life.

I was traveling and fell behind on my reading, but finished up Part 3 today. I don't want to give away spoiler, but I'm so shocked about new information about Ashley! Did not see this coming. What are your thoughts about Scarlett's and Melanie's reactions? And our new character - Will?

Will is there to keep Scarlett from flipping out.

Ashley is more of an SOB than I remembered.

He is a typical Romantic intellectual. He told Scarlett Melanie us like him. She won’t take no for an answer. Perhaps she hangs on to Ashley because he is the last remnant of the South’s glory days? She changes like water on the sand! Tom

Tom my copy of GWTW has part three ending with Ashley's return. I agree but so no spoilers who haven't started chapter 31 should this discussion be in part 4?

What did everyone think of Scarlett's reaction to Ashley's letter that he was coming home? Her ability to ignore reality as far as Ashley reaches almost a delusional state after all the letter is addressed to Melanie

Connie wrote: "What did everyone think of Scarlett's reaction to Ashley's letter that he was coming home? Her ability to ignore reality as far as Ashley reaches almost a delusional state after all the letter is a..."

Connie, it reminded me of an obsessed music fan thinking that the song was written for them or about them.

One of her lowest moments for sure.

Tom wrote: "He is a typical Romantic intellectual. He told Scarlett Melanie us like him. She won’t take no for an answer. Perhaps she hangs on to Ashley because he is the last remnant of the South’s glory days..."

Tom, I never really saw him as this symbol of the tough South. All the other more masculine characters like the Tarleton twins or even Gerald made him out to be this effeminate scholar. I would think the last remnant of the early days would be more like Mr. Wilkes. Scarlett has no interest in anything remotely intellectual and simply dismisses anything above her mental threshold. I do not understand Scarlett's obsession with Ashley. She's obsessed with what she can't have.

Oh... Goodness gracious... Buckle up for Part 4! (We need someone to turn this into a tv series!) Any closet screenwriters in the group? I’m totally series. )

Daniel wrote: "Tom wrote: "He is a typical Romantic intellectual. He told Scarlett Melanie us like him. She won’t take no for an answer. Perhaps she hangs on to Ashley because he is the last remnant of the South’..."

I agree with you Daniel. Scarlett is obsessed with what she can't have and Ashley is the object. She has always had life her way. Enjoy Reading, 📔

Sylvia wrote: "As I continue to read, I am more and more in awe of Margaret Mitchell as a writer. The quality of her writing, the complexity of her characters, and the depth of her story, Mitchell definitely dese..."

This is my feeling as well. I have been amazed by the writing so far.

Olive wrote: "Sylvia wrote: "As I continue to read, I am more and more in awe of Margaret Mitchell as a writer. The quality of her writing, the complexity of her characters, and the depth of her story, Mitchell ..."

Mitchell had the rare ability to transfer her thoughts to paper with minimal loss. She could reduce five pages of intellectual hot air into one all-encompassing sentence. Her depth of understanding of human nature is limitless. Sometimes,I feel like she is baiting the reader into a trap of their own judgments, just to see them squirm back to their once impregnable belief system. I bet she was always the smartest person in the room.

I am on Chapter 25. I am impressed with how Scarlett made it to Tara behind enemy lines. For someone who is self-centered, she pulls its together at the right time. It sadness me that Ellen had to die. But, it makes the story seem more real. Enjoy Reading. 📚

La Tonya
yes I saw this trek back to Tara as a pivotal point in the development of Scarlett's character.
it is amazing to me that in such a large book every page, every sentence almost every word is so important to the story. what a marvelous writer

La Tonya wrote: "I am on Chapter 25. I am impressed with how Scarlett made it to Tara behind enemy lines. For someone who is self-centered, she pulls its together at the right time. It sadness me that Ellen had to ..."

A strong-willed person was needed to get that buggy to Tara, and Scarlett definitely filled the role.

I have just finished PART THREE less than three minutes ago. I will start PART FOUR tomorrow. It is completely fascinating. It is sad to see people who are accustomed to nothing but the very best reduced to destitute.

The most emotional scene for me is when Cathleen Calvert was reduced to marrying her overseer Mr.Hilton. She told the O'Hara's she did not want them at the wedding. It was implied in the writing because of embarrassment and shame. Which is very true even though Cathleen never said these words directly. When Cathleen rebuked Melanie for crying, it was heart breaking because marriage was something all young girls dream about.

Sylvia wrote: "I was traveling and fell behind on my reading, but finished up Part 3 today. I don't want to give away spoiler, but I'm so shocked about new information about Ashley! Did not see this coming. What ..."

Will was a God sent to Scarlett. She was near her breaking point. When she slapped Suellen, thought of ways not to feed the returning soliders, and cursed God, it was evident she was at her maximum emotionally.