Last weekend part one of ‘Gone with the Wind was on television. I adore this book and know parts almost as well as I know my Arabian horses pedigrees! The book is one of my all time favourites. Everyone should attempt to read it but let me warn you it is LONG – in fact very long!

I can vividly remember the first time I read GWTW. I was a Dental Assistant and in between patients I raced back to the staff room to keep reading! Not the right thing to do, I know, but the book drew me to it like a bee to honey! Sorry, so cliché – But all TRUE!  The first edition is  September 1936.

I also love the movie but I feel you cannot empathise with scarlett quite as much in the movie as in the book. In the book you are able to understand the motive behind how she copes with her situation.  

The book begins:
“Scarlett O’Hara was not beautiful,but men seldom realized it when caught by her charm as the Tarleton twins were. In her face were too sharply blended the delicate features of her mother, a coast aristocrat of French descent, and the heavy ones of her florid Irish father. But it was an arresting face…”

One of my favourite declarations of love :
“I love you,” she said choking. ‘I’ve always loved you. I’ve never loved anybody else. I just married Charlie to – to try and hurt you. Oh Ashley, I love you so much I’d walk every step of the way to Virginia just to be near you!  Ashley, say you love me! I’ll live on it for the rest of my life!”  OMG

For the thousands who remember its unparalleled drama, action and romance! And for the new thousands to whom the wonders will be revealed for the first time! Breathtaking spectacle, inspired acting by the greatest cast ever assembled! The screen’s most exciting love story! The most-talked about picture ever made. Scarlett announcing her undying love for Ashley at Seven Oaks. Furious because he is going to marry his placid cousin, Melanie….

Atlanta burning, the Union Army carrying off everything from her beloved Tara, the carpetbaggers who arrive after the war. Scarlett surviving the best way she knows how!!!

A couple of facts regarding the movie from  www.imdb.com

Winner of 10 Academy Awards

At Box Office
Budget:$3,977,000 (estimated)
Gross:$390,500,000 (Worldwide) (December 2003)