Book Review-Newer Books 19

Review—Rhett Butler’s People by Donald McCaig

Donald McCaig wrote the novel Rhett Butler’s People. St. Martin’s Press published the book in November 2007; the novel has 500 pages.

            Who would have thought that there was more to the classic novel and movie, Gone with the Wind?  Now, a new novel depicts the other side, Rhett’s side. From his early days as the rebellious son of a wealthy plantation owner to the days after Atlanta, post Civil War was once again prosperous. This, time, of course, includes his tumultuous and passionate relationship with Scarlett O’Hara.

            During his youth, Rhett seemed to have difficulty being what his father desired in the proper son. He showed respect to all around him from family to slave labor, often developing friendships with those least likely to be a part of his world. A perpetual trial to his father, punishment was often meted out with harsh judgments and little of the expected results. Eventually disowned, Rhett foresaw the future of the South’s battle and was one of the few not left devastated, through shrewd business dealings across the world. Even not believing the South would prevail, upon his return and viewing such destruction, he did join the fight of the rebel cause.

            Relationships were a primary part of what made Rhett Butler. His sister and friends were often the impetus that drove him to succeed. Close relationships with people from past scandals also developed the man he would become. Through pre-war to post-war days, loyalty and integrity were integral to his make-up. During this time, a chance meeting with a young vixen, named Scarlett O’Hara, sets new courses and trials in his path. As he is determined to deny the love to such a vain woman who thinks she is in love with another, death and tragedy mold what may or may not be their future.

            This novel, with the approval of Margaret Mitchell’s descendants, is a tribute to what was not portrayed in the movie. In this novel Rhett’s character and relationships were developed and explained. For Gone with the Wind fans, this should be an enjoyable read. The novel, for this writer was slow to plod along, as too much of the previous story was included. Often the very same situations arose with little view into the other side of the presentation. More of Scarlett and Rhett, and less of family and friends could have also been more interesting.