...Gone with the Wind. I read it many years ago, and forgot it all, so I've come back to it fresh. It is a riveting, astonishing, wonderful marathon of a book. I've lived, breathed and dreamed it since starting it nearly three weeks ago (it's very, very long), and will be bereft when I finish it (soon). If you've never read it (and most people I've spoken to say "I've seen the film, but..."), you have a treat in store. It is one of the most amazing books I have ever read, and I think it must rank as one of the best novels ever written (and yes, I have read War and Peace).
I'm already grieving for it, for the end is in sight. Whatever can I read next that will come anywhere near it?
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Sad to say GWTW stands alone and no other book will ease the pain of turning that last page.
ReplyDeleteHow sad! But nice that you feel the same, Jill.
DeleteThere's a book?
ReplyDeleteOf course not. I was just kidding, Adrian.
DeleteLike most people you've spoken to, I've seen the film, but...
ReplyDeleteDecades ago, I meant to read it (in Italian) during one of our regular Sicilian holidays. I opened the book and read on the first page that Scarlett was "Rosella". I shut the book with disgust and put it away. Translating personal names? No, thank you.
I had the same problem with one of the translations of War and Peace Meike.
DeleteMeike, do read it. In English. But you'd need quite a long holiday unless you're a very fast reader!
DeleteI saw the film years and years ago. About 7 years ago I bought the DVD and have never watched it. As
ReplyDeleteI've never read the book suggesting something as you requested is virtually impossible. How about Anna Karenina?
I've read Anna Karenina, some years ago. Do read GWTW, Graham, and forget the film!
ReplyDeleteOh, Gone With the Wind... I know I've read it at least twice, but a very long time ago, back in my upper teens. I know this because I remember so well the actual book that I borrowed from the library. It was unusual because it was very large, and each page printed in two columns, like a Bible. It was a Swedish translation (but with the right names in it!). I even remember (I think) in which section of the town library that it stood. I have also seen the film a few times, at the cinema in my teens and a few years ago I bought it on DVD.
ReplyDeleteI might look for the film, DT, although no film could do justice to the book!
DeleteI had to look it up on Wikipedia to see who the author was. It was the only book that Margaret Mitchell wrote in the same way that Harper Lee only wrote To Kill a Mocking bird - a book I really enjoyed. I might seek it out at the library.
ReplyDeleteDo, Maggie. Though it will be heavy!
DeleteI haven't read it - but it is on my kindle.
ReplyDeleteI envy you, Patsy. You have a treat in store!
DeleteI read it and was captivated. So much deeper character development in a book and who wants to sit through a movie that is sooo long?
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you feel the same, ER. Yes. The characters are amazing, aren't they, and stay true to form.
DeleteDare I mention that I haven't even seen the film? (Lovely to have another post so soon X )
ReplyDeleteI haven't either, Frances. I'm not sure if want to, either. But DO read the book. I've just finished it ;(
DeleteIt sounds a bit long? I only tend to read when I go to bed, and struggle to get through book club reads in time…..so a really long other book might be a bit of a stretch! Our next book is The " Harold Fry" book, and I am just reaching the end of the companion book….." Queenie" . Can't remember the exact titles without going upstairs…..both excellent reads. A bit reminiscent of Ernest.! X
ReplyDeleteThe thing about GWTW is it's so gripping that it's lovely that it's so long!I too only read in bed, and it took me three weeks. I enjoyed Harold Fry, but didn't know there was a sequel.
DeleteI read GWTW a long time ago and loved it. Might be worth a re-read thanks for reminding me. The only thing to do when you've read a book so much is to pick a completely different type of book for the next read, that way its easier not to make comparisons.
ReplyDeleteLinda
I've done that Linda. But I still miss GWTW!
DeleteOne of the most poignant endings ... echoing with all we know and feel by that point. It is one of the youthful reading experiences I actually want to let stand. Jean
ReplyDeleteI understand how you feel, Jean, but it really does bear reading again.
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