Scarlett. The moment i saw the name, i went into a state of remeniscense. The woman who believed "tomorrow is another
day!", the woman who cheated not one, but two men whom she did not truly love; who finally realizes what she wanted, was looking for, and had lost. I am referring of course, to Scarlett O Hara, the belle of Margaret Mitchell's classic novel - 'Gone with the Wind'. I was at a book exhibition, and the name was on the cover of one of the books. I picked up the book. It was indeed a reference to the very same Scarlett. Written by Alexandria Ripley, it was a
sequel to 'Gone with the Wind'. When i left the place, the book was with me.
'Scarlett' picks up where 'Gone with the Wind' left off - Melanie Hamilton's Funeral. It was a riveting read for me. The very same Scarlett; Rhett Butler, still the same dashing man! I was glued to the book untill i turned the last page. Ripley has done a very thourough research on the characters, for she manages to bring back to life their main essense, manages to retain the feel of the first book. Often it is found that sequels do not keep up to the standards set by their prequels, but 'Scarlett' has remarkably maintained its level of expectations.
Scarlett has finally realized that she loved Rhett all along and now has lost him. But she isnt someone who will just give up, No. So she sets her mind that she is going to get him back. And of course, when Scarlett O Hara makes up her mind on something, she goes all out to get it. The story takes us to Rhett's hometown Charleston, where Scarlett tries her hand at being a "Lady" again! And where she loses Rhett for the second time after a wild and passionate reunion. Ripley focuses more on Scarlett's family in this book. Both her Savannah relatives - i.e. her mothers sisters and father; as well as her Irish kin. Scarlett is shown to be a true Irish in spirit when she goes to live in Ireland with her fathers family - the O'Haras. She tries to bring back the glory that once belonged to her family by bringing back their land - Ballyhara - and rebuilding the township and lifestyle of her ancestors. And all the while, her feelings for Rhett, and her intense need for him, keep maturing.
In this book, Scarlett undergoes a variety of changes in her character. She goes from being a young, sprightly village belle, to being a Lady, or atleast trying to be a Lady, to becoming someone who lives for herself and her people, not caring about the social burdens of the south. She becomes "The O'Hara", which in itself, is a very great honor. And she realizes that this is what she has wanted. She also learns that she has the capacity to Love. To love her daughter - cheekily named Cat O'Hara! She poures all of her energy and love and affection into the little child, remembering all the while, that Rhett should be there with them.
All in all, 'Scarlett' is worth comparing to its prequel, and does not disappoint. The book ends with what most readers would have expected in the first, Rhett & Scarlett - together forever! Where 'Gone with the Wind' leaves you feeling sorry for Scarlett, and a little heart-broken in the bargain; 'Scarlett' leaves you roaring with approval that what was always destined to happen, finally has! 'Scarlett' brings back to life all the emotions, anxieties and imaginations that Gone with the Wind initiated and goes beyond them as well. Kudos to Alexandria Ripley!