RHETT BUTLER'S PEOPLE by Donald McCaig
Forget SCARLETT by Alexandra Ripley, RHETT BUTLER'S PEOPLE by Donald McCaig is the real companion piece to Margaret Mitchell's classic GONE WITH THE WIND. This novel centers on Rhett Butler. It gives his backstory as well as fills in some of the gaps in the original classic. Fans of Mitchell's book will find this one a satisfactory addition to the legend and lives of Rhett Butler and Scarlett O'Hara.
McCaig takes Butler's life from his childhood in serene Charleston, South Carolina to the tormented land of the state of Georgia. We learn of his involvement with the Watling family early in his life. Rhett was accused of fathering Belle Watling's son Taz and even fought a duel over the matter. His success in this duel will have consequences that reach out to Butler all through his life.
As Rhett's life progresses we observe his first meeting with Scarlett O'Hara at the Twelve Oaks barbecue. When McCaig's story dovetails with Mitchell's some of her actual dialogue is used. This adds credence to the plot and takes away any jarring dissimilarity in styles. Scarlett is still high spirited and ga-ga over Ashley Wilkes while Butler is obsessed with Scarlett.
As Scarlett was the focal point of GONE WITH THE WIND, Rhett is the focal point of RHETT BUTLER'S PEOPLE. Scarlett O'Hara is a player but a supporting one. Belle Watling and Melanie Wilkes are equally as important to the story as she is. Ashley has a minor role as do Mammy and Prissy. Bonnie Blue Butler appears in this story and is just as tragic as ever.
McCaig also invents a sister for Rhett named Rosemary. Her full story is also told and she is a fascinating member of the family. She adores Rhett and he her, but neither can save the other from heartbreak and tragedy.
RHETT BUTLER'S PEOPLE does not have the depth or passion of Margaret Mitchell's book but it does have a magnificent story. It takes Mitchell's story a few years beyond where the original book ended. Scarlett spoke of tomorrow being another day and McCaig's book lets you see what those days involved.
Because of the high regard of Mitchell's story, a large number of readers will be drawn to McCaig's book. They will be anxious to see whether it is a supplement or a contradiction. In the pages of RHETT BUTLER'S PEOPLE they will be happy to find the story of Scarlett and Rhett enhanced and respected.
The world and times of Scarlett and Rhett may be gone with the wind, but in McCaig's book they roar back to life and finish the story that has fascinated readers for decades.
RHETT BUTLER'S PEOPLE is published by St Martin's Press. It contains 498 pages and sells for $27.95.