Buxton Village Books

RHETT BUTLER'S PEOPLE by Donald McCaig Reviewed by Ms. Kitty Butcher (aka Gee Gee's Mama) Written as an "authorized novel" based on Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell, this book covers the period of Rhett Butler's life from birth to his involvement with Scarlett O'Hara. Characters familiar to GWTW readers appear in this prequel. Born to a large slave-owning rice planter in the low country of Charleston, South Carolina, he and his father disagreed about the problems with slavery. Given a young slave boy as a companion when 2 years old, the friendship grew between Rhett and Will and became a significant part of what formed Rhett's views on slavery. Rhett became estranged from his father after he punished Will for an "unforgivable infraction." However, Rhett's little sister Rosemary kept his confidence and became his remaining connection to the family after this incident. Thus began, at any early age, Rhett's life in opposition to slavery, a posture that led to turmoil in the antebellum south. The book also explores Rhett's involvement with the madam Belle Watling and her son Tad, befriended by Rhett and supported by him all their lives. Particularly interesting is Rhett's introduction to the cotton growing families featured in GWTW and his fated romance with Scarlett O'Hara. This is a well-researched, well-written story of antebellum South Carolina populated by familiar characters living their lives during an unsettled time in our country. A must read, even for GWTW purists.