float (up and down) (fine)

Author: (American) Mitchell, M. (Author), Li Meihua (Translator)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-01-01
Features: In the days leading up to the outbreak of the American Civil War in 1861, Scarlett O'Hara, the daughter of a wealthy plantation owner, fell in love with the son of another plantation owner, Ashley Wilkes. However, Ashley chose Scarlett's cousin, Melanie Hamilton, who was gentle and kind. Out of jealousy, Scarlett married Ashley's younger brother, Charles, first. Soon after, the American Civil War broke out. Ashley and Charles were drafted and sent to the front lines. Charles died quickly in the war. Scarlett became a widow, but her heart was still filled with love for Ashley. During the war, the Southern army suffered defeats, and Atlanta was filled with wounded soldiers. Scarlett and her cousin Melanie voluntarily joined the nursing corps to care for the wounded. At this time, news came from the front lines that the Northern army was approaching, and many people panicked and began to flee their homes. Unluckily, Melanie was about to give birth, so Scarlett had to stay behind to take care of her. On the day the Northern army advanced, Scarlett bravely drove a carriage back to Tara Plantation alone. By then, the Northern soldiers had already looted the house, and her mother died of shock. Soon after, the war ended. Life remained difficult. To rebuild her bankrupt family, Scarlett tricked Frank into marrying her. Frank and Ashley joined a secret anti-government organization and were surrounded by the Northern army during a meeting. Frank was shot and killed, while Ashley was injured and fled. Scarlett became a widow again. At this time, Rhett Butler came to propose to her, and she finally married Rhett, who had made a fortune through smuggling arms and food. On the eve of Ashley's birthday, Scarlett's passionate embrace with Ashley drew the scorn of others, but Melanie did not believe there was any romantic relationship between them. Rhett, however, did not think so. Melanie eventually fell ill due to overwork. On her deathbed, she entrusted her husband, Ashley, and her son to Scarlett, asking her to keep this secret. Scarlett, regardless of everything, threw herself into Ashley's arms and embraced him tightly. Standing by the side, Rhett could no longer endure it and turned away. Faced with Ashley, who was heartbroken and unresponsive, Scarlett finally realized that the Ashley she loved did not exist; what she truly needed was Rhett. By the time Scarlett returned, Rhett no longer trusted her. Determined to leave Scarlett and return to his hometown to seek something beautiful, the abandoned Scarlett stood in the misty courtyard, remembering a saying her father once told her: "In this world, only land and tomorrow endure." She decided to stay on her land and rebuild her life, hoping for the arrival of a better tomorrow. While depicting the lives and loves of its characters, the book also outlines the similarities and differences between the North and South in politics, economy, and culture at all levels, showcasing a strong epic style. It is a true reflection of the turning point in American history and has become an enduring classic of love.