Ross Lockridge (1914–1948)

i found this book a kind of counterblast to the preceding Civil War blockbuster "Gone with the Wind!" In my mind the two are seenasthe opposite visions of "The American Dream". while Scarlett works out a purely personal destiny, concentrating very much on her emotional satisfaction, her prosperity, and, at times, her personal safety, and the externalities of life are entered into only so far as they effect her, Ross Lockridge's John Shawnessey is very much a public centered man, intent mostly on his effects on the community, and those surrounding him. His quest for the mythical "Raintree" is crowned with at least a vision of the spirit of his place, the golden tree with its golden frit. His love life has an obligatory disappointment, but ends with a level of acceptance and comfort. His southern belle, though wooed and cared for, just destroys herself due to her own defects. Thus a portrait of the Confederacy that is still a valid critique. I like his prose much better that that of Mitchell, and I could see in Lockridge's character a portrait of a far more worthy character.… (més)

i've been a voracious reader all throughout my long adult life. I read this book twice -- once in high school, again in college and liked it. i've just read it again and can finally understand what i really didn't the first two times. it's language, especially when john/ny muses about nature and the beauty of his native surroundings, i agree, is truly poetic. i also believe the book could have done without about 150-200 pages. as rapt as i was, i caught myself thinking about skipping this or that; i'd pretty much read it on earlier pages. ditto the endless dialectics between john and the perfessor. nevertheless, Raintree County will remain the most beautiful book i've ever read and i know of nothing closer to the "Great American Novel," if there is such a thing. p.s. in my opinion, the hollywood movie in 1959 was an insult.… (més)