Nearly seven decades after the publication of “Gone With the Wind,” a new book will detail the backstory of Mammy, the servant character immortalized in the 1939 film by Hattie McDaniel.
Simon & Schuster imprint Atria announced Thursday that it will publish Donald McCaig’s “Ruth’s Journey” in October as a prequel to Margaret Mitchell’s million-selling 1936 novel, reports the AP.
“Ruth’s Journey” will track the life of Scarlett O’Hara’s servant from her arrival in Georgia in the early 19th century.
McCaig previously wrote a spinoff focused on Rhett Butler, “Rhett’s People.” Both titles were authorized by Mitchell’s estate.
Mitchell’s novel has been criticized for romanticizing antebellum life and for its one-dimensional portraits of blacks. McDaniel won an Academy Award for her performance as Mammy, the first black performer to do so.
(Photo: Twitter)
