What Was the One-word Title of the 1991 Authorized Sequel to Gone With the Wind?
The one-word title of the 1991 authorized sequel to Gone with the Wind is Scarlett. Choosing that name put the focus straight on Scarlett O’Hara herself rather than the war, the plantations, or even Rhett.
Many readers who grew up hearing about the original novel discovered the character properly only when they picked up Scarlett in a local library or bookshop and realized, “Oh, this is literally her story continuing.”
In everyday general knowledge terms, if someone asks in a quiz, “What was the one-word title of the 1991 authorized sequel to Gone with the Wind?”, the simple, exact answer is: Scarlett.
No tricks, no extra words just the heroine’s name, used like a spotlight on what happens to her after the famous “tomorrow is another day” ending.
Who Wrote Scarlett, the Official Sequel to Gone With the Wind?
The authorized sequel Scarlett was written by American author Alexandra Ripley. She was already known for historical novels set in the American South, which helped convince the Margaret Mitchell estate to trust her with such a high-pressure project.
Ripley had written successful Southern-themed books like Charleston and New Orleans Legacy before being selected to continue Scarlett O’Hara’s journey.
Readers sometimes describe the experience of picking up Scarlett as a mix of curiosity and nervousness wanting more of this world, but also wondering if anyone could really follow Margaret Mitchell.
In Which Year Was Scarlett Published as the Authorized Sequel?
Scarlett was published in 1991 as the officially authorized sequel to Gone with the Wind. It arrived in a big way: huge print runs, international releases, and instant bestseller status in several major markets.
For context, bookstores at the time stacked it in front displays, and it quickly reached the top of lists like The New York Times bestsellers.
Some readers remember queueing at shops or borrowing early library copies with long waiting lists, because this was marketed not as a small side project but as the “real” continuation of the story.
How is Scarlett Connected to Margaret Mitchell’s Gone With the Wind?
Scarlett is an officially sanctioned sequel that continues the story of Scarlett O’Hara after the events of Margaret Mitchell’s 1936 novel Gone with the Wind.
The Mitchell estate approved Ripley to carry the narrative forward, even though Mitchell herself never wanted a sequel during her lifetime.
The book picks up after Rhett Butler’s departure and follows Scarlett through new locations, new relationships, and even a move to Ireland, while still tying back to familiar characters and themes from the original.
In simple terms, Gone with the Wind builds the world and breaks Scarlett’s heart; Scarlett tries to answer the long-standing fan question: what happens to her next?
Disclaimer: This is for general information and quiz/education purposes only and should not be treated as literary or legal advice. Details about books, authors, and publications may change with new editions, sources, or critical updates.




