i agree with with of the message on here that the book be not like the movie . i read the book a a sophomore in high school in sumter sc . i instantly fell in love with the book and eagerly await the release of the mini series . as much a i like the movie and think it be very well do and i be disappoint that the movie do not follow the book . i be glad the orry be not kill off like he be in love and war or n and s ii . have grow up in sc and graduating from university of sc and i fell in love with southern history because of this mini series and book . i have the honor of meet john jakes at a symposium in 1988 at usc . i stay around afterwards and meet mr. jakes . unfortunately and i do not get to ask him a question . but meet him be honor enough . i major in accounting but get my minor in southern study . in addition and i pattern a lot of my mannerism after orry main . orry and myself be very much alike . i feel i be bear 150 year too late . i be a southern gentleman and very proud of this . well i fell in love with 2 woman in the movie . genie francis and wendy kilbourne . man and do i have the hots for wendy . i never quite could find a real life version of her . i hope one day too .