NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The seventh book in Diana Gabaldon’s acclaimed Outlander saga, the basis for the Starz original series.
“All you’ve come to expect from Gabaldon . . . adventure, history, romance, fantasy.”—The Arizona Republic
Jamie Fraser, former Jacobite and reluctant rebel, is already certain of three things about the American rebellion: The Americans will win, fighting on the side of victory is no guarantee of survival, and he’d rather die than have to face his illegitimate son—a young lieutenant in the British army—across the barrel of a gun.
Claire Randall knows that the Americans will win, too, but not what the ultimate price may be. That price won’t include Jamie’s life or his happiness, though—not if she has anything to say about it.
Meanwhile, in the relative safety of the twentieth century, Jamie and Claire’s daughter, Brianna, and her husband, Roger MacKenzie, have resettled in a historic Scottish home where, across a chasm of two centuries, the unfolding drama of Brianna’s parents’ story comes to life through Claire’s letters. The fragile pages reveal Claire’s love for battle-scarred Jamie Fraser and their flight from North Carolina to the high seas, where they encounter privateers and ocean battles—as Brianna and Roger search for clues not only to Claire’s fate but to their own. Because the future of the MacKenzie family in the Highlands is mysteriously, irrevocably, and intimately entwined with life and death in war-torn colonial America.
First things first, it was very refreshing to read this novel from so many different perspectives. I loved being able to read more about William and Lord John Grey because it made me see them in a new light. As much as I love Claire, it was nice to get other people's perspectives. Also, unlike previous books, I thought that the transition from one point of view to another was less random and made more logical sense.
On the other hand, I did quite think that William's earlier narratives were dull. It took me a while to get into his story, but in the end, I'm glad to have seen things from his perspective.
After this book, I have definitely gained a respect for Lord John Grey. He had been an "okay" character in my eyes for some time now, but I am now definitely a fan after this book. I loved reading from his perspective. I don't know how I failed to see what a great character he was before.
I'm also glad that the story of Brianna and Roger was not abandoned. Their story was definitely one of my favorite parts of the book.
The most disappointing part of this book was that just when it became a page turner, it ended. There was so much build-up and I couldn't even get them resolved. While it makes me eager for the next book (another three years, great) I am left feeling unsatisfied.
Overall, I think Gabaldon's style of narration has improved. The incorporation of the various points of view and the letters have added another dimension to the storytelling.
Reading updates
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Started reading
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4 April, 2010:
Finished reading
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4 April, 2010:
Reviewed