I own the first seven books of the Outlander series, but haven't had a chance to read it yet. This was actually the first book I have read by Diana Gabaldon. It felt like I was jumping into the middle of a story - which, in essence, I was! This book involved both Lord John Gray and Jamie Fraser. Not knowing the characters, if was confusing to me at first. I had no idea who either character (named above) was - or why they found themselves in the predicament they were each in at the start of the book. Fortunately, the author does a nice job of explaining the past as the story moves forward.
I really liked both Lord John and Jamie. I still don't know the story of how little William (the imp!) came to be, but regardless, I love how attached Jamie is to him. Now that John is William's named guardian, I guess John & Jamie will always be attached too. I am glad that John figured out that is was William that Jamie wanted to see at Helwater, and not Betty! John & Jamie could easily be best friends, they get along so well together, but it is odd that John is in love with Jamie. Kind of puts some awkwardness into their time together. ;) I am glad they worked through it.
You would think that I would know more about the Jacobites by this point in my life, especially since Susanna Kearsley writes about them often and I have read a lot of her books, but I still don't know that much. Or maybe I just don't care enough to know more! I gathered that Jamie was considered a traitor by the English, since he was part of the Irish uprising to put Charles Stuart on the throne rather than George II, (right?) But I really didn't get what the deal was about the Cupan Druid riogh. And I didn't understand the scene towards the end when Jamie is burying Quinn in the peat bog. I definitely didn't understand who Esus, Taranis and Teutates were - and what their significance was in relation to Quinn, the Cupan or the Irish! In the end I guess it doesn't matter. I followed the rest of the story, which I really liked.
It's odd that Jamie's wife, Claire, is living in a different time with their child. The last sentence of the book: "Then turned his check to her reaching hand and touched her through the veils of time." Not sure what to make of that either. Is he touching her figuratively? In his dream? What aren't they living together in the same time? I am sure some of the other books explains that fully!
The other people in my book club, who have read the Outlander series, didn't care for this one. Since I really liked this book, I have a feeling I will love Outlander!
Wendy's Rating: ****
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