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This is the sixth book in the Outlander series written by Diana Gabaldon. This book does not stand alone as many things from previous books are referred to in this one.
This book spans over three years of time and is written in the first and third persons. Claire’s part is written first person, but the sections with other characters are third person.
It can be confusing at first to make the switch, but I quickly adapted
to it.
Claire and Jamie Fraser lived in Fraser’s Ridge in North Carolina in the years before the American Revolution. Brianna and Roger lived close to them and the families interacted frequently. Fergus and Marsali also lived nearby. Claire was the doctor to many families in the area and Jamie was known as Mac Dubh.
Many things occur in this book, including Claire’s abduction at the hands of rebels, her rescue, Jamie’s appointment as an Indian Agent, their ongoing friendship with Lord John Grey. In addition, Tom Christie takes a central role as does his daughter, Malva. Malva begins training with Claire and helps her with her medical practice. Lizzie, the servant girl also has a significant role as she is engaged and the way it goes awry results in problems for the Fraser’s as well.
Eventually, Jamie will have to decide whether to stay loyal to the King, or declare for the Colonies. Claire is aware of the future as are Brianna and her husband Roger. They all encourage Jamie in his decision making.
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Diana Gabaldon is a masterful writer. She maintains the reader’s interest through all 980 pages of this book. She weaves together various elements both from previous books as well as the current one. Her grasp of history is broad and she makes the time come alive as she describes situations. If you have read her previous books, you will very much enjoy this as well. It was extremely difficult to summarize this book, and I fear I may not have done it justice. When I closed the book, I was left with a sense of satisfaction similar to that of having consumed an exquisite chocolate. It was rich, it was filling, and it left me longing for more of the same. Very few writers have the skill to do this, but Diana Gabaldon excels at it.
Reviewed by Nancy Riggins-Hume
for The Road to Romance
January 25, 2006
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