Jolien’s Comments (group member since Feb 21, 2015)

Jolien’s comments from the Buddy-Reads (The Fictional Reader) group.

Oh no... That would be so sad! But I actually agree. Because who else would go to the place where Claire is staying and stare at her? But then, will she know? If she goes back to her time, will she know who he is... Because at that moment in time, she has no clue yet.

Yes! I've been thinking about that man looking up for the entire book. Why does no one question it, especially Claire, when she knows that it was a person in a kilt?

I also wondered whether death would not have been kinder. I guess not overall because he made it through but still. And I do wonder about Randall's early death, and it affecting Frank. Because how could it not?

Thank you so much for participating! And for all of the suggestions and comments, because I honestly had no idea how to host this :D

I FINISHED IT. The last part was so captivating! It really kept me glued to the book, which is why I finished it so fast.

First of all, I can't even deal with what Jamie has been through. That guy. I don't know whether he is blessed to keep surviving or whether that's a curse. How can you really come back from being tortured by the same person multiple times and then being raped by him? WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH THAT RANDALL GUY? He is so disgusting!

But Claire! He is not the only strong one, she just didn't want to give up on him. I'm glad they both got out of it alive. Although to be honest, I'm sad they aren't returning to Scotland. What is going to happen to the MacKenzie clan? I want to know! But they aren't planning on going back so I wonder whether I'll ever find out.

Well, this part was extremely short. But they are going to try and save him! I'm glad they didn't just give up -even though Dougal did. Murtagh is so committed to Jamie, he is truly someone to count on for them I believe.

Alicia (A Kernel of Nonsense) wrote: "I really liked Jamie's sister Jenny. She is extremely resilient and strong-willed. I will say this, however, everyone seems very handsy and a bit too physically comfortable with one another."

Yes! To be honest, I think we -as in people from this time- are much less comfortable around nudity etc. For example, with the breastfeeding. I was on the train two weeks ago when a woman in front of me started breastfeeding her baby. I was honestly so uncomfortable and didn't know where to look! These people definitely don't have that.

But Jenny is so strong. And I really loved reading about Jamie's home, and meeting the people! Lallybroch really seems like a peaceful and wonderful place. And learning the true story of what happened to Jenny on the day they took Jamie was fascinating too! How they twisted the story and made him believe he raped her.

Alicia (A Kernel of Nonsense) wrote: "I really wanted her to stay too and was actually a little surprised considering what she just went through, being accused of being a witch. I've always found the psychology of witch hunts to be fas..."

It's fascinating to me too. I think it's part of the "fear of the unknown". People tend to be afraid of what they don't understand and instead of listening, often turn to violence. I'm so glad modern society doesn't believe in witches anymore! At least, most of us don't. And even if you do, no problem unless you're violent.

I also think she was a very strong woman! Especially taking the blame all on her, which allowed Claire to escape. I mean, she knew they would kill her but she still saved her friend.

I'm really glad she chose Jamie! If I had to make the same choice, I honestly don't know what would win. Civilization? Modern times? Or finding someone like Jamie? I honestly have no clue.

Also, Geillie has a vaccination mark?? Did she have the same happen to her that Claire did? I'm so curious! And I can't wait to find out more about Lallybroch -which name sounds a bit ridiculous in my ears.

I agree! I'm also torn. I know that in those times, these things would be viewed as normal. But because we were raised in this time, I think I would be so angry for disrespecting me like that. The same thing goes for the sex... I'm sometimes quite torn about those scenes. Sometimes Claire says no, but he doesn't stop. And even though she wants it after a few seconds, she still said no. I don't know. I know it's historically correct but personally, I can't imagine being treated like that.

I really liked Geilie too! She seems very... modern for that time, if that makes sense. I'm also keeping an eye on Dougal!

I don't know... I'd like to think that I would rush out and help. But I do think that your own survival instincts will take over, and that I'll know that the mob would kill me if I saved the boy. I did like how she helped the boy with his ear getting un-pierced.

I don't know whether I could take being treated like that though. Like women have no power and can't do anything... I'd have a very hard time keeping my mouth shut!

By the time I finished this part, I was so hooked! I really love the characters and the places. It seems so magical. But the characters! I'm so intrigued to see how this will all unfold.

I'm sometimes confused by the Scottish language though. I'm really captivated by the characters! Like Dougal: what does he want? what is he up to? I want to know! And Jamie. I really like his character too.

Alicia (A Kernel of Nonsense) wrote: "Jolien wrote: "I agree! I found it a bit hard to get into in the beginning but once she actually traveled through time, I was hooked. I definitely wouldn't have taken the time-travel so easily eith..."

I assume they'll probably think we are either proostitutes or witches...

I agree! I found it a bit hard to get into in the beginning but once she actually traveled through time, I was hooked. I definitely wouldn't have taken the time-travel so easily either, I probably would have freaked out. And I really enjoyed the men's reaction to her as well, her language and her clothes and such. A dangerous place, especially for women that aren't from that age!

I'm really enjoying it so far :D

Discuss away! As always, it would be best to read the entire part before joining the discussion here, otherwise you will get spoiled...

A place to discuss Part I of the book! Only discuss and read if you have read the entire part though, there will be spoilers.

Claudia {SparrowHawk} wrote: "Jolien wrote: "Claudia {SparrowHawk} wrote: "In all truth, for me, it would take about 2 weeks max. I can't fall behind on my reviews, or my little ones and their school ha ha! I'm just speaking fo..."

Oh, you have nothing to be sorry for! What do you think about that? If I make divisions of the seven parts, and we all start reading on the 16th and then comment and discuss on the part you've finished?

Or would you prefer a time limit?