Part III

[Jolien]

[Alicia (A Kernel of Nonsense)]

Where to begin...Before I go into this, I want to say that I had heard a little while ago about a certain part of this book that many readers found disturbing. I'm talking about the scene in which Jamie punishes Claire. I saw people argue about it but didn't pay too much attention because I hadn't read the book myself. Let's talk about it.

Those angry view it as a moral issue while the opposition view it in a historical context. I myself am sort of torn between the two. On one hand, I'm as angry as Claire, I would never want to be so disrespected and minimized in that way. Still, I think it was handled in such a way that the author wasn't trying to say that this kind of behavior was right, but rather it was a reality at the time. I'll probably be thinking about this for a while. What are your thoughts?

[Jolien]

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.

[Alicia (A Kernel of Nonsense)]

Yes, I know what you mean. I'm just torn in general. Some parts I really like, but some parts make me cringe inwardly.