There was going to be drowning AND burning in the book! They would typically weight a suspected witch with stones and if she drowned she was innocent. In the book, Claire is outside being flogged, and is struggling against the jailer's attempts to get her to the loch when 'our hero' arrives to save her. When Laohaire (too many letters!) starts her crazy act, spinning around, etc (in the book), she gives Claire and Jamie the opportunity to get away, knowing that she (L) will be burned for a witch. I liked the reveal of the "devil's mark" better in the book as well. I missed his throwing the jet rosary. The playing on the superstitions of the day by Jamie - who sort of sometimes believes them too - are interesting cultural bits that make him more human.
I also felt that the scene was better written in the book and was short enough that it could have been adapted well for the series. Of course. But, the series is still doing an amazing job and I can't complain too much.
Carol wrote: "There was going to be drowning AND burning in the book! They would typically weight a suspected witch with stones and if she drowned she was innocent. In the book, Claire is outside being flogged, ..."
I think you mean Geillis not Leoghaire.. Geillis was the witch.
I also felt that the scene was better written in the book and was short enough that it could have been adapted well for the series. Of course. But, the series is still doing an amazing job and I can't complain too much.