Outlander Series discussion
The Books
>
Drums of Autumn
message 101:
by
Heather in FL
(new)
Oct 26, 2012 06:46PM
I'm beginning to wonder myself if maybe I felt this way when I was listening to Drums of Autumn. On the one hand, I knew they had a special relationship (without reading The Scottish Prisoner, though I should probably read that at some point), and I knew LJ had already helped them, that they had this history between the prison and Hellwater and Jamie's son, etc., but there was still this contentious/tenuous relationship between LJ and Claire related to Jamie in this one, even though we know where Jamie really stands in the whole thing. But stuff that happens during and after this one really shows LJ's character and integrity better, and he really steps up to the plate in so many ways. So maybe my current view of LJ is colored by the subsequent interactions.
reply
|
flag
I just finished DoA!I was worried going into it that Brianna and Roger would take away from Jamie and Claire, but I really like how it's moved into more of a family story. I especially love seeing their family at the Gathering with little Jemmy, Germain and Joan thrown into the mix.
Now that I'm invested in the story though, there are little things that are starting to bother me. Like why did Brianna just happen to forget to mention that Roger MIGHT be going by MacKenzie instead of Wakefield - other than the fact that the story wouldn't have been the same, of course. It also really bothered me that Roger was so harsh with Brianna when he finds her in the colonies. He's giving her a hard time for dressing like a man, but he's not even thinking about how HIS behavior is going to look to other people. Poor form, IMO.
I actually LOVE LJ's character and I'm glad he and Claire came to an understanding in DoA. I think it takes a lot of character on his part to care for and protect Jamie's family unconditionally - especially when his love for Jamie is unrequited.
I guess I should have elaborated on that a little more, lol.I totally understand why Roger was harsh with her and didn't mind him giving her a stern talking to. The part that bothered me was that he's worried about Brianna making a scene wearing her pants and he makes a huge scene in the tavern. He could have more calmly taken her aside and THEN yelled at her.
Roger's reaction to Bree's breech's was a "gut" one.He knew what men were like back in the 18th century and also knew what could happen to women back then.
I agree with you, Vicky, he could have been more diplomatic about it, but I think it was understandable.
gertt wrote: "True Vicky, Roger probably brought more attention to Bree then the pants did. LOLThat's what makes this series realistic, the characters often act spontaneously, which often gets them and/or othe..."
I think that maybe we all underestimate the shock of a women in pants in the 18th century. I would have to compare it to some of Lady Gaga's outfits or when Madonna wore her cone bra and other undergarments as costumes in the 80's. Even prostitutes didn't wear pants then.
Diane wrote: "Prostitutes still don't wear pants ;)"At least not long ones. I think they may wear hot ones though. I really haven't spent time studying that culture beyond Pretty Woman.:)
I just reached the part where Claire spends the night in the woods after the horse throws her.Who was the skull? And the Indian?
Hmmmm, I wonder.... Keep reading! :)
Spooky spookiness will ensue! Keep reading.
That skull raised the hair on my neck... I wanna know who it was.
It's one of those things that's explained... but you have to keep reading! It's best told by Claire and Diana G. Don't want to ruin anything for you. It's an important detail in the overall story.
I vaguely remembered it from when I read the book, but I skimmed a lot. Now I'm listening to the audiobook on my commute, and am finding details I missed.
A friend and I had a whole discussion about spoilers (I prefer them, he does not) after last week's Game of Thrones episode. He insists that it ruins the experience. I countered that (for me), knowing the outcome lets me pay closer attention to the events and details leading up to an EVENT.The burden of suspense is gone. This is probably why I usually prefer re-reading a series (like Outlander). Yes, the novelty and excitement can't be replicated, but man... Some of the things you miss the first time make us for it!
"Make UP for it". (Fat thumbs)
I was driving home the other day and Bree had arrived at Lallybroch. Young Jamie and Ian were so happy to see her. And then that shrill voice cut through and ruined it.I really wanted Bree to puch Laoghaire's lights out. Then I realized how so very pathetic and bitter Laoghaire is.
No, I don't feel sorry for her.
LOL, CHC94. I'm with you! I wanted Bree to take L down!
Oh my goodness! Reading this thread makes me realize that I need to get back to my re-read of DOA! I've been reading it for a while and am still in the first 1/3 of the story but that's only because I've been trying to read so many other books on my HUGE TRB list. Every time I pick up the story it's like being back with treasured friends and family :D
I'm reading DOA for a second time, and still wished to see Bree take L down. One of my favorite parts is when Bree rats L Out on her earlier evil deeds.
Kelly - that was great! I loved how Jenny & Ian's faces just changed when they heard that.
How did Morag MacKenzie fit in? Is she one of Roger's ancestors?
Vicky wrote: "She is [spoilers removed]"Ah, I see. Thanks. I joined the forum just to ask about Morag. I was confused when she was mentioned near the end and had thought I missed something because I didn't remember her from earlier in the book. Will she play an important role in later books?
Not a huge role. She makes an appearance in The Fiery Cross and I think William Buccleigh plays a role in Echo, but I haven't read it yet so I'm not sure. ;)
Vicky, thank you for re-aligning that family tree for me. I knew she was familiar and important from my earlier reading, but couldn't remember how she fit in... and her husband was sort of a blip in that scene.
I'm just leaving the Mohawk village with our favorite characters. I remembered some of what had happened there from a previous read, but now all is clear to me. Wow.Still trying to sort out the Indian and the skull. I think that comes back in The Fiery Cross.
On the voyage to America, Roger meets a young mother named Morag and her baby Jemmy. The baby had a rash and fever and so the two of them had to hide below among the cargo due to the plague scare on the ship. Is this Morag the same Morag who is Roger's ancestor?
Thanks. This subplot is beginning to make a lot more sense. Did Roger realize who Morag was when they met?
I think Morag told Roger her name when they were on the ship. But of course, she doesn't know who he is. All the pieces come together later for him.
Also, a couple of people on the ship said something about Roger and Morag (or rather her husband) being kin because they shared a name. Don't know why I didn't put two and two together until Claire mentioned Morag near the end of the book.
So. Bonnet is talking with Roger on the boat, and mentions having worked as a builder in Inverness. The crew hated him (shocker) and wagered whether they would bury him or some random vagrant guy under the foundation. Remember back (way back) at the beginning of Outlander, when Frank was telling Claire about how the ghost of a guy who was buried under a building haunts the place one night a year? Has to be the same guy/building, right?
I swear, I don't know how she keeps all these little threads hanging and then weaves them in as the story goes on. It just boggles the mind! I think about ready to start a re-listen... I'm probably going to pay closer attention to all these little details knowing now that they all have such significance later.
It's definitely the same house. In Chapter 36 of Drums of Autumn Roger is walking through Inverness after arriving in 1769 and he mentions Mountgerald "reputed to have been built in the oldest of the old ways-with the foundation laid over the body of a human sacrifice.""There might easily be people in the town who had worked on its building; who knew exactly what had happened in that cellar, to whom, and why."
"Mountgerald and its ghost would have to keep their secrets."
And from Outlander, Chapter 1:
"You know Mountgerald, the big house at the end of High Street? There's a ghost there..."
The cleverness of DG never ceases to amaze me!
But I do not think Jamie can be the sacrifice in this house, because we know that in 1769 he is still alive! I hope Jamie and Claire die together at the same time, but as it is from another time he would have to wait for her, or rather the ghost of Jamie will be his spirit traveling in time in his dreams (he dreams of people who love in the future, remember?)
I have to say, the dialogue and exchanges between Brianna and LJG are some of my favorites in the series. Particularly when she tries to blackmail him into marrying her, and after - when he's explaining how a man could love a child that's not his. He's hysterically dry and sarcastic.
Oh yeah, Courtney... I agree. Those scenes are when I started liking LJG. I still wasn't sold on him until then.
I agree too, This cenes are great!! Well... I'm suspicious because Drumms is one of my favorites books on the Outlander series! ;-D well... Amost all of them are my favorite, one most then other! :-)
So I just finished DOA and I know that there are many more books but this is the only one other than outlandish that o feel could have been the end of the story. DIA and Voyager both ended in cliffhangers. I like the idea of everything being happy at the end of this book. I almost don't want to start the next one just to have my heart ripped out again but tragedy that always finds them.
Maddie, books 5 and 6 are my favorites because they focus more on everyday living-- the smaller moments of life, great long conversations, etc... And aren't amped up to the same volume as the first 3 books. I wouldn't worry too much (but I understand where you're coming from!)
Please let me second what Shelley said. I think one of my favorite books is A Breath of Snow and Ashes for those very reasons.
Well I started reading outlander just a few months ago and read straight through to DOA. I have so many books that I want to read and didn't know that this was a series so I wanted to find out what happened and read other books at the same time. I finally have a chance to pause and take a breath. But I'm definitely going to continue in the series!
Maddie wrote: "Well I started reading outlander just a few months ago and read straight through to DOA. I have so many books that I want to read and didn't know that this was a series so I wanted to find out what..."Maddie, DOA is a good one to take a break in the series. When you start "A Fiery Cross" just remember that the first 200 pages do seem to drag but are important to the storyline. Enjoy!
I'm reading The Fiery Cross now and I'm enjoying it a lot, even more than I did the first time I read it. I love all of the books in the series and wasn't able to put them down until I finished them--and then immediately began rereading them for a second time!
This was posted today on DG's Facebook page. It brought me to my knees. This love that Jamie and Claire share is palpable and so very beautiful. I'm spoiler tagging it just in case... Enjoy. I still have tears in my eyes.
(view spoiler)
Oh Leea, it's so wonderful - I can't wait until the next book.
That is wonderful! Thanks for posting it.
I love that man! Man, Ugh, now I'm tearing up!
Thanks Leea, I just came here to post that myself! What a moving piece from this book -- a great reminder of how powerful this series is. Amongst a busy work day, Diana can bring tears to our eyes and reflections on what really matters...
Outlander Series
Books mentioned in this topic
Drums of Autumn (other topics)Drums of Autumn (other topics)
Drums of Autumn (other topics)
The Scottish Prisoner (other topics)
Cold Mountain (other topics)
