Written in My Own Heart's Blood: Outlander, Book 8

I don't understand what all the stramash is about on this book. It was well executed, and more importantly, I didn't have to re-read the entire series just to jog my memory. Ms. Gabldon did a nice job of reaching back into previous scenes to weave them into the current plot.For those who insist that the book is too long, I don't understand that statement when all of the large books, with the exception of the original Outlander, are in the 800-900 page range. I'd venture to say that with the 'all you can eat' plan of Kindle Unlimited, that many readers have been conditioned to fiction that intends to generate short books and more revenue--all of which are in the 300 page range. In fact, this book was a bargain at $11-12 on Kindle, just because it is about $4.00 / 300 pages.Unlike self-publishing authors, and those who are cranking out books every three months, there were no typographical errors in this, that I could see--at least in English. For those who quibble about archaic spelling, a dictionary is somewhat helpful.Interestingly, before reading this book, I read the reviews. Someone complained about the letter in the desk--it was a complaint along the lines of being too supernatural. Er...well, let's see. It's a time travel series, so we are already suspending reality. While the device of the letter showing up for Bree might be a bit clunky, it still worked. After all, we'd hate to lose Roger.I could not believe, nor suspend belief, that anyone would complain about the level of detail. Ms. Gabaldon explains in the "Outlandish Companion" that she dives into the deep level of detail to help put the reader right into the action. While she could write that Tench Bledsoe's amputation was grisly and gory, the level of detail is enough at least to provide some idea of the difficulty of the procedure. I for one am grateful for modern facilities. Further, if you've been to Philly, you don't need a description of Elfreth's Alley, it still stands, and Chestnut, and Locust Streets remain reasonably in tact. The Customs house still stands on Second Street. Things like this, according to the Companion, need not be detailed so much as many of use will have at least seen photos, if not visited the area.As to the length of the series, I understand those concerns. The series began with Outlander in 1991, according to my first edition book plate; that's 24 years. Ms. Gabaldon, clearly states that she doesn't adhere to some of the historical time lines as much as some would like. In fact, from the time that Jamie and Claire where in Paris to the current state of the Revolution, apparently 34 years have past. I am advocating for literary license on this one. I too wonder when Jamie and Claire will sail off into the sunset happily ever after, but in MYOHB, they have done just that. No, we don't know what happened to Bree and Roger and their kids when they left Brian Fraser behind, but they are reunited with family. Everyone has gone home to the Ridge and the Grey's are somewhat close. The Revolutionary War will be completed in 2-3 years. Everyone is rebuilding and reconnecting. I could leave the story here, but I'd rather see one more installation.Regarding the time between books, well, I imagine that slogging through all the history and getting some of the detail correct (people do complain) takes up some time. Moreover, when I do research, it's easy to get caught up in smaller trivia along the way, and that may be more interesting than the original material we go in search of. I'm glad that Ms. Gabaldon has not lowered her standards to cranking out books every three months. She clearly states that she research for four years (and most likely has a life in there too) and then that would mean the final drafts, proofs, and edits would take about a year. Lucky her, I have to do my own editing.I find this book well-written, witty, and very entertaining and very moving. If you've not looked into the abyss and realized how much of your life does not count in the great scheme of things, Ms. Gabaldon captured that very well. There were some parts where I wish there had been MORE detail, but I realize that after all, even for Ms. Gabaldon, there must be a page limit!In the end, I'll finish on this. I'm glad that Claire, who is in her 70s now and Jamie who would be 60-ish, are still have a good go between the sheets.

Contains some *SPOILERS *I think this book was one of my favorites in the later books in the series. I downloaded to my kindle, and frankly finished it so quickly that I thought I must have gotten an abridged version. I do plan to buy the hardcover, but as finances are tight, and I had a gift card....I have read a lot of reviews that lean toward the negative because of choppiness of the flow, scenes which seem only to be fillers, and too much of Claire's medical works. I happen to love her medical scenes, IMHO there could be more, and I would still ask for more! I love the white witch aspect of Claire, which was not too much in evidence in this book. Loved the medical scenes. One reviewer said there wasn't enough emotional investment in the patient characters. I suppose doctors then as well as now, aren't always emotionally invested in their patients. They see a defective part, and they fix it. Patient goes on to live his or her life, and doctor sees yet another patient.So I do understand why every operation isn't on someone we love, or feel close to; sometimes they are just an unfortunate stranger that has something that needs fixing, and our girl Claire is the one to do it.I do have to say, I was a little disappointed in some scenes in the book. well, more accurately the lack of scenes. I felt a little short changed. I would have loved to have been present when Rachael and Ian's baby was born, and to find out if they were RH compatible.It also would have been nice to see how all of them fit back into the life of the Ridge, where they lived, and progress on their homes...I did enjoy what little there was about the planning of the "big house". It would have been nice to see how some of the Ridge folk had gotten along in "Themselves's" absence. Why was Lizzy so fractious?? Why wasn't the burned out house site cleared? It would also have been nice to see how Roger, Bree and kidlets made it from the past, to the ridge. Claire's shooting. I know there's always a chance of somone being shot on the battlefield, but how did that incident move the story forward? I didn't feel much of anything for Jane, and knew almost right away she was going to die somehow, and Frannie would wind up under Jamie and Claire's wing. I was so so sad when Rollo died, but it passed by so quickly, it was almost an after thought. I hope that Ian finds another puppy in his foraging. It's possible there could be some of Rollo's decendants roaming thoses hills. My most outraged question. Why, why, did all those people miss catching Henri Christian? All standing under the boys, all yelling for them to jump....and they MISSED??? How did Henri Christian's death move the story forward?.The Lumpkin. He almost certainly died...but how? Did he know why he was being executed? (deservedly so) I love Jamie and Claire, and will wait another how many years for the next book to come out. The pacing of this book seemed a little jarring to me, and some parts felt unfinished, but there were parts that flew by. I could hardly put the book down. All in all, I loved it. I loved, loved, loved the ending! I'm still thinking about it, and I finished the book a week ago!Thank you Diana for a wonderful read. I am looking forward to the next installment. My only suggestion, for what it's worth. Maybe more concentration on the people, instead of the battles. I know the research that was done was an amazing amount of work. Kudos. But in all sincerity, I'm reading these wonderful books for the characters, not for a history lesson.

I’m almost afraid to start book nine because book 10 isn’t done. Each book is better than the last. I wish the story would go on forever. Diana has created a world so fascinating and fantastic that I look forward to every moment I am able to spend in it.

My Covid project was to read all 8 books of the Outlander series before the release of book 9 later this fall. Reading a contiguous series has allowed me to appreciate how Diane Gabaldon's writing reflects how she has matured as an observer of human behaviour and development. Whereas the first 3 books were passionately fast paced in a narrow focus on the couple Claire and Jamie (like all young people in love and desire), the 8th book is more reflexively reserved like a deep and rich flowing river heading toward the multi channeled delta. That doesn't mean to say there were no page burner, edge of your seat dramatic episodes and delightful interludes of humour to keep one reading well into the night. However, the narrative is much broader and deeper in scope as it encompasses secondary and tertiary characters that enrich and round out the experiences, growth, and development of Claire and Jamie, their family and community across multiple time shifts, full circles, and significant historical events (which Ms. Gabaldon's meticulous research has illuminated exquisitely). On Ms. Gabaldon's historical stage the American revolution was played out, not by British "villains" or American "heroes", but by people just trying to get on with life; play the hands they are dealt, in both villainous and heroic ways, in the best interest of family and friends they love. Claire and Jamie have matured into something so much more than just each other in one moment of time.If I have any pet peeve it is 1) a lack of maps to better understand the complex landscapes of battle, urban life and the flow of characters between them; and 2) the difficulty keeping track of the many minor characters, particularly when some are developed as more significant later in the story.Lastly, I think the highlight of this episode of the Outlander series is the returning character (and brilliant literary device to enhance continuity) of "Uncle" Buck McKenzie. Perhaps I am influenced by Graham McTavish's interpretation, but Buck has the best lines and the best "voice" of the whole Outlander ensemble. I look forward to meeting him again in November. Definitely worth the read!

J'ai découvert d'abord la série sur Netflix avant de me lancer dans la lecture des bouquins, et là, je n'ai plus décroché (alors que j'ai abandonné la série qui faisait bien pâle figure au final au regard de l'original). En VO, ma préférence. Expression anglaise de qualité, très facile à lire, je ne m'en lasse pas ;-)

Toda la serie de libros me encanto. Una historia muy completa e imaginativa de la perdurabilidad del amor a través del tiempo y la distancia

Another amazing book written by Diana Gabaldon! Brilliant, addictive and passionate! I cannot wait for the next one! In love

金額が手頃で入手できたのが良かった