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4.19 AVERAGE
4.19 AVERAGE
Kinda traumatized by the bear scene, but otherwise enjoyed it!
slow-paced
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Well, that was quite the emotional rollercoaster!!!!
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
challenging
emotional
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
You'd think that I would have adapted to Gabaldon's beautiful craft by this point, but her detailed, phenomenal prose continues to move me like no other. Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone (henceforth referred to as BEES for obvious reasons) marks the ninth addition to the Outlander series, and it does not disappoint. As she weaves through a narrative of our beloved Claire and Jamie, their families, and the war that they have been caught within, BEES captures Gabaldon's beautiful storytelling nearly as well as its predecessors (and in some portions, much better than).
The novel begins with a long-awaited reunion between the Frasers and the MacKenzies. In fact, the first third of the novel is a portrayal of domestic life at Fraser's Ridge and the various doings of its inhabitants. Readers watch (is that an accurate statement given that this is a novel??) the characters grow their families, rebuild their lives on the Ridge, and prepare for incoming conflict as the stirrings of the American Revolutionary War continue to grow both in frequency and in seriousness. Although perhaps lacking a major plot point, this slower section of BEES might just be my favorite within the entire novel. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Jemmy and Mandy, for they are hilarious and their love for their grandparents warmed my heart often. I also appreciated the growing friendship and companionship between Jamie, Young Ian, and Roger. Jamie's increasing reliance on them and their families is truly special, and I adored any interactions they share. And, of course, the relationship between Jamie and Claire continue to tie this captivating story together. Especially interesting was the inclusion of a smaller plot line dedicated to Jamie and Frank Randall. I am so glad that Gabaldon details Jamie's thoughts regarding Frank's account of Scots in the war as well as Jamie's reaction to Frank himself. The Outlander series has always paid special attention to Frank, and I continue to appreciate his role in the series.
About halfway through the text, BEES shifts as the Murrays venture off to discover the fate of Ian's first wife and the MacKenzies journey to Savannah to both fulfil a favor for John Grey and purchase weapons for Jamie to use in his new militia. While the story details Bree and William heavily during this section, readers also are given a glimpse into the growing tensions on Fraser's Ridge. While the Murrays and MacKenzies are absent, Jamie and his fellow patriots are attacked by a group of loyalists led by Captain Cunningham. This event is discomforting, and it allows readers to recognize just how imminent the danger of revolutionary tensions are to Jamie and Claire.
All the while, readers are slowly informed of the circumstances of William's cousin Ben, who is discovered to have turned his British coat and joined the Continental Army (which of course causes quite the drama in the Grey family). We also become accustomed to Ben's (ex??) wife, Amaranthus. Mysterious, bold, and dangerously intelligent, Gabaldon describes Amaranthus with enough attention and personality that she is all but secured a major role in the next novel. I am particularly interested in her growing relationship with William, who seems to be captivated by her. On that note, I hope that the last installment to the Outlander series will continue to host William as a main character, for he IS one of my favorites.
Toward the end of the novel, all attention shifts to the formation of Jamie's militia and the looming Battle of King's Mountain. Although I must admit that the war portions of Gabaldon's works tend to bore me, BEES tells the story much more quickly and focuses on the only characters we are most familiar with: Jamie, Claire, Ian, and Roger. The highlight of the entire battle (which, as Jamie believed, would result in his death) is Claire's dire efforts to save Jamie long after he had been assumed dead. Readers watch as Claire improves her ability to heal with the mysterious blue light, which was an interesting theme in BEES. Beyond this, the final chapters tell of John Grey (who, much to my approval, makes frequent appearances in BEES) and his kidnapping by Richardson (who, much to my disapproval, makes frequent appearances in BEES). I nearly died with excitement as William arrived to Fraser's Ridge in seek of Jamie's aid on the last page of BEES. I am SO excited for Jamie and Willie's relationship to grow (or actually form I guess).
In the grand scheme of things, BEES contributed to the unraveling of the time travel mystery as well. Roger and Bree (well mostly Bree) theorized the mechanics of traveling through the stones with a description of physics that I will not even begin to explain. Readers also learn that Richardson is a time traveler himself and was further one of the assailants who attacked Bree, Mandy, and Jemmy at Lallybroch in search of Jamie's hidden gold.
Although hitting a rather slow point about 75% through BEES, I was quite satisfied with both the story and (as always) the vigor and detail with which Gabaldon shares it. I am anxious to see how Gabaldon closes this narrative, but alas I have years before I will be blessed with the last Outlander novel. Until then.
The novel begins with a long-awaited reunion between the Frasers and the MacKenzies. In fact, the first third of the novel is a portrayal of domestic life at Fraser's Ridge and the various doings of its inhabitants. Readers watch (is that an accurate statement given that this is a novel??) the characters grow their families, rebuild their lives on the Ridge, and prepare for incoming conflict as the stirrings of the American Revolutionary War continue to grow both in frequency and in seriousness. Although perhaps lacking a major plot point, this slower section of BEES might just be my favorite within the entire novel. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Jemmy and Mandy, for they are hilarious and their love for their grandparents warmed my heart often. I also appreciated the growing friendship and companionship between Jamie, Young Ian, and Roger. Jamie's increasing reliance on them and their families is truly special, and I adored any interactions they share. And, of course, the relationship between Jamie and Claire continue to tie this captivating story together. Especially interesting was the inclusion of a smaller plot line dedicated to Jamie and Frank Randall. I am so glad that Gabaldon details Jamie's thoughts regarding Frank's account of Scots in the war as well as Jamie's reaction to Frank himself. The Outlander series has always paid special attention to Frank, and I continue to appreciate his role in the series.
About halfway through the text, BEES shifts as the Murrays venture off to discover the fate of Ian's first wife and the MacKenzies journey to Savannah to both fulfil a favor for John Grey and purchase weapons for Jamie to use in his new militia. While the story details Bree and William heavily during this section, readers also are given a glimpse into the growing tensions on Fraser's Ridge. While the Murrays and MacKenzies are absent, Jamie and his fellow patriots are attacked by a group of loyalists led by Captain Cunningham. This event is discomforting, and it allows readers to recognize just how imminent the danger of revolutionary tensions are to Jamie and Claire.
All the while, readers are slowly informed of the circumstances of William's cousin Ben, who is discovered to have turned his British coat and joined the Continental Army (which of course causes quite the drama in the Grey family). We also become accustomed to Ben's (ex??) wife, Amaranthus. Mysterious, bold, and dangerously intelligent, Gabaldon describes Amaranthus with enough attention and personality that she is all but secured a major role in the next novel. I am particularly interested in her growing relationship with William, who seems to be captivated by her. On that note, I hope that the last installment to the Outlander series will continue to host William as a main character, for he IS one of my favorites.
Toward the end of the novel, all attention shifts to the formation of Jamie's militia and the looming Battle of King's Mountain. Although I must admit that the war portions of Gabaldon's works tend to bore me, BEES tells the story much more quickly and focuses on the only characters we are most familiar with: Jamie, Claire, Ian, and Roger. The highlight of the entire battle (which, as Jamie believed, would result in his death) is Claire's dire efforts to save Jamie long after he had been assumed dead. Readers watch as Claire improves her ability to heal with the mysterious blue light, which was an interesting theme in BEES. Beyond this, the final chapters tell of John Grey (who, much to my approval, makes frequent appearances in BEES) and his kidnapping by Richardson (who, much to my disapproval, makes frequent appearances in BEES). I nearly died with excitement as William arrived to Fraser's Ridge in seek of Jamie's aid on the last page of BEES. I am SO excited for Jamie and Willie's relationship to grow (or actually form I guess).
In the grand scheme of things, BEES contributed to the unraveling of the time travel mystery as well. Roger and Bree (well mostly Bree) theorized the mechanics of traveling through the stones with a description of physics that I will not even begin to explain. Readers also learn that Richardson is a time traveler himself and was further one of the assailants who attacked Bree, Mandy, and Jemmy at Lallybroch in search of Jamie's hidden gold.
Although hitting a rather slow point about 75% through BEES, I was quite satisfied with both the story and (as always) the vigor and detail with which Gabaldon shares it. I am anxious to see how Gabaldon closes this narrative, but alas I have years before I will be blessed with the last Outlander novel. Until then.
After reading all the books up to this point, I will say that it was a comfortable read, but definitely not my favorite but a long shot. Although, where the book left off gives me high hopes for the next installment of the series.