Outlander Book Club: Book 1, Chapter 13 breakdown

Connections to the Outlander TV series

Outlander Book 1, Chapter 13 was mostly adapted in full for the TV series. The only real change is the location. Instead of heading back to the inn and to Claire’s room, the discussions about the contract and marriage are done outside.

Location doesn’t matter. The important parts are within the story, so sticking to somewhere that would have likely been easier and cheaper to film makes sense.

There are some elements that are overlooked or can’t be added in all that well. Claire’s thoughts of Black Jack Randall compared to Frank aren’t used as much on the show. I do think that this is mostly because it’s harder to show her internal thoughts at this point. We could have a voiceover section, but I’m still not the biggest fan of the voiceovers. They just don’t work for me from a TV show standpoint.

We’re also shown Dougal’s story instead of just being told it. This certainly makes sense from a TV point of view. Not only are we shown and not told the story, but we get to see Black Jack Randall a little more. The story is adapted very slightly, but not enough to distract from the real points—that BJR is sadistic and Jamie is a strong man not flinching.

I’m glad that the show kept in the small interaction between Claire and Jamie about her not being a virgin. Knowing how the wedding night goes, it’s probably a good thing that one of them does know what they’re doing!

What did you take from Outlander Book 1, Chapter 13? Which moments stood out for you? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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