Outlander Book Club: Book 1, Chapter 21 breakdown

Connection to the TV series

The chapter is one of those heavily used for the show, but certainly adapted. This chapter brings us to the end of Outlander Season 1, Part A. We get to see Claire try to pretend that she’s also working for the Duke of Sandringham and the episode ends with Jamie in the window.

It’s Episode 9 where we get the rest of the chapter. It starts off being told from Jamie’s point of view, giving us a chance to see Jamie learn about Claire being taken so he knows where she is. He puts together a plan with the other men to save her.

As I’ve said in previous chapters, sometimes the show needs to create the story. We need to see the events play out and not just be told them. Seeing Jamie put the plan together and lead the men is important for later episodes. It offers a side of Jamie that we haven’t see that much up to this point. He’s a leader and not just a follower.

For the most part, the rest of the chapter plays out the same from book to show. Jamie and Claire argue, Jamie tells his story, and the two forgive each other.

One of the benefits of the show is that we get to see Jamie’s emotions from a third-party view. This isn’t about what Claire sees or what she thinks Jamie is feeling, but we get to see what he is actually feeling. Sam Heughan does an excellent job in this moment portraying the feeling of fear and the broken pride.

The episode also gives us a look at how the men react. We see the glances that they give Claire and Jamie, making it clear they’re not happy with what they just had to do. This is missed in the chapter because Claire is so focused on herself and on Jamie.

What did you notice during Outlander Book 1, Chapter 21? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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