Outlander Book Club: Book 1, Chapter 24 breakdown

Connecting to the Outlander TV series

There was certainly plenty of this used for the TV show, but not all at once. With Old Alec not being a character in the show, we don’t get the scene in the surgery. It’s Murtagh who is able to tell some of the story instead.

Claire and Geillis’s scenes are cut a little. The ill-wish is still used, but Geillis doesn’t try to drug Claire. Instead, Claire sees Geillis dancing around a fire and notices that Geillis is pregnant. We skip over the whole idea of Laoghaire possibly being the one with child.

This makes a lot more sense. It’s a long chapter to condense into the books. It’s easier just to keep it focused on Geillis and the pregnancy, while Laoghaire is there jealous of Claire and trying to find a way to make Claire’s life miserable.

Arthur’s death still happens along with Dougal’s wife’s death. These happen within the same episode and Claire realizes that Geillis has orchestrated it all. She immediately knows that Arthur has died from poisoning. It just allows for all these separate storylines to be combined for the sake of time.

We also see a bit more with the Duke of Sandringham. Claire and Jamie try to work for the pardon or the letter of complaint against Black Jack Randall. This part is fully condensed for the sake of time and also gives us time to get to know the duke a little better, making it clear this is not a man to trust or cross.

Personally, I think the show did an excellent job finding the most important parts of this chapter to condense. Some elements had to be invented to make it all work, but they help things make sense for the sake of the TV series. Nothing is drawn out, which can’t happen when there are only 16 episodes to the first season.

This is also an important stretch to show Claire getting used to castle life. She fits into the 18th century. While she doesn’t agree with all the views (like the changeling), she does enjoy the simple life and she’s growing an attachment to Jamie.

What stood out for you while reading Outlander Book 1, Chapter 24? Share in the comments below.

Like Claire and Jamie on Facebook for more Outlander Book Club straight to your feed.