Maybe Jamie’s version of Outlander could happen in the future
There are many wishes Outlander fans have. Some of them will never happen, but others could. One of those that could is the first novel told from Jamie’s point of view.
Diana Gabaldon is extremely responsive on Twitter. Recently, she’s been replying to a lot of “suggestions” that fans have. Of course, some of them just want to share their thoughts on what they think would be cool to see. Others share ideas that could flesh out the first book a little more.
One of the downsides of the first book is that it’s all told from Claire’s point of view. We see her in her own time with Frank, we experience the trip through the stones with her, and we also meet Jamie through her eyes. Everything that happens is witnessed through her, which does lead to some limitations.
We don’t always get to know the characters. First-person POV books give us the personalities as seen by Claire. If someone met you, would they see the exact same personality that you think you have? Would they experience all your flaws as a person or understand what you’re thinking? Of course not! There would also be things from throughout your day that they wouldn’t get to see.
Filling in the gaps in the first Outlander book
This is where the idea of the first book told from Jamie’s point of view has developed from. There’s a lot that Jamie sees and experiences that Claire doesn’t. And we’re not just talking about his life from before he met Claire.
He has different experiences when they’re collecting the rents. We don’t really get to know how he feels about Claire on the initial trip from the stones (he tells her, but we don’t see him work through his feelings). At no point do we find out what it was like for him to hear that Claire was on trial for witchcraft; we don’t get that fear in him as he rides like the wind.
The good news is Diana Gabaldon has considered telling these stories.
Have actually thought about that, but not much time to spare right now. https://t.co/SOp3yAiaOg
— Diana Gabaldon (@Writer_DG) July 9, 2020
Don’t worry; it’s not going to happen right now! You don’t have to fear she’s putting the ninth book to one side to do this. During the reply to a fan, she confirmed that while she’s thought about it, she doesn’t have time right now.
Gabaldon has a 10th book planned in Claire and Jamie’s story. That is definitely still happening. She also confirms that she’s still got the prequel book about Jamie’s parents and there is a book about Master Raymond in mind. That’s a lot to work through, especially considering the writing can take a few years.
So, the first book from Jamie’s view could happen but don’t expect it. Right now, it’s just something Diana Gabaldon has considered.
What would you like to see in the Outlander books? Would you love to see the first book told from Jamie’s view? Share your thoughts in the comments below.