Outlander Book Club: Drums of Autumn Chapter 19 breakdown

Foreshadowing in the Outlander chapter

There isn’t too much in the way of foreshadowing in this chapter that I see. It’s more about getting the foundations of Fraser’s Ridge in place—both figuratively in the narrative and literally in the story. Much of this is very much in the moment.

The big of foreshadowing that I did see is more of the lighthearted parts of the story to come. Claire mentions that a young white pig is the first livestock for them, and she is already a difficult pig. All I have to say is “white sow,” and you’ll know exactly what’s being foreshadowed here. She’s trouble!

Adapting the Drums of Autumn chapter

Since Duncan Innes wasn’t used in the show, this part of the story did have to change. Jamie couldn’t send someone out to look for the Ardsmuir prisoners. Instead, this storyline was connected to Murtagh and the Regulators. We got a sense of the taxes that would be due, and there was the chance to start the build-up to the Battle of Alamance.

The part of the chapter that was used was the building of the cabin and huts. The show didn’t focus too much on it because there simply wasn’t the time, but it was enough to get a sense that they had to work quickly to get a roof over their heads. Young Ian was also there to help.

I get the change here. There wasn’t the need to drag this part of the story out, especially since Duncan wasn’t part of it. Did I miss the touching moment of Duncan getting land? A little, but not enough to keep this storyline in the show when elements had to be cut out.

As for the beams, well, I just choose not to nitpick on that part. That was likely done to help keep costs to a minimum, as the sets are always expensive to build. It would have cost more to get the roughly cut wood than just buying perfect beams for the house. I don’t begrudge a cost-saving element there.

Plus, the show put the Claire in pants moment here. That made up for it.

What did you spot while reading Drums of Autumn Chapter 19? Let us know in the comments below.

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