Outlander Book Club: The Fiery Cross Chapter 12 breakdown

Claire thinks about packing up camp and returning home in Outlander Book 5, Chapter 12

We’re back to Claire during Outlander Book 5, Chapter 12, and she’s thinking about going home. Sure, she’s excited about the weddings later, especially that of Bree and Roger, but it’s been a long time at the Gathering.

In fact, Claire thinks about the mixed emotions that she has. This chapter really reminds us of how difficult it was to travel back then. For some people, it will be the last time they see some people. It’s easy to forget that fact with how easy it is to travel or connect with people in today’s world.

The chapter does end with a Claire and Jamie moment. The two have an important talk to help settle Jamie’s nerves about what the future is going to look like between him and Claire as she goes through pre-menopause and eventually hits menopause.

There is a little bit of foreshadowing within the chapter. It’s not clear from the chapter that there is foreshadowing until you get a little further into the book, and that’s the beauty of this. It’s all about what’s not been said.

Not much of this chapter made it to the TV show. However, there is the section about Josiah Beardsley, who is introduced in a very different way on the show. In fact, I prefer the way the show handled it, and I’ll explain that in the adaptation breakdown.

Let’s dive into The Fiery Cross Chapter 12.