Outlander Book Club: An Echo in the Bone Chapter 11 breakdown

The expected birth of a baby prevents Claire leaving in Outlander Book 7, Chapter 11

We know that Claire, Jamie, and Ian are ready to leave for Scotland. That’s not possible until Lizzie gives birth in Outlander Book 7, Chapter 11.

The chapter initially focuses on Claire’s fears about Lizzie’s baby. It’s sitting traverse, which is going to cause problems for the birth. Claire runs through all her options, but they could end up with the death of mother, baby, or both. We’re reminded of the dangers of childbirth in the past—not that it is still all that safe!

Claire also thinks about what people will do when they have medical problems after she leaves. She’s so devoted to the people and her calling as a healer. And we know the war is coming, which puts more people at risk. All Claire wants to do is help them, but she also needs to go to Scotland with Jamie.

There are a lot of similarities between Claire’s fight to heal and the war that’s coming. I love that Jamie even offers Claire the warrior’s blessing when she heads out to deliver Lizzie’s baby.

There is foreshadowing in this chapter, and I’ll get to that in the foreshadowing chapter. I’m not sure how much of this chapter will be used in the series, though. Marsali’s pregnancy in Outlander Season 6 reminded us of the dangers of childbirth. I’ll get to my thoughts on that in the adaptation section.

Let’s dive into An Echo in the Bone Chapter 11.