William gets a package from Ian in Outlander Book 7, Chapter 39
William gets a package from Ian in Outlander Book 7, Chapter 39. At the same time, we get to learn more about the Hunters.
This is an interesting chapter in terms of weather and William. Up to this point, we’ve realized that the weather certainly connects to his feelings and thoughts. He’s been confused on numerous occasions and there’s been fog around him.
In this chapter, he’s surrounded by a storm. This storm seems to connect to his feelings at the moment. He’s confused, unsure of who to trust and where to go at this moment in time. He also isn’t the only person struggling to trust, with Rachel also trying to work out which side William is on.
We get some foreshadowing in this chapter when it comes to Rachel and Ian. I’ll get to my thoughts on that in the foreshadowing section.
I suspect we’ll see this chapter developed for the TV series. I’ll get to my thoughts on that in the adaptation section.
Let’s dive into An Echo in the Bone Chapter 39.
Just the Outlander chapter
The chapter starts with a focus on the storm that’s coming. Weather always seems to connect to William’s feelings, and the storm is a sign of trouble and confusion. William isn’t sure what to make of the people around him, and there’s a storm inside of him brewing.
He perks up when he hears Ian outside. We don’t get to see Ian, though. Instead, Rachel brings William the package Ian had, and it’s clear that Rachel has been through it. She doesn’t know who to trust at this moment in time, knowing William could be just as dangerous as the Indians.
William is shocked by the package—and I’m more shocked that Ian calls William “cousin.” Why would he do this when William doesn’t know the truth about Jamie yet? And I still don’t remember Ian learning the truth about William. Is it possible that like Bree, he’s just figured it out based on the way William looks?
The letter includes money. This is for burial if necessary, but if William survives, it’s for his travels. The latter is what William is able to use it on. Why would Ian offer him all this? William is even more confused. At the same time, William feels at home with Ian around. Why would that be the case?
During the storm, Rachel explains more about her family. After her parents died, she and Denzell were sent to live with their uncle, John Hunter. This brought them to Philadelphia, where they are now. However, Denzell’s views that they should fight for the Continental Army are what is getting them kicked out of the Quaker community. Rachel doesn’t seem all that happy about it, but she has no choice but to follow her brother.
In the end, William agrees that the Hunters can come with him. There are reasons to do this for his own safety. The Hunters know the land, and there is safety in numbers. William also thinks he’ll be able to get closer to Washington to make up for the lost book, making it clear that maybe the Hunters shouldn’t trust him.
Foreshadowing in the Outlander chapter
There certainly seems to be some foreshadowing in this chapter, and part of it is William learning the truth. He’s going to work out who his real father is, especially if people keep slipping up like Ian.
The biggest bit of foreshadowing is Ian’s connection to Rachel. There’s a brief moment where it looks like she’s interested in Ian. However, she knows that the Indians can be dangerous. I just love seeing her figure things out.
Adapting An Echo in the Bone chapter
I do expect to see this chapter developed for Outlander Season 7. We know the Hunters are coming into the story, and it makes sense to follow the book for this. After all, it does lead to them running into Ian again. We need to see the development for Rachel so we see the development for Rachel and Ian.
We also need to see William learn the truth about Jamie. While that doesn’t come until the very end of An Echo in the Bone, there are little signs that William is going to eventually figure out the truth throughout the book. Those little signs need to be included in the TV series, in my opinion.
What did you spot while reading An Echo in the Bone Chapter 39? Let us know in the comments below.
Like Claire and Jamie on Facebook for the latest from the Outlander Book Club and much more.