Outlander Book Club: An Echo in the Bone Chapter 81 breakdown

Just the Outlander chapter

The chapter starts with Jamie and Ian spending some time together. We need to see this, giving us a shot at what life could have been like had Jamie been able to remain at Lallybroch and things just have been normal for them all.

It’s clear that Ian knows death is coming for him. He’s happy to see Jamie, Claire, and Young Ian again. This has picked up his spirits a little, giving him a brief new lease on life.

The two take time out of the house because of the tensions between Claire and Jenny, though, Jenny is angry that Claire refuses to do anything, and Claire just tries to hide out in her room to write her book knowing there is nothing she can do. Ian isn’t angry with Claire, and Jamie knows that there is nothing Claire can do.

The two are talking one day when they hear a woman scream. It’s Jenny, who had gone to a spot where she didn’t think anyone would hear. She wanted to scream and let out her anger in peace. That clearly wasn’t possible.

Jenny now lashes out at Jamie about Claire not helping Ian. Jamie even wonders if Claire could lessen Ian’s pain but knows the vow that she’s taken. However, we know Claire could do something like that.

Jenny simply refuses to believe that Claire can’t do anything. She’d rather it be that Claire won’t do anything, because then it gives Jenny someone to blame. And I do think that’s what Jenny needs right now. Is it right? No. Are grief and fear rational? Definitely not.