Outlander Book Club: Written in My Own Heart’s Blood Chapter 1 breakdown

Young Ian marks the loss of Jenny and Jamie in Outlander Book 8, Chapter 1

We start Outlander Book 8 with a chapter from Ian’s point of view. He still believes Jenny and Jamie to be dead. That was the last he’d heard.

There are a few inconsistencies in the chapter just based on the timeline. Of course, the timeline isn’t always right. Mistakes happen. But one thing I noticed is that the chapter seems to take place after Ian and Rachel declare their love for each other. They’re watching the British ships leave at that point.

This chapter has a date set two days before the British left Philadelphia, though. It is just something small, but considering how much research Diana Gabaldon does, the change to the dates is surprising.

The chapter itself is a short one. I do hope to see it used in the series at some point. It would make sense if Ian remains separated from Claire for some time and we see more of his story. I’ll get to that in the adaptation section.

I don’t see much in the way of foreshadowing, though. It’s a little too early for that, I think.

Let’s dive into Written in My Own Heart’s Blood Chapter 1.