We’re getting closer to starting the next book in our Outlander Book Club. It’s all about A Leaf on the Winds of All Hallows by Diana Gabaldon, which is a short story in the Seven Stones to Stand or Fall collection.
We’re working through the remaining short stories, and there aren’t many left. I can’t believe after almost five years this book club is coming to an end. We started it as a way to get through Droughtlander and the pandemic, and here we are, with just the last few short stories. At least, until the 10th book is released!
What is A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows about?
This short story takes us to World War II, as we meet Jerry and Marjorie MacKenzie. We met Jerry in An Echo in the Bone, with Roger learning that is dad didn’t die in action. Instead, he time traveled to 1739, and Roger was able to get Jerry back home. However, there became many questions about what happened after that, as nothing changed for Roger’s memories.
So, what did happen? Diana Gabaldon has filled in the blanks with this short story. We got to see where Jerry ended up going, and why nothing changed for Roger. It’s all because events can’t be changed, but Roger’s actions had to happen to make sure everything played out the way it did for young Roger. There was nothing in his memories to change.
There are some connections to the world of Outlander in this story. Well, of course there are because, well, it’s Jerry MacKenzie! It’s not Roger that we’re just talking about, though. There’s a connection to a certain MI6 agent that we’ve come to know and (sort of) love. It’s all about Frank Randall, who clearly knows way more than he’s ever let on.
It’s a great look at how fates are intertwined, I think. We also get to see how events in the past can’t be changed, with everything that’s happened has already happened. Roger has already been in the past, and he’s already helped Jerry, which leads to an important moment in a young Roger’s life during World War II. I can’t wait to get into this short story.
A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows read-through starts on Monday, May 5.
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