Written in My Own Heart's Blood

Last updated
Written in My Own Heart's Blood
Gabaldon-Written in My Own Heart's Blood-2014.jpg
First edition cover
Author Diana Gabaldon
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Series Outlander series
Genre Historical fiction
Romance
Science fantasy
PublishedJune 10, 2014
Publisher Delacorte Press
Media typePrint (hardcover)
Pages825
ISBN 978-0-385-34443-2
Preceded by An Echo in the Bone  
Followed by Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone  

Written in My Own Heart's Blood is the eighth book in the Outlander series of novels by Diana Gabaldon. Centered on time travelling 20th century doctor Claire Randall and her 18th century Scottish Highlander warrior husband Jamie Fraser, the books contain elements of historical fiction, romance, adventure and fantasy. [1]

Contents

Published on June 10, 2014, [2] Written in My Own Heart's Blood continues the love story of Claire and Jamie as well as the story arcs of multiple characters from the previous novel, An Echo in the Bone .

Gabaldon announced the novel's title in September 2011. [3]

Plot summary

The British evacuation of Philadelphia and the ensuing Battle of Monmouth are the major events from the book based on real history.

Claire marries John Grey for protection after Jamie is presumed lost at sea. John and Jamie fight when the details are revealed. John's stepson William is angry at finding out he's Jamie's biological son. Jamie's nephew Ian marries Rachel Hunter and her brother Denzell weds John's niece Dorothea in the same ceremony. The Hunters are Quakers and their service with the Continental Army even as noncombatants gets them ostracized by other Quakers.

Claire is wounded at Monmouth and Jamie resigns from the Continental Army to remain by her side. After spending time in Savannah, they return to Fraser's Ridge, their farm settlement in North Carolina.

The printshop and home of Jamie's adopted son Fergus burns down. Fergus's son Henri-Christian dies trying to escape the flames.

In the 20th century, Jamie and Claire's grandson Jeremiah is kidnapped. Their son-in-law Roger meets Jamie's father and his own when time traveling to find Jeremiah. After the boy is recovered, his family joins the Frasers in the 18th century.

Characters

Claire Elizabeth Beauchamp Randall Fraser - Main character around whom the series revolves. Nurse/Physician. Born in 1918 and married in the 20th century to professor/historian Frank Randall, Claire falls through the standing stones at Craigh na Dun in Scotland at Beltane (1 May) while on a second honeymoon with Frank in 1946, and finds herself in the 18th century Scotland Highlands in 1743. She is forced to marry James Alexander Malcolm MacKenzie Fraser (Jamie), with whom she eventually falls in love. Mother of Faith (stillborn, 18th century) and Brianna, adoptive mother of Fergus, and mother-in-law to Marsali. Returned through the stones to 20th century in 1746 to protect her and Jamie's unborn child (who is then born in Boston in the 20th century). Twenty years later, after Frank Randall has died, Claire discovers (through Roger's research) that Jamie probably didn't die at Culloden, and she returns through the standing stones to 1766 to search for him.

James Alexander Malcolm MacKenzie Fraser - Laird of Lallybroch (Scotland) and Fraser's Ridge, North Carolina. Former inmate of Ardsmuir Prison. Eighteenth century husband of Claire, whom he affectionately calls "Sassenach". Father of Faith (stillborn - mother: Claire), Brianna (mother: Claire), adoptive father to Fergus (with Claire), biological father of William Ransom (mother: Geneva Dunsany), ex-stepfather to Marsali and Joan (mother: ex-wife Laoghaire), .

Lord John William Grey - Retired veteran of the Rising of 1745 and Seven Years' War. The former governor of Ardsmuir Prison. Jamie and Claire's long time friend. Stepfather of William Ransom, brother to Harold Grey, Duke of Pardloe, and uncle to Benjamin, Henry, Adam, and Dorothea Grey.

Lt. Lord William Ransom - The 9th Earl of Ellsmere, stepson of Lord John Grey, and the illegitimate son of James Fraser and Geneva Dunsany. Cousin to the children of Hal Grey, Duke of Pardloe, as well as the children of Jenny and Ian Murray.

Ian Murray ("Young" or equivalent like the Gaelic "Og" used to distinguish from his father of the same name) - Jenny and Ian Murray's son, Jamie and Claire's nephew, and Fergus', Brianna's and William's cousin. Adopted into the Mohawk, but returned to the Ridge with Rollo, his half-wolf dog.

Brianna Ellen MacKenzie - Jamie and Claire's daughter born in 20th century Boston and raised by Claire and Frank Randall. Arrives in the 18th century in 1769. She marries Roger and they have two children: a son, Jeremiah, known as "Jemmy" and a daughter, Amanda Claire Hope MacKenzie (Mandy).

Roger MacKenzie - One-time Oxford professor and historian, folksinger, minister and Gaelic teacher. Twentieth century descendant of Geillis Duncan and Dougal MacKenzie, great-nephew and adopted son of Rev. Reginald Wakefield (Outlander), and Jamie and Claire's son-in-law. Arrives in the 18th century in 1769. Married to Brianna and father of Jemmy and Mandy. The family lives at present-day Lallybroch, the Fraser family home.

Jeremiah Alexander Ian Fraser MacKenzie - Roger and Brianna's son, born in 18th century colonial North Carolina, who like his parents, granny Claire and sister Amanda, can time travel.

Fergus Claudel Fraser - Printer, one-time French pickpocket and spy. Jamie and Claire's adopted son. First appears in Dragonfly in Amber. Married to Marsali and father to Germaine, Joan, Félicite, and Henri-Christian.

Marsali Fraser - Laoghaire's daughter, Jamie's stepdaughter and daughter-in-law, and Claire's daughter-in-law. First appears in Voyager. Married to Fergus and mother to Germain, Joan, Félicité, and Henri-Christian.

Henri-Christian Fraser - Fergus and Marsali's youngest son, a little person.

Janet "Jenny" Fraser Murray - The one time Lady of Lallybroch, 18th century, married to Ian Murray Sr. Older sister of James Fraser and mother of Jamie, Maggie, Katherine, Michael, Janet, and Ian.

Denys Randall-Isaacs - The son of Alex Randall, putative son of Jonathan "Black Jack" Randall, and ancestor of Frank Randall, Claire Fraser's 20th century husband.

Perseverance "Percy" Wainwright Beauchamp - English spy married into a French noble family. One-time lover (and later, stepbrother) of Lord John Grey.

Dr. Denzell Hunter - Quaker physician serving in the Revolutionary American Army.

Rachel Hunter - Quaker nurse assisting her brother serving in the Revolutionary American Army. Love interest of Young Ian Murray.

Rob Cameron - Colleague of Brianna's at the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Simon Fraser of Balnain</span> British general

Simon Fraser was a British general during the American War of Independence. He was killed in the Battle of Bemis Heights during the Saratoga Campaign. The shot that killed Fraser is often attributed to Timothy Murphy, of Daniel Morgan's Rifle Corps, which was assigned to the Left and under the command of Benedict Arnold, who was leading Morgan's men as well as Dearborn, Cilley, Poor, and the rest of the American left wing, which was attempting to push back the reconnaissance in force led by Simon Fraser on the Barber Wheatfield.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Diana Gabaldon</span> American author (born 1952)

Diana J. Gabaldon is an American author, known for the Outlander series of novels. Her books merge multiple genres, featuring elements of historical fiction, romance, mystery, adventure and science fiction/fantasy. A television adaptation of the Outlander novels premiered on Starz in 2014.

<i>Outlander</i> (novel) 1991 novel by Diana Gabaldon

Outlander is a historical fantasy novel by American writer Diana Gabaldon, first published in 1991. Initially set around the time of the Second World War, it focuses on nurse Claire Beauchamp, who travels through time to 18th-century Scotland, where she finds adventure and romance with the dashing Jamie Fraser. It is the first novel in the Outlander series, with ten books planned. The television adaptation of the series premiered on Starz in the US on August 9, 2014.

<i>Dragonfly in Amber</i> 1992 "Outlander" novel by Diana Gabaldon

Dragonfly in Amber is the second book in the Outlander series of novels by Diana Gabaldon. Centered on time travelling 20th century nurse Claire Randall and her 18th century Scottish Highlander warrior husband Jamie Fraser, the books contain elements of historical fiction, romance, adventure and fantasy. This installment chronicles Claire and Jamie's efforts to prevent the Jacobite rising that Claire knows will end disastrously for the Scots.

<i>Voyager</i> (novel) 1993 "Outlander" novel by Diana Gabaldon

Voyager is the third book in the Outlander series of novels by Diana Gabaldon. Centered on time travelling 20th century doctor Claire Randall and her 18th century Scottish Highlander warrior husband Jamie Fraser, the books contain elements of historical fiction, romance, adventure and fantasy.

<i>Drums of Autumn</i> 1996 "Outlander" novel by Diana Gabaldon

Drums of Autumn is the fourth book in the Outlander series of novels by Diana Gabaldon. Centered on time travelling 20th century doctor Claire Randall and her 18th century Scottish Highlander warrior husband Jamie Fraser, the books contain elements of historical fiction, romance, adventure, and fantasy.

<i>The Fiery Cross</i> (novel) 2001 "Outlander" novel by Diana Gabaldon

The Fiery Cross is the fifth book in the Outlander series of novels by Diana Gabaldon. Centered on time-travelling 20th-century doctor Claire Randall and her 18th-century Scottish Highlander warrior husband Jamie Fraser, the books contain elements of historical fiction, romance, adventure and fantasy.

<i>A Breath of Snow and Ashes</i> 2005 "Outlander" novel by Diana Gabaldon

A Breath of Snow and Ashes is the sixth book in the Outlander series of novels by Diana Gabaldon. Centered on time travelling 20th century doctor Claire Fraser and her 18th century Scottish Highlander warrior husband Jamie Fraser, the books contain elements of historical fiction, romance, adventure and fantasy.

Fergus or Feargus is a common and one of the oldest known Scottish or Irish male given name derived from proto-Scots Gaelic, meaning the strong (one) or the masculine (one).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lord John Grey (character)</span> Fictional LGBT character created by Diana Gabaldon

Lord John William Grey is a fictional character created by Diana Gabaldon. He is a recurring secondary character in Gabaldon's Outlander series of novels, and the main character of the Lord John series of historical mystery novels and novellas. Secretly homosexual "in a time when that particular predilection could get one hanged", the character has been called "one of the most complex and interesting" of the hundreds of characters in Gabaldon's Outlander novels.

<i>An Echo in the Bone</i> 2009 "Outlander" novel by Diana Gabaldon

An Echo in the Bone is the seventh book in the Outlander series of novels by Diana Gabaldon. Centered on time travelling 20th century doctor Claire Fraser and her 18th century Scottish Highlander warrior husband Jamie Fraser, the books contain elements of historical fiction, romance, adventure and fantasy.

<i>Outlander</i> (book series) Historical fantasy novel series written by Diana Gabaldon

Outlander is a series of historical fantasy novels by American author Diana Gabaldon. Gabaldon began the first volume of the series, Outlander, in the late 1980s, and it was published in 1991. She has published nine out of a planned ten volumes. The ninth novel in the series, Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone, was released on November 23, 2021.

<i>The Exile: An Outlander Graphic Novel</i>

The Exile: An Outlander Graphic Novel is a 2010 graphic novel based on Diana Gabaldon's 1991 novel Outlander. Written by Gabaldon with artwork by Hoang Nguyen, the work adapts the first third of Outlander. The Outlander series incorporates elements of historical fiction, romance, mystery, adventure and science fiction/fantasy.

<i>Outlander</i> (TV series) 2014-present British-American drama television series

Outlander is a historical drama television series based on the Outlander novel series by Diana Gabaldon. Developed by Ronald D. Moore, the show premiered on August 9, 2014, on Starz. It stars Caitríona Balfe as Claire Randall, a former Second World War military nurse in Scotland who, in 1945, finds herself transported back in time to 1743. There she encounters, falls in love with and marries a dashing Highland warrior named Jamie Fraser, a tacksman of Gabaldon's fictionalized version of Clan Fraser of Lovat. Here, Claire becomes embroiled in the Jacobite rising.

<i>Lord John</i> series Mystery novels by Diana Gabaldon

The Lord John series is a sequence of historical mystery novels and shorter works written by Diana Gabaldon that center on Lord John Grey, a recurring secondary character in the author's Outlander series. Secretly homosexual "in a time when that particular predilection could get one hanged," the character has been called "one of the most complex and interesting" of the hundreds of characters in Gabaldon's Outlander novels. Starting with the 1998 novella Lord John and the Hellfire Club, the Lord John spin-off series currently consists of six novellas and three novels.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Claire Fraser (character)</span> Fictional character in the Outlander series

Claire Beauchamp is a fictional character in the Outlander series of multi-genre novels by American author Diana Gabaldon, and its television adaptation. In the series, Claire is a married World War II nurse visiting Scotland who finds herself transported from 1945 back to 1743. There she finds adventure, war and romance with the dashing Highland warrior Jamie Fraser. Smart, stubborn and willful, Claire uses her wits, practical medical skills and knowledge of the future to survive in the 18th century.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jamie Fraser (character)</span> Fictional character in Outlander series

James "Jamie" Fraser is a fictional character in the Outlander series of multi-genre novels by American author Diana Gabaldon, and its television adaptation. In the series, married World War II nurse Claire Randall is visiting Scotland when she is transported through time from 1945 back to 1743. There she finds adventure, war and romance with the dashing Highland warrior Jamie Fraser, a member of Gabaldon's fictionalized Clan Fraser of Lovat. Jamie also appears in two novels in the Lord John series of historical mysteries, and in the 2013 novella Virgins.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sophie Skelton</span> British actress

Sophie Alexandra Skelton is an English actress. She is best known for her role as Brianna Fraser in the Starz drama series Outlander.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lauren Lyle</span> Scottish actress

Lauren Lyle is a Scottish actress best known for her recurring role as Marsali MacKimmie Fraser in the Starz television drama Outlander, and peace protester Jade Antoniak in the BBC drama Vigil. Lyle also plays the leading role in the ITV crime thriller Karen Pirie.

References

  1. Reese, Jennifer (November 27, 2007). "Book Review: Lord John and the Hand of Devils (2007)". Entertainment Weekly . Retrieved October 30, 2013.
  2. "Official site: Written in My Own Heart's Blood". DianaGabaldon.com. Archived from the original on February 9, 2014. Retrieved June 10, 2014.
  3. "Book Eight Has a Title!". DianaGabaldon.com. September 5, 2011. Retrieved May 19, 2017.