Diana Gabaldon's 7th book in the series Outlander came out on 9/22/09 to much anticipation. I'm a rather new fan to the series having read all the books within the past 2 months, which actually worked to my benefit...I didn't have to wait 3 years between each book to find out "what happens next".If you read Breath of Snow and Ashes then you'll know that Echo doesn't quite pick up in the place that you'd expect. Rather than start with a letter from Jamie and Claire as expected, you begin with a narration by William and his involvement with the British army against the Americans. There are over 800 pages in the book detailing the late 1700's - 1778 through various narrators, such as: William, Lord John Grey, Claire, Jamie, and of course Brianna, and Roger Mac (their time frame falls between late 1970's and early 1980's).
The ever so clever Gabaldon is able to keep you in suspense the entire book as she developed new and impossible circumstances for each and every character; with a few of these being real eyebrow raisers. You'll be wondering just what the heck is going to happen. And of course, that's where she leaves you at the end of book 7 - clueless. You'll be aching for book 8 in order to fill your need to know what is going to happen. Just about every main character has an unresolved problem...(I've left these issues rather vague in order to not spoil the story for those who will read it)
1. What will happen between Jamie and Claire now?
2. What will happen between Claire and Jenny?
3. What will happen with Fergus and his inheritance?
4. What will happen between Lord John and William?
5. What the heck happens to Roger & William Buccleigh Mackenzie?
6. How will Diana solve the issue with Brianna, Rob, and Jem?
7. What happens between Ian and Rachel?
Of course, Diana had to bring about the tears with a death of beloved character...and one of the most endearing moments on the novel - Jenny buying her baguette in French...it was so touching I had to read that part twice!
Another favorite moment of mine is when Claire catches Jamie praying "Lord let me be enough". It's not until later that Claire understands the prayer wasn't about the war, him as a soldier, etc. It's about her....his prayer is a request that he'll be enough for Claire as she leaves everything behind - her heart of full of grief, loss, and fear. I can say that it was hard for me to see this more mature relationship because I was so fond of the Claire and Jamie of Outlander, but now after reading Echo I understand that it was necessary in order to create the intensity and understanding they have now.
My vote - read the book! If you haven't read any of the Outlander series, start with the 1st book Outlander and make your way through the other 6 books. If you're smart pace it out so by the time you're done with Echo maybe book 8 will be coming out. As for me, I'm not stuck with everyone else, waiting.....
Books in my current lineup:
- Middlesex (halfway through so my post will be coming soon)
- Thorn Birds
- True Believers
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