An Echo in the Bone is the 7th part of the widely popular Outlander series. The story stars the reluctant 18th century Scottish rebel Jamie Fraser, and his English wife, Claire Randall. Claire is a 20th century Army nurse who was in Scotland on a vacation. While touring the Scottish countryside, she witnessed a pagan ritual that took place amid a circle of standing stones. Her interest in the wildlife around her brought Claire inside the circle. By some ancient power, the standing stones brought her back in time to the 18th century where she soon met a band of Scottish cattle rustlers, among them Jamie Fraser. Claire’s nursing skills won her the trust of the Scots headed by Colum Mackenzie, the clan lord. Claire, who was now wanted by the English, was saved from arrest when she became part of the clan after marrying Jamie.
In Part 7 of the series, Jamie and Claire are in the United States. It is the American Revolution and soon Jamie finds himself with the Americans in their fight for independence from the British. Of course Claire already knows that the US will eventually come out winning but this knowledge of victory does not comfort Jamie at all. He dreads the day when he must come face to face with the English army because on the opposite ranks, is a young British Lieutenant who happens to be his illegitimate son.
Back in the 20th century, Claire’s daughter has settled into a historic Scottish home and soon enough discovers ancient letters that were written by her mother in the 18th century. The faded and fragile manuscripts revealed Claire’s love for Jamie, and the adventures they had when they escaped North Carolina by boat and the battle in the high seas against a group of pirates.
The latest chapter of Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series is a tale of imagination, memorable characterization and thrilling adventures. The author’s skillful combination of various genres including romantic, historic and science fiction has been a bestseller ever since the author wrote the first part of the saga in 1991.
