Scottish Prisoner: I'm curious what other people think - what effect did Claire's absence have on the feeling of the book? I think it felt a bit less tightly woven. Make no mistake, I thoroly enjoyed it. It has - as they all do - a slightly different feel. -- Diana Gabaldon New Releases Discussion Board

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Date Posted: 06:47:40 12/01/11 Thu
Author: swarl
Subject: Scottish Prisoner: I'm curious what other people think - what effect did Claire's absence have on the feeling of the book? I think it felt a bit less tightly woven. Make no mistake, I thoroly enjoyed it. It has - as they all do - a slightly different feel.

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[> I haven't read it yet, but I don't expect it to feel like an Outlander book. I expect it to feel like a Lord John book. I mean, that's what it is, right? (To me the Lord John books have always felt VERY different than the Outlander books. Definitely more of a straightforward mystery -- which is not a genre I'm a fan of. I only read them because I like John, and to be honest, I mostly skim them, especially looking for any Jamie kernels. But I'm certainly not expecting this one to feel like a Jamie book. I'm just hoping that it will help to explain how Jamie and John's relationship went from contentious and hostile to friendly and trusting.) -- Nifty, 07:41:37 12/01/11 Thu

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[> [> I'm about 1/3 through, and you're right, there is something different, not wrong, just a different feel. I hadn't really thought about it but now that you say it I do think it's Claire's absense, and at the same time she is so present. Interesting take. --

jayn (), 15:08:40 12/01/11 Thu

Last edited by author: Thu December 01, 2011 15:09:05 Edited 1 time.

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[> [> HI Nifty, It does not feel like other Lord John books, actually. Jamie's presence certainly alters the feel. He has a harder edge to him; quicker to anger and personal violence than John. It makes for a great read - familiar and unfamiliar all at once. -- swarl, 06:27:19 12/02/11 Fri

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[> [> [> It makes me yearn to read Outlander...to the young and humorous Jamie. She is brilliant in capturing him at all time of his life...he is different...yet still is the same man. -- conmama, 16:00:38 12/08/11 Thu

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[> [> Nifty, I've not been a fan of the LJ books, although I love him. I did enjoy Brotherhood of the Blade, and was expecting something like that. I liked SP much better. Jamie is front and center and is in about 90% of all "scenes". It is a harder Jamie, but you do see his humor come thru now and then. I love this cut through of the story, and it gives me a real Jamie fix. I think it will enrich my reread of Voyager the next time I do one of those. I don't think you'll be disappointed. -- conmama, 15:56:27 12/08/11 Thu

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[> Scottish Prisoner -- Ann, 05:08:14 12/03/11 Sat

I am loving this book, but I miss Claire.

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[> Okay, so I have to admit that I choked a bit when I came across this line: -----> -- Nifty, 07:15:05 12/04/11 Sun

Jamie talking to Hal (John's brother, the duke of Pardloe): "I've already been fucked up the arse by an Englishman. Save me the kiss, aye?"

I really enjoyed this book, although I'll admit that I read it in my usual skimming ways when it comes to these (John Grey books). But I wanted to see Jamie and John's relationship turn back to friendship and mutual respect, and I got that. I think it's just that Jamie, who knows himself to be a man of honor, sees the same in John (despite what he knows of John's sexual preferences).

There were some more of Gabaldon's "small world" bits that pulled me out of the story. So...Jamie knows Minnie from his spying days in Paris (Dragonfly)? Is she mentioned in that book? I don't recall. Also, the Dr. Hunter that's mentioned -- is he related to OUR Dr. Hunter from Echo (Denzel Hunter, Rachel's brother)? I don't remember Rachel and Denny's backstory.

I did miss Claire, but I also thought she was present because she was always in Jamie's thoughts. And Minnie reminded me of her: tough, courageous, no-nonsense, not easily cowed or impressed by others.

Poor Willie! My word. What a little beast he is! (Although to be fair, I don't think he's a beast as much as his aunt and grandparents and nurses just don't know how to deal with him, the way Jamie instinctively does.) I loved the scene in which Jamie relays that Willie's eyes narrow in a way that reminds Jamie of Jenny, about to go berserk. Jenny...AND Jamie, of course!! And I like that John put the pieces together and realized that Willie is Jamie's son.

The story ends in December 1760. Claire reunites with Jamie in what? October 1766? Just a few more years, Jamie. Hold on. She'll be back with you when you least expect it.

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[> [> John Hunter was the uncle of the others in Echo. But he was a real live person too. I read an excellent biography of him not too long ago, and cheered when he showed up in Prisoner. -- Susannah, 12:22:53 12/07/11 Wed

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[> scottish prisoner>>> -- lizm, 00:44:59 12/05/11 Mon

Really enjoyed all the refrences to other books, I'm sure I haven't picked them all up on the first read though.
Guessing Dr Hunter is father of Denny and Rachel?

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[> [> Dr. John Hunter was Denzel and Rachel's UNCLE. And Denzel was sent to London to study under his patronage - that's where he got his medical training. I finished SP last night (after trying NOT to read so quickly), and must say that it was a good read. Once again, DG has intrigued me by bringing in the fact that Jamie knew Minnie from his days in Paris (and no, I do not believe that information was in DIA) and the interweaving of this story with those of the Outlander series was so well done. I also thoroughly enjoyed reading more about Hal, Minnie and John's life with his family in London. A great read! Too bad we now have another long wait for the next one. --

Ruthgold18, 07:43:37 12/05/11 Mon

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[> of course he was ! brilliant! -- lizm, 01:08:39 12/08/11 Thu

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[> I have 3 more chapters to go and I am stalling as I don't want it to end. This may be my favorite of all the Lord John books, mainly because of Jamie of course. The duel chapters were so exciting i couldnt wait to turn the page! I love the Irish comments, as a Sullivan, I can relate! :) -- Carolsr, 05:03:18 12/08/11 Thu

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[> I finished it and loved it. When I read the last line, I knew it was the end of the story. Diana always has such great "last words." I was so happy to see John and Jamie developing their friendship again. Also enjoyed seeing more details of Willie lost in the fog. I know I liked this book more because Jamie was featured....I can't help it...I love the guy. -- CarolSR, 10:14:58 12/13/11 Tue

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[> Following CarolSR's comments: I'm almost done with SP, maybe 1.5 ch to go...I sure do not want it to end! I think the main theme of this book is LONGING. Longing in different ways....but it's a feel sad kinda theme throughout the book. John longs for Jamie...Jamie for Claire...Jamie for Willie...Quinn for another chance at the kingship...longing for a friendship to continue....get back..re-connect...longing for so many things. I love this book and so happy DG continues to poke our hearts with Jamie and John and other newer characters that also make us laugh and wonder about the life of JAMMF. -- Niseold, 08:13:15 01/17/12 Tue

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