ABOSAA: Discuss Part One here

[Gertie Kindle 'a/k/a Margaret Lake']

Part One - Rumors of War
Chapters 1 - 7

1.  Why do you think Jamie asked Roger to say the prayers over the graves of the Dutch family?

2.  Why do you think Bree wanted to go get Jemmy from the McGillivray’s?  Do you think they are closer as a family because of the way they live than they would be if they lived in the present?

3.  Do you see any change in Bree and Roger’s relationship?

4.  Do you think Bree is right and the Beardsleys will never be civilized?

5.  What do you think of the twins following Lizzie around?

6.  Do you think Claire would feed her family poison mushrooms as the Dutchwoman did?  Do you think the woman was justified?

7.  Do you think Jamie will accept the governor’s offer to be an Indian Agent? 

[Anju No. 469]

OK OK I have cheated and have read far far ahead!  So I don't think I can really answer these questions because I know the answers    However, these are very nice questions Gertie 

[Gertie Kindle 'a/k/a Margaret Lake']

OK OK I have cheated and have read far far ahead!  So I don't think I can really answer these questions because I know the answers    However, these are very nice questions Gertie 

Well, I'm glad you enjoyed the questions.  Since I've read them all, every time I come across certain names, I cringe. 

[tlshaw *Padded Cell 511*]

Hi Gertie;
I have been enjoying BOSAA and thought I would post some thoughts on Part 1.

I think Jamie asked Roger to speak over the Dutch family's graves, in part because they were most likely Protestant. Also, Jamie is very good at reading people and understanding them. He is coming to accept Roger more and more, but he also is understanding that Roger is not a warrior or farmer. His strength is helping people. Jamie is allowing Roger to be who he really is. I also think Claire would have done the very same thing as the Dutch woman if that was the only way to protect her family.

The Beardsley twins are an interesting pair. They are wild, and I agreed with Bree that they would never be civilized. As for their following Lizzie, I am waiting for something more to develop.

Bree and Roger continue to grow as a couple. Bree is slowly letting her defenses down and realizing that she really does lover Roger. I think Roger really loves Bree, but feels inept in this time period.

[Gertie Kindle 'a/k/a Margaret Lake']

Hi Gertie;
I have been enjoying BOSAA and thought I would post some thoughts on Part 1.

I think Jamie asked Roger to speak over the Dutch family's graves, in part because they were most likely Protestant. Also, Jamie is very good at reading people and understanding them. He is coming to accept Roger more and more, but he also is understanding that Roger is not a warrior or farmer. His strength is helping people. Jamie is allowing Roger to be who he really is. I also think Claire would have done the very same thing as the Dutch woman if that was the only way to protect her family.

Yes, I think you're right.  Roger is definitely not a warrior or a farmer, although he acquitted himself well in his one swordfight, and also at Wylie's Landing.  Jamie is letting him find his own niche as the Rev. Wakefield's son. 

I wonder how Jamie would feel if Roger were more like him.  He's so used to being the leader, and he might have a hard time handing over the reins to Roger.

The Beardsley twins are an interesting pair. They are wild, and I agreed with Bree that they would never be civilized. As for their following Lizzie, I am waiting for something more to develop.

They certainly are over-protective of her. 

Bree and Roger continue to grow as a couple. Bree is slowly letting her defenses down and realizing that she really does lover Roger. I think Roger really loves Bree, but feels inept in this time period.

Yes, I think they shared a lot in that walk to the McGillivray's. 

[tlshaw *Padded Cell 511*]

I wonder how Jamie would feel if Roger were more like him.  He's so used to being the leader, and he might have a hard time handing over the reins to Roger.

I am not sure about this. If Roger were more like Jamie and a real leader, I don't think Jamie would have been so concerned about what would happen to Claire, Bree & Jemmy if he were to die. Jamie is adamant about sending Claire back to her own time if he dies. If Roger were able to step into his shoes, I am not sure he would have been so insistent about it.

[Gertie Kindle 'a/k/a Margaret Lake']

I am not sure about this. If Roger were more like Jamie and a real leader, I don't think Jamie would have been so concerned about what would happen to Claire, Bree & Jemmy if he were to die. Jamie is adamant about sending Claire back to her own time if he dies. If Roger were able to step into his shoes, I am not sure he would have been so insistent about it.

As Ian is growing, I think Jamie would be very happy to turn over leadership to him.  I can't wait to see how Ian develops in the next book. 

[tlshaw *Padded Cell 511*]

I love Ian and am looking forward to him maturing in the next book, but I guess I have never seen him as replacing Jamie as "Himself". But then, no one can replace Jamie. 

[Gertie Kindle 'a/k/a Margaret Lake']

I love Ian and am looking forward to him maturing in the next book, but I guess I have never seen him as replacing Jamie as "Himself". But then, no one can replace Jamie. 

No, no one can replace Jamie.  Even when we met him, he was quite a man.  <sigh> 

When we met Ian, he was only 15, and still a young boy, but he's grown up quickly.  He has the experience of working with his father at Lallybroch.  Then there was everything he went through with Gellie.  He has the experience of living with the Indians.  He does take matters into his own hands, such as going after Claire when Laheer shot Jamie and his decision to stay with the Mohawk.  I think he's going to grow (if DG lets him) into a fair successor for Jamie. 

[izzykolo]

Part One - Rumors of War
Chapters 1 - 7

1.  Why do you think Jamie asked Roger to say the prayers over the graves of the Dutch family?
I agree with tlshaw, I think that Jamie feels that this is Roger’s niche. While Roger struggles with the idea, he does seem to have a talent for finding the words to comfort those in need.

2.  Why do you think Bree wanted to go get Jemmy from the McGillivray’s?  Do you think they are closer as a family because of the way they live than they would be if they lived in the present?
Knowing the experience of the Dutch family, Bree feels she needs to keep Jem safe by her side. This killing spree is a threat to everyone.
I’m not sure that Bree and Roger’s marriage would have survived if they lived in the present. In the past, everything they do is focused on survival - life and death – this creates a bond that wouldn’t exist today. It’s would be too easy for either of them to jump on a plane back to Boston or Scotland if things don’t go well – and early on in their marriages things did not go well at all. Of course, there were lots of circumstances that wouldn’t have happened in the present, but I think their personalities are what they are, past and present.   

3.  Do you see any change in Bree and Roger’s relationship?
I do believe their relationship is improving. I agree with tlshaw – Bree is letting down her defenses and learning that she does love Roger and Roger has always loved Bree, but is learning to appreciate who she is.

4.  Do you think Bree is right and the Beardsleys will never be civilized?
I don’t have any reason to feel one way or another, but I think Bree is wrong about this. I think about the past that Fergus had and how he turned out…maybe with the right woman…

5.  What do you think of the twins following Lizzie around?
They adore her and want to protect her.

6.  Do you think Claire would feed her family poison mushrooms as the Dutchwoman did?  Do you think the woman was justified?
Well, she certainly is capable of it. I think if she thought it would prevent pain and suffering, she would. I don’t know if I think the woman was justified, but I understand why she did it.

7.  Do you think Jamie will accept the governor’s offer to be an Indian Agent?
Jamie is going to have to play the game and being an Indian Agent is a role he’ll have to accept. He knows he’s walking a fine line being an agent of the Crown, but he stands to lose everything if he doesn’t.

[Gertie Kindle 'a/k/a Margaret Lake']

Hi, Izzy, welcome to our Klub. 

I’m not sure that Bree and Roger’s marriage would have survived if they lived in the present. In the past, everything they do is focused on survival - life and death – this creates a bond that wouldn’t exist today. It’s would be too easy for either of them to jump on a plane back to Boston or Scotland if things don’t go well – and early on in their marriages things did not go well at all. Of course, there were lots of circumstances that wouldn’t have happened in the present, but I think their personalities are what they are, past and present.   

I think you're right about that.  They might not have even gotten married in the present.  They didn't get married (handfast) until they were in the past, and that was an emotionally intense situation for them. 

[izzykolo]

Hi, Izzy, welcome to our Klub. 

I think you're right about that.  They might not have even gotten married in the present.  They didn't get married (handfast) until they were in the past, and that was an emotionally intense situation for them. 

Thanks, Gertie. I haven't been a very prolific poster, but I've been here since day one and have enjoyed the series so much more because of this Board. I very much appreciate all of your effort in keeping this going - what is it - 8 months now!

[Gertie Kindle 'a/k/a Margaret Lake']

Thanks, Gertie. I haven't been a very prolific poster, but I've been here since day one and have enjoyed the series so much more because of this Board. I very much appreciate all of your effort in keeping this going - what is it - 8 months now!

Oh my goodness, I didn't realize it had been that long, but you're right.  Thanks for the props. 

[millie34]

1.  Why do you think Jamie asked Roger to say the prayers over the graves of the Dutch family?
   First of all, he’s protestant like they are.  Secondly, he was the son of a minister.  Sons were expected to follow in the footsteps of their fathers.


2.  Why do you think Bree wanted to go get Jemmy from the McGillivray’s?  Do you think they are closer as a family because of the way they live than they would be if they lived in the present?
   They had a real sense of the dangerous times they lived in and wanted to have Jemmy with them to know he was safe.


3.  Do you see any change in Bree and Roger’s relationship?
   Roger is more confident in himself and Bree sees that she can rely on him.


4.  Do you think Bree is right and the Beardsleys will never be civilized?
   If someone took them under their wing, they could be taught more civilized ways, but that’s probably not going to happen.


5.  What do you think of the twins following Lizzie around?
   They are sweet to be so protective of her.


6.  Do you think Claire would feed her family poison mushrooms as the Dutchwoman did?  Do you think the woman was justified?
   I don’t know, her oath was to first do no harm.  It goes against her grain to take a life, but then she’s done it before.  As to the woman, I would say she showed great courage. 


7.  Do you think Jamie will accept the governor’s offer to be an Indian Agent?
   I suppose he really doesn’t have a choice.  For the time being he has to stay in the Governor’s good graces.

[imallbs]

Already posting on Part 11, I can't wait to get there.  In the mean time...

Part One - Rumors of War
Chapters 1 - 7

1.  Why do you think Jamie asked Roger to say the prayers over the graves of the Dutch family?
Jamie is a keen judge of character.  Even though Roger doesn't realize it yet (maybe never) he is a preacher

2.  Why do you think Bree wanted to go get Jemmy from the McGillivray’s?
After what she saw, she needed to know her kid was safe, to touch him. 
Do you think they are closer as a family because of the way they live than they would be if they lived in the present?Unless Roger was willing to give Bree a lot of time to grow up (like he has in the past-present) I don't think they could have made it.  During the last 60's and early 70's divorce was coming into style.

3.  Do you see any change in Bree and Roger’s relationship?
They have a more mature relationship and seem closer.

4.  Do you think Bree is right and the Beardsleys will never be civilized?
Define civilized please.  Will they ever fit in at Cross Creek, probably not.  But they are well suited to the life they are leading and are civilized enough for that.

5.  What do you think of the twins following Lizzie around?
This is not going to turn out well.  I can't see Lizzie marrying Manfred (?). Will the twins have something to do with that?  I don't know.

6.  Do you think Claire would feed her family poison mushrooms as the Dutchwoman did?  
Claire has performed mercy killings before but never directly to someone she loved.  Since she does act impulsively, she may just be able to do it. 
Do you think the woman was justified? 
Thinking of the times and what the future would have held for those kids, if there even was a future, I may have done the same thing.

7.  Do you think Jamie will accept the governor's offer to be an Indian Agent? 
Some circumstance will arise that will force it but he willna want to.

[imallbs]

If Roger were more like Jamie and a real leader, I don't think Jamie would have been so concerned about what would happen to Claire, Bree & Jemmy if he were to die. Jamie is adamant about sending Claire back to her own time if he dies. If Roger were able to step into his shoes, I am not sure he would have been so insistent about it.

I don't know that I agree that it has to do with Roger being a real leader.  I think that Jamie's past, reputation and family ties have a lot to do with his ability to keep everyone safe.  He understands the times and people better than Roger ever could because they are a part of his whole life; Roger will never have that.  And Roger is a different kind of a leader.  Maybe he wouldn't be able to keep everyone safe but there is also Ian.  Ian is becoming as capable as Jamie at doing what must be done to keep everyone safe.

Bree and Roger continue to grow as a couple. Bree is slowly letting her defenses down and realizing that she really does lover Roger. I think Roger really loves Bree, but feels inept in this time period.Bree and Roger continue to grow as a couple. Bree is slowly letting her defenses down and realizing that she really does lover Roger. I think Roger really loves Bree, but feels inept in this time period.

I agree.  Also Bree is growing up and Roger is making a place for himself using the skills he brought with him and learning new ones.

I can't wait to see how Ian develops in the next book.

I am excited to see Ian continue to develop.  But I'm not at all sure he is safe in this author's hands. 

I think you're right about that.  They might not have even gotten married in the present.  They didn't get married (handfast) until they were in the past, and that was an emotionally intense situation for them. 

I think they would have been married; they were certainly headed in that direction.  But I don't think it would have lasted.

[Gertie Kindle 'a/k/a Margaret Lake']

Already posting on Part 11, I can't wait to get there.  In the mean time...

I'll be posting the last of it today. 

2.  Why do you think Bree wanted to go get Jemmy from the McGillivray’s?
After what she saw, she needed to know her kid was safe, to touch him. 
Do you think they are closer as a family because of the way they live than they would be if they lived in the present?Unless Roger was willing to give Bree a lot of time to grow up (like he has in the past-present) I don't think they could have made it.  During the last 60's and early 70's divorce was coming into style.

I agree that they probably wouldn't have made their marriage work in the future.  In the past, they live close together in a one room cabin.  They are dependent on each other for companionship and even survival.  There are no distractions such as TV, so they talk.  I think this atmosphere engenders a closer, more intimate relationship. 

4.  Do you think Bree is right and the Beardsleys will never be civilized?
Define civilized please.  Will they ever fit in at Cross Creek, probably not.  But they are well suited to the life they are leading and are civilized enough for that.

I think that was Bree's point. 

5.  What do you think of the twins following Lizzie around?
This is not going to turn out well.  I can't see Lizzie marrying Manfred (?). Will the twins have something to do with that?  I don't know.

I could never see her marrying Manfred, either.  Is he marrying her because Ute told him to?  Probably. 

6.  Do you think Claire would feed her family poison mushrooms as the Dutchwoman did?  
Claire has performed mercy killings before but never directly to someone she loved.  Since she does act impulsively, she may just be able to do it. 
Do you think the woman was justified? 
Thinking of the times and what the future would have held for those kids, if there even was a future, I may have done the same thing.

The kids would probably have been sold as slaves, the others murdered and the cabin burned.  I think she knew what was going to happen and protected her family the only way she could.