OUTLANDER: Week of 1/5; Reading Chps 6-10, Discuss Chps 1-5 here

[Dori]

I am thinking I need to read the first five over again.  I don't remember half of this stuff.  I have no idea what this book is about and was perplexed about what was going on most of the time.

I feel  F and C were opposites that attracted.  I don't really presume unfaithfulness unless I see some evidence, (ghosts don't count as evidence).

The stone probably will come up again as a marking spot for Claire to connect the two time periods.

Don't read the horror parts,  try to skim over as fast as I can.  Don't find horror entertaining. 

C did a good job with her story but don't really think it was believed.

The fortune teller was a hoot and operated as i think most fortune tellers do,  flying by the seat of their pants.  Didn't realize it meant anything to the story line.

I think the reluctance to adopt had to do with F's obsession with genealogy.
Has been fun reading the comments.

[vg]

I have a theory that I'm going to post now.  I think Claire will put a message in or mark the stone at the crossroads in someway, so that when she returns to the present she will find the message from the past.  This way she will know if everything really happened, or if everything has just been a dream (kind of like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz). Or.... could she leave messages and Frank or one of the witches find them in real time (like the Beach House) so that they can help her live in the past and find a way to return?  If I have gone on a totally wrong tangent, please let me know. 

[sam]

I have to agree with a lot of others that it takes a little while for the story line to get moving...that being said I am really enjoying the book so far, it's my first time reading it!  I haven't read past Chapter 5 yet so definitely no spoilers from me!

1) What is your impression of Frank? of Claire?

I thought Frank was self-absorbed with his own interests and that Claire was very disinterested in anything that Frank was.  Also I think Claire is still trying to find herself as she wouldn't have chosen to become a nurse if it wasn't for the war.

2) When Claire and Frank are walking back from the Vicarage, they pass a "weathered Pictish
stone that...guard[ed] the crossroads it had marked for a thousand years." What do you think is
the significance, if any, of this stone?

In the context of this chapter the stone seems pretty insignificant.  Further reading leads you to think that Claire may come upon the stone again as it has been there for "a thousand years".  I like when pieces of a story that may seem inconsequential when first reading them come back later on in a story and you get that ahh hah moment.  We'll see if we get that ahh hah moment in this case.

3) When Frank sees a "ghost" looking at Claire's window, he suspects she might have been
unfaithful to him during the war. Do you think she was? Do you think Frank was unfaithful to
Claire during the war?

I am unsure as to whether or not Claire was unfaithful or not.  On the subject of Frank I think he most likely was unfaithful.  His comment about it being a really long time makes me think that for him it was a really long time and he couldn't handle it.  Knowing what happens in the next few chapters makes me wonder if it is Jamie's ghost?  The only reason I speculate about this is from what people wrote about when everyone was signing up for the book club.  

Chapter Two

1) What did you think of Mrs. Graham's "fortune telling"?

I thought she was cute and maybe a little foreshadowing on DG's part...we shall see.

2) Do you think Frank is reluctant to adopt a child because of his great love for Claire, or is there
another reason?

Again I think he is self-absorbed but I also agree with some of the other responses in that he is to interested in his own lineage to be willing to adopt.

3) Why do you think the stones at Craigh na Dun don't "hum" the first two times Claire visits
them?

Possibly that she wasn't alone, maybe the Earth, Moon and Sun were not lined up correctly, a choice on the part of DG?  Maybe this will be answered later in the story.

Chapter Three

1) What would you do if you suddenly found yourself back in time? Do you think Claire
reacted/handled it well?

I think that for being dropped in the middle of an era that is unfamiliar to her she did an outstanding job!  She kept her cool and went with the flow, not that she had much choice.    If I found myself back in that time I would have freaked out!!  I definitely couldn't have reset a dislocated shoulder!!

2) What was your very FIRST impression of Jamie?

That he did a great job keeping himself together under extraordinary circumstances.  No pain killers to help while his shoulder gets yanked around??  I know a lot of people would not be able to do the same.

Chapter Four

1) What was your reaction to "seeing" Jamie's back for the first time? Did it suprise you to find
out that Frank's ancestor had done that to Jamie?

My reaction to Jamie's back was that it takes a really sick person to be able to inflict that much pain on another.  To find out that Frank's ancestor had done it, I was not surprised, he didn't give off an impression of having the highest morals when he met Claire.

2) What did you think when you realized that Jamie was attracted to Claire?

Honestly, totally missed this.  I have to go back and read this section again.  On top of this being my first time reading the book, this is my first book club.  It's great that I can read through the replies and smack my forhead and go "How the heck did I miss that?"  Thanks for the question Gertie!!

Chapter Five

1) What did you think of Claire's story to Colum to explain how she ended up with the Scots?  Would you have believed her?

I'd like to give her the benefit of the doubt that she sold it better then the way I read it.  Would I have believed her...not a chance!

I love the book club so far and am having a great time discussing this with everyone!  Happy Book Klub Monday!

Sam

[Suzanne]

I'm totally enjoying reading everyone's answers & comments. We all read the same chapters and came away with a little different "take" for each of us. No doubt our own life's experiences have a big part of this.

[Wells83]

1) What is your impression of Frank? of Claire? I found them both very two-dimensional at first.  I wouldn't say I got a real picture of either of them right away.  Something about their relationship felt forced to me--I think it took Gabaldon awhile to get going.

2) When Claire and Frank are walking back from the Vicarage, they pass a "weathered Pictish
stone that...guard[ed] the crossroads it had marked for a thousand years." What do you think is
the significance, if any, of this stone? The fact that it's described as weathered shows how long it's been since it was built, which denotes the passage of time.

3) When Frank sees a "ghost" looking at Claire's window, he suspects she might have been
unfaithful to him during the war. Do you think she was? Do you think Frank was unfaithful to
Claire during the war? I felt that Claire was being honest when she spoke of her fidelity.  I did get the feeling that Frank was accusing her because of his own guilt.

Chapter Two

1) What did you think of Mrs. Graham's "fortune telling"? I found it interesting and saw it as a tool of foreshadowing. 

2) Do you think Frank is reluctant to adopt a child because of his great love for Claire, or is there
another reason? I can't really say that I thought much about it or that I can make a judgment call.

3) Why do you think the stones at Craigh na Dun don't "hum" the first two times Claire visits
them? Having read the whole book through, I'm not certain.

Chapter Three

1) What would you do if you suddenly found yourself back in time? Do you think Claire
reacted/handled it well? I thought Claire's reaction was strange--she seemed to be a lot more accepting than I would imagine someone being in that situation.

2) What was your very FIRST impression of Jamie? I definitely came to love him as the book wore on, but I'm not certain I had much of a reaction at first. 

Chapter Four

1) What was your reaction to "seeing" Jamie's back for the first time? Did it surprise you to find
out that Frank's ancestor had done that to Jamie? I thought it was very interesting that this ancestor that Frank revered so much was actually an awful person. 

2) What did you think when you realized that Jamie was attracted to Claire?  I was hoping for it all along.
Chapter Five

1) What did you think of Claire's story to Colum to explain how she ended up with the Scots?  Would you have believed her? Her presence had to have been so confusing in the first place--I would have had no idea what to believe!

[Angela]

1) What is your impression of Frank? of Claire? I think Frank loves Claire, but not as much as his work. Claire seems to be more of a free spirit, very independent and speaks her mind.

2) When Claire and Frank are walking back from the Vicarage, they pass a "weathered Pictish stone that...guard[ed] the crossroads it had marked for a thousand years." What do you think is the significance, if any, of this stone? Probably some significance later in the story. A landmark, proof that it had been seen before in another time??

3) When Frank sees a "ghost" looking at Claire's window, he suspects she might have been unfaithful to him during the war. Do you think she was? Do you think Frank was unfaithful to Claire during the war? I believe he was unfaithful, causing him to think she might have been as well. She could have been… she never answered directly.

Chapter Two

1) What did you think of Mrs. Graham's "fortune telling"? I found it entertaining and interesting.

2) Do you think Frank is reluctant to adopt a child because of his great love for Claire, or is there another reason? I think he is selfish and doesn’t want to share his time with Claire or his business.

3) Why do you think the stones at Craigh na Dun don't "hum" the first two times Claire visits them? Not the right time.

Chapter Three

1) What would you do if you suddenly found yourself back in time? Do you think Claire
reacted/handled it well? I would totally freak out! She may have handled it too well, but it fits her personality.

2) What was your very FIRST impression of Jamie? Young, kind, a gentleman

Chapter Four

1) What was your reaction to "seeing" Jamie's back for the first time? Did it surprise you to find out that Frank's ancestor had done that to Jamie? Shock, horror, empathy. No, not surprised, figured there had to be some connection with the past and present.

2) What did you think when you realized that Jamie was attracted to Claire? It was expected. Not because I have read this before (I haven’t), but because of people’s comments on the book from the first day it was mentioned on the boards.

Chapter Five

1) What did you think of Claire's story to Colum to explain how she ended up with the Scots?  Would you have believed her? I suppose it was believable, Colum seemed to believed her!

[Angela]

I have a theory that I'm going to post now.  I think Claire will put a message in or mark the stone at the crossroads in someway, so that when she returns to the present she will find the message from the past.  This way she will know if everything really happened, or if everything has just been a dream (kind of like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz). Or.... could she leave messages and Frank or one of the witches find them in real time (like the Beach House) so that they can help her live in the past and find a way to return?  If I have gone on a totally wrong tangent, please let me know. 

I like your theory, vg!!

[Betsy the Quilter]

I am enjoying this so much!  Love reading the comments.  I think we're going to be in for some great discussions once we get used to the format.  This is going to be a week long discussion, we're going to get into some good stuff!

Betsy

[sebat]

1) What is your impression of Frank? of Claire? 
Frank seems a stuffy and old to me, but he is also a bit of a jokester.  I feel like he is at least 10 years older than Claire.   He bores me; I think I would end up sleeping through his class lectures.  I also think he might be a little vain.  He is worried that the landlady might think he is not a good lover.

Claire is easier going and not concerned with her personal appearance.  I think she approaches life as an adventure and is very inquisitive.  She has a genuine interest in others and her surroundings.   She is smart and thinks well on her feet.

2) When Claire and Frank are walking back from the Vicarage, they pass a "weathered Pictish
stone that...guard[ed] the crossroads it had marked for a thousand years." What do you think is
the significance, if any, of this stone?
It think it’s just a set up for when she goes back into the past.   It’s a location marker that we can recognize in both the present and the past.

3) When Frank sees a "ghost" looking at Claire's window, he suspects she might have been
unfaithful to him during the war. Do you think she was? Do you think Frank was unfaithful to
Claire during the war?
I think they we both unfaithful.  6 years is a long time to be apart.   I think the ghost might be Jamie coming into the future in search for Claire.

Chapter Two
1) What did you think of Mrs. Graham's "fortune telling"?
It’s an interesting way to set up the story.  Mrs. Graham doesn’t have a clue; she is just reading what she sees. 

2) Do you think Frank is reluctant to adopt a child because of his great love for Claire, or is there
another reason?
He sees a child as a way to carry on his family name.  Adoption just won’t do that for him. 

3) Why do you think the stones at Craigh na Dun don't "hum" the first two times Claire visits
them?
The timing just wasn’t right and she needs to be by herself.

Chapter Three
1) What would you do if you suddenly found yourself back in time? Do you think Claire
reacted/handled it well?
Claire handled it extremely well.  I wouldn’t have done so well.

2) What was your very FIRST impression of Jamie?
I didn’t have much of a first impression.  He just seemed to be an injured kid that was in pain.  After his arm was back in place, I thought that he was both mentally and physically tough to be able to ride with his injuries.  He is a good person more concerned about others than himself.
 
Chapter Four
1) What was your reaction to "seeing" Jamie's back for the first time? Did it surprise you to find
out that Frank's ancestor had done that to Jamie?
Shocked .  I can’t even begin to comprehend the pain that flogging would cause. No I wasn’t shocked, but I think that Claire really was.  It’s interesting how we tend to romanticize the past and the people in it...  especially, when it’s an ancestor.

2) What did you think when you realized that Jamie was attracted to Claire?
Typical male, injured and all he can think about is sex.

Chapter 5
1) What did you think of Claire's story to Colum to explain how she ended up with the Scots?  Would you  have believed her?
Pretty good story to come up with on short notice.  It seemed plausible. I don't think that Colum really bought all of it.

[vg]

I like your theory, vg!!

Have you read the book?  Is that a hint that I'm on the right track?   

[cat616]

RULE # 2

Type your lengthy posts in Word first to ensure you do not lose them by hitting return accidentally.

I was just reminded the hard way.  AAARRRGH! 

[tlshaw *Padded Cell 511*]

1) What is your impression of Frank? of Claire?
Frank seems to be the serious scholarly type, but with a sense of humor that occasionally surfaces. Claire is an independent woman with a mind of her own.

2) When Claire and Frank are walking back from the Vicarage, they pass a "weathered Pictish
stone that...guard[ed] the crossroads it had marked for a thousand years." What do you think is
the significance, if any, of this stone?
This points out how old things are in Scotland. Not only is the landscape timeless, but so are the customs, like the sprinkling the chicken blood on the doorsteps of the houses on the row where Claire and Frank were staying. This was symbolic of the ancient custom of a sacrifice buried in the foundation.

3) When Frank sees a "ghost" looking at Claire's window, he suspects she might have been
unfaithful to him during the war. Do you think she was? Do you think Frank was unfaithful to
Claire during the war?
I don't think Claire was unfaithful. She was genuinely shocked that Frank would say so. She does however wonder about Frank. I agree. Maybe his guilt at being unfaithful was the reason he was quick to think that of Claire.

Chapter Two

1) What did you think of Mrs. Graham's "fortune telling"?
Mrs. Graham played at fortune telling at the fairs, but I think there was something to it. Her responses to what she saw in Claire's plan clearly was not what she expected to see.

2) Do you think Frank is reluctant to adopt a child because of his great love for Claire, or is there
another reason?
Frank's reluctance was not because of his love for Claire. A lot of men feel that they have failed if they don't father a child. This was probably a bigger problem for Frank since his genealogy was so important to him. He was extremely proud of his heritage, and could not bear the idea that he would not be able to continue the line.

3) Why do you think the stones at Craigh na Dun don't "hum" the first two times Claire visits
them?
I have wondered about that. The only conclusion I could come to was that it only happened a certain times.

Chapter Three

1) What would you do if you suddenly found yourself back in time? Do you think Claire
reacted/handled it well?
I would be scared witless. Claire did a great job of keeping her head. However, I think her blustering was more fear than anything else.

2) What was your very FIRST impression of Jamie?
Jamie seemed very quiet and unassuming. Of course, the fact that he was injured severely accounted for that. The way he handled putting his shoulder back in and Claire cleaning his wound definitely made him seem the strong quiet type.

Chapter Four

1) What was your reaction to "seeing" Jamie's back for the first time? Did it suprise you to find
out that Frank's ancestor had done that to Jamie?
I was appalled, especially when he told the story about being beaten 2 times. It was so hard to believe that a person could take such please in beating another person. The fact that Black Jack did this made me wonder about Frank's composure. What would he do if driven to rage? But then too, looking like someone does not mean you will act like them. I can understand Claire having such a difficult time reconciling that the 2 were actually related. She kept expecting Black Jack to act like Frank, but I think it also made her wonder about what Frank actually did during the War.

2) What did you think when you realized that Jamie was attracted to Claire?
I wondered how long it would take them to get together. I think part of the attraction was that Claire, as a 20th century woman was so unlike the women he was used to.

Chapter Five

1) What did you think of Claire's story to Colum to explain how she ended up with the Scots?  Would you have believed her?
Claire came up with a good story. However, I don't think I would have fully believed her. There were too many holes, i.e. the way she was dressed, and where was her servant?

[Linda Cannon-Mott]

Heidi--

I liked your answer to the question of the stones humming--they didn't do it until she was alone, that makes perfect sense!

Also, for the nurses out there--do you find yourself reading the bits where Claire employs her nursing with a professional eye instead of just going with the story?  Does it read real to you?

Betsy

I definitely see Claire as a nurse and not just going with the story. Being a nurse you can not deal with death on a daily basis and it not mold the person you are in some ways. Claire is brave, strong, a nurturer, compassionate, takes charge and speaks her mind. You will find many nurses with these characteristics. Who knows what she saw during the war, I imagine some of it only she knows. There are some things you just can't share.

Something that touched me was when she was removing the old dressing from Jamie's back and saw the injuries it still had somewhat of a shock effect on her. She drew in her breath and Jamie caught her staring. I don't care how long you are a nurse you never lose that shock aspect of seeing someone so severely injured. An accidental injury like a motor vehicle accident is one thing but an injury inflicted by mankind is an entirely different situation. You are faced with anger, wondering why and how and deep sympathy for the patient and the one that caused the injury.

She took charge of the situation and did what had to be done with what she had available, dressings, poltice and also put his shoulder back in place quickly and precisely. I think that is what any nurse would do if they drove up on an accident. do what they had to do with what was available.

I know there are nurses in the profession that have none of the characteristis , I've been on the receiving end of a few myself but that is true in any profession.

Linda

[tlshaw *Padded Cell 511*]

Suzanne:
Your comment :"I was surprised at Frank automatically assuming Claire was unfaithful to him when he sees someone looking up at her window. Even if this isn’t the “ghost” that the story leads us to believe and it was just a fellow who happened by and glanced up and saw a pretty woman brushing her hair, what of it? To jump from that to ‘My word, she’s been unfaithful to me!’ seems quite the stretch."
seems so accurate. That is what makes me think Frank was unfaithful.

[Angela]

Have you read the book?  Is that a hint that I'm on the right track?   

No, this is my first time to read it. I just like the way you think! It makes sense. You see that type of thing in lots of time travel movies and books.

[mumsicalwhimsy]

I will join in, when I can.
Husband cancelled our internet at home.... today!!!
Lines at library for computers.... argh.
First bookklub and I come with an excuse.
Will bring extra snacks, when I am able to join in again..

[Lizzarddance]

I think there's something to Mrs. Graham and the humming stones. I think that Mrs. Graham could read something in Claire, maybe she can see into her and know where she's come from and where she is going. I think that the ladies at Craigh na Dun knew exactly what they were doing. I believe the ritual was done purposely so that Claire can go on her journey. Why? I have no idea yet. I'm enjoying this read very much! 

[Betsy the Quilter]

RULE # 2

Type your lengthy posts in Word first to ensure you do not lose them by hitting return accidentally.

I was just reminded the hard way.  AAARRRGH! 

CTRL-Z (Undo) works in posting too.  Most of the time.  Also, the Browser Back page button sometimes lets me recover stuff.

Betsy

[Lizzarddance]

Suzanne:
Your comment :"I was surprised at Frank automatically assuming Claire was unfaithful to him when he sees someone looking up at her window. Even if this isn’t the “ghost” that the story leads us to believe and it was just a fellow who happened by and glanced up and saw a pretty woman brushing her hair, what of it? To jump from that to ‘My word, she’s been unfaithful to me!’ seems quite the stretch."
seems so accurate. That is what makes me think Frank was unfaithful.

My thoughts exactly when I read this, my feeling was that he must have been unfaithful to have made a comment like that. We'll see.

[bebobthefrog]

Heidi--

I liked your answer to the question of the stones humming--they didn't do it until she was alone, that makes perfect sense!

Also, for the nurses out there--do you find yourself reading the bits where Claire employs her nursing with a professional eye instead of just going with the story?  Does it read real to you?

Betsy

I'm a new nurse of 7 months. I do a bit of both, professional and story. I haven't had a lot of experience with wounds and I don't know a lot about herbs. I really liked the medical parts. I also think that she is very caring and skilled.

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

Sorry I'm so late getting back tonight.  Problems at the pharmacy.  There was a little disagreement as to the date of my birth.  Maybe I went back in time and didn't know it?   

Great discussion everyone.  Betsy, I particularly liked your question about nursing, and Linda, that was a great answer. 

Thanks for clearing that up about the locations, Betsy.

VG, nice theorizing.  To say if you're right or wrong would be too spoilery ... either way.

Everyone seems to agree that Frank was unfaithful to Claire, but we're pretty divided on whether or not she was unfaithful. 

It's interesting that even though we've been talking all along about Jamie and Claire and many of us have read all the books, very few people saw Jamie as more than an injured young man.  Could be because that's how Claire sees him.

Please feel free to post your favorite quotes.  I posted one above and here's another that makes me chuckle.  Jamie has fallen off his horse and Claire is trying to get him bandaged.  She's tired, frustrated, scared, but still standing up to Dougal (a formidable character on his own). 

"Can ye ride?" Dougal repeated.
"Aye, if ye'll take the lassie off my chest and fetch me a clean shirt." 

So typically Jamie.  Cool, calm and practical.

[tlshaw *Padded Cell 511*]

This discussion is fascinating to read. I find it interesting the different opinions we all have from reading the same book. Apparently the only thing we all agree on is that Jamie is a typical guy, and Frank was unfaithful. I really look forward to reading the comments throughout the week.

I really loved it when Claire threatened to throttle Jamie if he messed up her bandaging! Only a strong woman could survive the time travel and still have her wits around her!

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

I really loved it when Claire threatened to throttle Jamie if he messed up her bandaging! Only a strong woman could survive the time travel and still have her wits around her!

Didn't she just shock those battle-hardened Scots with her language?   

[mom133d (aka Liz)]

1) What is your impression of Frank? of Claire?
I think the war seperated them for so long that they are no longer the people they fell in love with and have to learn all about each other again. This will be difficult since Frank is so into his research and Claire is finding her own self.

2) When Claire and Frank are walking back from the Vicarage, they pass a "weathered Pictish
stone that...guard[ed] the crossroads it had marked for a thousand years." What do you think is
the significance, if any, of this stone?
I agree with several other posts, this is a landmark that ties together the past and the present. I like the idea of Claire putting a message in the stone.

3) When Frank sees a "ghost" looking at Claire's window, he suspects she might have been
unfaithful to him during the war. Do you think she was? Do you think Frank was unfaithful to
Claire during the war?
Again, as so many others have pointed out, Frank was pretty quick to jump to that conclusion. Especially if it was a "ghost", a live man, well maybe... I believe she was tempted physically and perhaps mentally and emotionally she was unfaithful. Frank was a solider, and so many stories led us to believe that a near death experience could result in some intimate moments. For Frank, I would think that he was never emotionally unfaithful, but he did have extramartial relations.

Chapter Two

1) What did you think of Mrs. Graham's "fortune telling"?
Very nice forshadowing

2) Do you think Frank is reluctant to adopt a child because of his great love for Claire, or is there
another reason?
Some men (and women) cannot bring themselves to love another person's child. I think Frank may be one of these and he uses his love of family trees as an excuse.

3) Why do you think the stones at Craigh na Dun don't "hum" the first two times Claire visits
them?
I agree that the "timing" wasn't right. Perhaps the ladies' ceremony opened a passage that the next person to come near would have gone through as Claire did.

Chapter Three

1) What would you do if you suddenly found yourself back in time? Do you think Claire
reacted/handled it well?
She reacted quickly. I would have spent a long time believing it was a dream and having a breakdown.

2) What was your very FIRST impression of Jamie?
Well, the posts here spoiled a wee bit for me, but I'd say that he was just another injured solider.

Chapter Four

1) What was your reaction to "seeing" Jamie's back for the first time? Did it suprise you to find
out that Frank's ancestor had done that to Jamie?
Not really surprised. Fantasy is one of my fav genres and the majority of them are generally set in some kind of medevil background (even on another planet). So flaying wasn't a big shock. Neither was it being Frank's ancestor. With her being in the area where his family is from, of course his ancestors are going to be part of the story. And if it turns out that Jamie is also one of Frank's ansectors, its not like they're first cousins so I won't have an "ewwww" moment. LOL

2) What did you think when you realized that Jamie was attracted to Claire?
Not much honestly. She is described as an attractive woman, Randall almost raped her, so it would have been a bigger shock if Jamie wasn't attracted to her.

Chapter Five

1) What did you think of Claire's story to Colum to explain how she ended up with the Scots?  Would you have believed her?

I'm not certain Colum believed her entire story. But she was quick on her feet and came up with the most plausible story she could.

[chynared21]

Some good reading here :-)


1) What is your impression of Frank? of Claire?

I see Frank as a self absorbed person who can love when he wants to love. While he had his fun moment pretending that he and Claire were having sex, I don't see him as a fun loving guy. While he's so scholarly in regards to tracing his family's genealogy, I'm afraid that he'll "miss" out on a lot in the present.

I just love Claire. She's a strong willed, independent, fun loving person who is also a great nurturer.

I get the impression that they don't really "know" each other very well considering they married young and were separated for so long at the beginning of their marriage. When Claire bought the vases, I think it meant that she wanted to set down roots for once in her life.

2) When Claire and Frank are walking back from the Vicarage, they pass a "weathered Pictish
stone that...guard[ed] the crossroads it had marked for a thousand years." What do you think is
the significance, if any, of this stone?

I think it will the one constant between the past and the present...her "deja vu".

3) When Frank sees a "ghost" looking at Claire's window, he suspects she might have been
unfaithful to him during the war. Do you think she was? Do you think Frank was unfaithful to
Claire during the war?

I think it was Frank's guilt that made him ask her and to forgive her had she been unfaithful, otherwise why would he automatically come to the conclusion that she had been unfaithful?

I don't think Claire crossed the line at having physical contact but I do believe that she was "emotionally" vested with some of her patients. Lets not forget just how young she was when she first started working as a nurse. While being away from "home" was certainly nothing new to her, being in wartime situation had to have been trying and what better way to "forget" about what was happening than to totally immerse yourself into your work?

Chapter Two

1) What did you think of Mrs. Graham's "fortune telling"?

I thought it was pretty telling considering that Claire hadn't yet travelled to the past and of course baffling to both Mrs. Graham and Claire. Only time would tell...

2) Do you think Frank is reluctant to adopt a child because of his great love for Claire, or is there
another reason?

I think Frank is too selfish to love a child that wasn't his and besides, he's too into his family's lineage to want to taint the family tree with blood of another. But, I also think that because he's so into family history...could it be possible that he's wondering if the child will feel like he/she doesn't have a history before joining their family?

3) Why do you think the stones at Craigh na Dun don't "hum" the first two times Claire visits
them?

Because she wasn't alone but also because I think that the ladies gathering may have opened the door for her at that point in time without realizing it which may have created the perfect condition for Claire to travel back in time.

Chapter Three

1) What would you do if you suddenly found yourself back in time? Do you think Claire
reacted/handled it well?

Hmmm, good question! By nature I am pretty adaptable. I would definitely try to fit in in the best way possible and hopefully not freak out while doing so ;-p I think Claire handled herself rather well considering the conditions at the time that she "landed". A big plus for her I think was the fact that she had someone to take care of and in a sense preoccupied her.

2) What was your very FIRST impression of Jamie?

Strong, emotionally mature for his age, sensitive and rather stoic considering his injuries.

Chapter Four

1) What was your reaction to "seeing" Jamie's back for the first time? Did it suprise you to find
out that Frank's ancestor had done that to Jamie?

The first time I read it, I had tears in my eyes imaging the look of horror on Claire's face and putting myself in her shoes while reading. This time around I think I felt more for Jamie how he causally told her how he got the lashes.

2) What did you think when you realized that Jamie was attracted to Claire?

Laughed and then I thought, "MEN!"

Chapter Five

1) What did you think of Claire's story to Colum to explain how she ended up with the Scots?  Would you have believed her?

I think she did the best she could with what she had...spin a tale and a dime and live to tell about it is always good in my book. I probably wouldn't have believed her but would give her snaps for trying