Drums of Autumn by Diana Gabaldon Narrator: Davina Porter
Published by Delacorte Press on December 1997
Length: 44 hrs and 48 mins
Genres: Historical Fiction
Format: Audiobook
Goodreads
In this breathtaking novel—rich in history and adventure—The New York Times bestselling author Diana Gabaldon continues the story of Claire Randall and Jamie Fraser that began with the now-classic novel Outlander and continued in Dragonfly in Amber and Voyager. Once again spanning continents and centuries, Diana Gabaldon has created a work of sheer passion and brilliance....
It began at an ancient Scottish stone circle. There, a doorway, open to a select few, leads into the past—or the grave. Dr. Claire Randall survived the extraordinary passage, not once but twice.
Her first trip swept her into the arms of Jamie Fraser, an eighteenth-century Scot whose love for her became a legend—a tale of tragic passion that ended with her return to the present to bear his child. Her second journey, two decades later, brought them together again in the American colonies. But Claire had left someone behind in the twentieth century—their daughter, Brianna....
Now Brianna has made a disturbing discovery that sends her to the circle of stones and a terrifying leap into the unknown. In search of her mother and the father she has never met, she is risking her own future to try to change history ... and to save their lives. But as Brianna plunges into an uncharted wilderness, a heartbreaking encounter may strand her forever in the past ... or root her in the place she should be, where her heart and soul belong....
My book club has decided to read the entire Outlander Series. We started reading this series in February 2013. Feel free to read along with us! I’d love to hear your thoughts on this series.
Rose’s Review
I first read Drums of Autumn about 3 years ago. At the time, I remember not being as into it as the first three books. In fact, my attention began to wane at about 3 quarters of the way through Voyager if truth be told. However, upon my second read through of Drums of Autumn, I rediscovered my love for this amazing series. I do not know how I ever thought this book was slow or boring before. Granted, the beginning of the book takes some time to set up and build momentum, but once the foundation is laid the pace picks up rapidly and spins faster and faster until we reach the end.
Some things I really enjoyed about Drums: I absolutely fell in love with wee Ian. I liked him before. He and Jamie have always had a special bond since the day Ian was born and Jamie was forced to hide in the wardrobe as red coats ransacked the house, Jenny having just given birth. Wee Ian sucks Jamie’s finger contentedly and from then on the two were bonded for life. In this installment, wee Ian really “isna verra wee” anymore. In fact, Ian is growing up fast! He is sensitive and intuitive. He counseled Claire to comfort Jamie. He recognizes Willie for who he really is to Jamie. He offers a proposal to Bree, and lastly, without giving too much away, he completely “saves the day.” Another part I loved was the scene with Claire, the bear, Jamie and the fish! Lastly, I loved Roger. While I didn’t really care one way or the other about Roger my first read through, the second time I read this book, I found myself swooning over Roger. He is a first rate gentleman and it is very interesting to see a 21sr century man of noble character and honor and fortitude pitted against an 18th century man of the same character. Jamie and Roger are alike, but very different. I like that Roger finally stands up (well sort of stands up) to Jamie.
There was a sound of a scuffle outside, ending in an even louder thump, as of a head striking logs.
Roger didn’t have Jamie’s air of quiet menace, but his voice rang with sincerity, ”Lay hands on me once more, you fucking sod, and I’ll stuff your head back up your arse where it came from!”
Some things I didn’t like about Drums of Autumn: Jamie is no longer a young man, as evident when Claire finds him face down in the snow, unable to move because he has “thrown out” his back. This was actually a heart breaking discovery for me. I knew intellectually that Jamie was no longer a young 20 something year old, but I did not fully grasp the concept until that moment. I didn’t like that every major mishap was due to some misunderstand or misinformation via Brianna. How frustrating. This girl IS trouble, as her name suggests.
Overall, I gave this book 5 stars because of its artful prose and masterpiece plot which is part tragic and often times hilarious and rarely dull. Gabaldon has a way of making you not know whether to laugh, sigh or cry. I am excitedly looking forward to Book #5: The Fiery Cross.
