Having discovered that her husband, Jamie Fraser, survived the battle at Culloden, Claire Fraser decides to travel back to the 18th Century to find him.
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“Voyager” is, in a word, amazing. The suspense, intrigue and adventure reach an all time high. This is a book I could not put down. I found myself making dinner with the book in eyeshot so I could read in intervals; I balanced it on the washing machine while throwing a load of laundry into the dryer; and I may have even eaten lunch with my nose buried in the book. Yes, it is a definite contender for my favorite of the series. Though I think “Outlander” is safe in its number one spot.
This venture into the series is one I will never forget. Gabaldon’s vivid imagery of the times not only immerses you in the story, but makes you a part of the story. When I did put the book down, I found myself looking around to make sure I wasn’t still on a ship traveling to Jamaica or wandering through the jungle in Hispaniola. Claire is able to find Jamie once she goes back and this time she is better prepared. Or so she thinks. She has an appropriate outfit, money and some food for her journey, but what she finds when she gets there is not the 24-year-old she was married to, but the 44-year-old man he’s grown into.
Not only do we travel with the Frasers but we see a new part of life that is a bit touchy for those of us living in modern times—slavery. Gabaldon does an excellent job of broaching the subject from all angles. We see through the eyes of the slaves, owners, sympathizers and those who have no opinion on the subject one way or the other. I will admit to being worried about reading about slavery because of the negativity that surrounds the subject, but this author knows what she’s doing when she tells a story. She draws a picture of the time that we can become a part of from an objective point of view. I only wish she could have been my history teacher. I would have paid more attention in class, that’s for sure.
And speaking of paying attention, Gabaldon never leaves you wondering for too long. Any questions you may have from one book to the next, she answers them. And not only does she answer them, she brings things you may have forgotten about to the forefront. It makes the reading experience that much better. I cannot express to you how much I love this book, except to say just that—I love this book.
I tend to think the books of the series all focus on various characters. “Outlander” was Claire’s journey; “Dragonfly in Amber” showcased Claire and Jamie’s adventures; and “Voyager” is more about Jamie’s voyages in life since losing Claire. We are given an inside glimpse at what happened after the fighting ceased at Culloden. We find out what Jamie did and went through during the twenty years he and Claire spent apart. Though I love the character, I was thoroughly pissed at some of the decisions he made. Not only for himself, but things that impacted his and Claire’s relationship. I had to keep reminding myself that they both believe the other to be dead so whatever they do is not in betrayal of the other. I said that, but did I believe it? No. My thoughts are that their love, which transcends time, should be respected until they perish.
By the end of “Voyager,” I realized Jamie is an honorable man and he does what he feels is best in any given situation. Their love is one for the history books and I enjoy the ride each time I open a new installment. Be prepared for surprises and revelations of extreme proportions in this one. Oh, the funniest part of this book involves a drunken priest. Total laugh out loud moment, I promise you. I’m off to read “Drums of Autumn,” which is the fourth book in the “Outlander” series. I hope you will join me.
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