Written in My Own Heart's Blood is the eighth book in the Outlander series written by Diana Gabaldon. The story follows Claire Randall, a 20th-century doctor who travels through time, and her 18th-century Scottish Highlander husband, Jamie Fraser. The books include historical fiction, romance, adventure, and fantasy.
Published on June 10, 2014, Written in My Own Heart's Blood continues the love story between Claire and Jamie. It also follows the stories of many characters from the previous book, An Echo in the Bone.
Diana Gabaldon announced the title of the book in September 2011.
Plot summary
The British evacuation of Philadelphia and the battle that follows at Monmouth are the main events from the book, which are based on actual historical events.
Claire marries John Grey for safety after Jamie is believed to have died at sea. John and Jamie argue when the truth about Claire's marriage is discovered. John's stepson, William, becomes angry when he learns he is Jamie's biological son. Jamie's nephew, Ian, marries Rachel Hunter, and Rachel's brother, Denzell, marries John's niece, Dorothea, during the same ceremony. The Hunters are Quakers, and their work with the Continental Army as noncombatants causes other Quakers to treat them poorly.
Claire is injured during the Battle of Monmouth, and Jamie leaves the Continental Army to stay with her. After living in Savannah, they return to Fraser's Ridge, their home in North Carolina.
The printshop and house of Jamie's adopted son, Fergus, are destroyed by fire. Fergus's son, Henri-Christian, dies while trying to escape the fire.
In the 20th century, Jamie and Claire's grandson, Jeremiah, is kidnapped (a story in An Echo in the Bone). Their son-in-law, Roger, meets Jamie's father and Roger's own father while traveling through time to find Jeremiah. After Jeremiah is rescued, his family joins the Frasers in the 18th century.
Characters
Claire Elizabeth Beauchamp Randall Fraser – The main character of the series. She is a nurse and doctor. Born in 1918, she married professor/historian Frank Randall in the 20th century. In 1946, while on a second honeymoon with Frank, Claire fell through the standing stones at Craigh na Dun in Scotland on Beltane (May 1). She arrived in 18th century Scotland in 1743. She was forced to marry James Alexander Malcolm MacKenzie Fraser (Jamie), and later fell in love with him. Claire is the mother of Faith (stillborn, 18th century) and Brianna. She is also the adoptive mother of Fergus and the mother-in-law of Marsali. Claire returned through the stones to the 20th century in 1746 to protect her and Jamie’s unborn child, who was born in Boston in the 20th century. Twenty years later, after Frank Randall’s death, Claire discovered through Roger’s research that Jamie likely did not die at Culloden. She returned through the stones to 1766 to search for him.
James Alexander Malcolm MacKenzie Fraser – Laird of Lallybroch (Scotland) and Fraser’s Ridge, North Carolina. A former inmate of Ardsmuir Prison. An 18th century husband of Claire, whom he called "Sassenach." Father of Faith (stillborn, mother: Claire) and Brianna (mother: Claire). Adoptive father of Fergus (with Claire). Biological father of William Ransom (mother: Geneva Dunsany). Ex-stepfather of Marsali and Joan (mother: ex-wife Laoghaire).
Lord John William Grey – A retired veteran of the Rising of 1745 and Seven Years’ War. Former governor of Ardsmuir Prison. A long-time friend of Jamie and Claire. Stepfather of William Ransom. Brother to Harold Grey, Duke of Pardloe. Uncle to Benjamin, Henry, Adam, and Dorothea Grey.
Lt. Lord William Ransom – The 9th Earl of Ellsmere. Stepson of Lord John Grey. Illegitimate son of James Fraser and Geneva Dunsany. Cousin to the children of Hal Grey, Duke of Pardloe, and the children of Jenny and Ian Murray.
Ian Murray ("Young" or "Og" in Gaelic, used to distinguish from his father) – Son of Jenny and Ian Murray. Nephew of Jamie and Claire. Cousin to Fergus, Brianna, and William. Adopted into the Mohawk tribe but returned to the Ridge with Rollo, his half-wolf dog.
Brianna Ellen MacKenzie – Daughter of Jamie and Claire, born in 20th century Boston and raised by Claire and Frank Randall. Arrived in the 18th century in 1769. Married Roger and had two children: a son, Jeremiah (called "Jemmy"), and a daughter, Amanda Claire Hope MacKenzie (Mandy).
Roger MacKenzie – Former Oxford professor and historian, folksinger, minister, and Gaelic teacher. A 20th century descendant of Geillis Duncan and Dougal MacKenzie. Great-nephew and adopted son of Rev. Reginald Wakefield. Jamie and Claire’s son-in-law. Arrived in the 18th century in 1769. Married to Brianna and father of Jemmy and Mandy. The family lives at present-day Lallybroch, the Fraser family home.
Jeremiah Alexander Ian Fraser MacKenzie – Son of Roger and Brianna, born in 18th century colonial North Carolina. Like his parents, grandmother Claire, and sister Amanda, he can time travel.
Fergus Claudel Fraser – Printer, former French pickpocket and spy. Adopted son of Jamie and Claire. First appeared in Dragonfly in Amber. Married to Marsali and father of Germaine, Joan, Félicite, and Henri-Christian.
Marsali Fraser – Daughter of Laoghaire, stepdaughter of Jamie, daughter-in-law of Claire, and mother-in-law of Claire. First appeared in Voyager. Married to Fergus and mother of Germain, Joan, Félicite, and Henri-Christian.
Henri-Christian Fraser – Youngest son of Fergus and Marsali. A little person.
Janet "Jenny" Fraser Murray – Former Lady of Lallybroch in the 18th century, married to Ian Murray Sr. Older sister of James Fraser and mother of Jamie, Maggie, Katherine, Michael, Janet, and Ian.
Denys Randall-Isaacs – Son of Alex Randall, putative son of Jonathan "Black Jack" Randall, and ancestor of Frank Randall, Claire Fraser’s 20th century husband.
Perseverance "Percy" Wainwright Beauchamp – English spy married into a French noble family. Former lover and later stepbrother of Lord John Grey.
Dr. Denzell Hunter – Quaker physician serving in the Revolutionary American Army.
Rachel Hunter – Quaker nurse assisting her brother in the Revolutionary American Army. Love interest of Young Ian Murray.
Rob Cameron – Colleague of Brianna’s at the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board.