The Fiery Cross

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. Have you read other books from the Outlander series? If so, how did The Fiery Cross compare to the other entries, like Dragonfly in Amber, Voyager, or Drums in Autumn?

2. If you have read other historical fiction, how did your experience reading The Fiery Cross compare to those experiences? Which elements of the novel captured your interest, and which, if any, detracted from your reading experience?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Despite the risks of pursuing Stephen Bonnet, Jamie is determined to get revenge on the man who hurt his daughter. Have you ever wanted to hurt someone because they hurt someone you cared for? What did you do to resolve the situation?

2. Roger often feels insecure about his role in the Fraser family, and doubts whether Jamie respects him. Have you ever felt insecure or undermined in a personal or professional role? What helped you to become more confident?

3. If you were to travel to another time period, what aspects of modern life would you miss the most? Did any of Claire, Brianna, and Roger’s experiences in the 18th century prompt you to think about the value of modern conveniences and innovation?

4. Roger decides that he does not want to pursue blood type testing that could shed light on whether Jemmy is his biological son. Have you ever chosen to deliberately forego learning certain information? Why did you arrive at this decision?

5. Jamie and Claire repeatedly discuss the idea of aging and what it may mean for their relationship. How do you feel about the prospect of growing older? Do you predict that aging will have a positive or negative impact on your closest relationships?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. The novel depicts women having limited options to control their fertility and plan their pregnancies. What social limitations are created when individuals (especially women) do not have access to reliable contraception?

2. The Regulator movement involved individuals who often lacked significant wealth or power, objecting to what they viewed as corruption and exploitation. What features seem to be shared with other social movements from modern times? Do you think that some types of injustice will always be a feature of modern society?

3. The subplot about Robert Springer/Otter Tooth explores the exploitation and violence suffered by Indigenous people in North America after the arrival of European settlers. What types of injustice do Indigenous peoples still face? How do colonial legacies continue to impact American society?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. Some of the chapters are narrated in the first person by Claire, while others are narrated in the third person. Why does Gabaldon alternate between these narrative styles? What does it add to the novel?

2. Which character do you consider to be the novel’s protagonist? Which character experiences the most growth and development?

3. Discuss the impact of the setting, particularly the many scenes set in wilderness and forests. How does this setting evoke a sense of threat and danger?

4. Compare and contrast the marriage between Claire and Jamie, and the marriage between Roger and Brianna. Do you predict the latter marriage will endure as successfully as the former?

5. Many secondary characters, subplots, and narrative episodes add complexity to the novel. Choose one secondary character or subplot and discuss what it contributes to the overall narrative.

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Create a “packing list” for what you would take if you knew you were going to travel through time to the North American colonies. What items would prove most helpful, and why?

2. Memories and the past are important topics within the novel. Choose a photo, letter, or another artifact that captures an important memory for you. How would you want to preserve this memory or ensure that it is passed on to your descendants?