Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon | Book Chat | SPOILERS 

What was your favorite part of BEES?

One clarification - you said Jane hung herself. Actually she broke something glass or pottery and slit her wrists.

We don't read these books for just Claire, we read for Jamie or their relationship, I agree he is going nowhere until the end.

I love Bree writing the book on her thoughts on time travel. I think that could be a key element to the final book and I’m intrigued about why Jamie can see these ghosts and how this plays into the time travel and now the fact that little Davy doesn’t appear to be a time traveller. Lots of questions,

Diana is just pure genius. This story she’s weaved is just EVERYTHING! I have read all 9 books since July. I listened on audible. Because I’m a nerd of epidemic proportions, I’m going to go back and physically read all the books with notes and a character and place guide. Just to get it all straight. I didn’t like Roger a whole lot at the beginning as his character was introduced, but man, I love him now. Both he and Jamie may not do everything perfectly, but their intent is 100% led by their belief of right and wrong. I’m so glad you said that about not killing off Jamie at any point. I had such a feeling of foreboding that at that one point, I really thought he was a goner and book 10 would be about Claire leading a life without Jamie and maybe having contact with Jamie as a ghost to explain why on earth he was watching her through that window in book 1. I could read all day about their life on the ridge. I have zero feeling about William yet other than I love how he and Bree have bonded. Thank you so much for doing these Outlander videos. I love that you are as into it as the rest of us and gives some great thoughts on it.

I really liked the way you structured this - going through each character’s story arc. I was full of emotions while reading this book and not gonna lie, hearing your thoughts also at times brought tears to my eyes. Like you, I’ve never thought either Jamie or Claire would die before the final book but that scene after the battle did make me anxious. It’s probably the only time I thought maybe it would happen. Maybe I’ve been wrong this whole time. I also adored that wedding scene at the end. The gruesome death of Amy Higgins hung over my head the entire book but seeing that happiness for Bobby and the kids warmed my heart immensely. And then William arriving on the scene, yes please. I desperately need Lord John to be safe, he and Jamie to reconcile, and William becoming a part of the family 🐝🐝

Wonderful review! 🐝 my favorite parts of the book were just moments, finding out Jamie’s story about the pixie helped them get through the stones, Claire saving the baby & the heartbreakingly emotion moment when she saved Jamie… Bree’s building relationship with William… just powerful writing that touches me on so many levels. I’ll be rereading the series again and again waiting for book 10!

It really feels like Diana is starting to tie together all the many threads and relationships. I really enjoyed this book. Can’t say there was a pivotal point for me, but I appreciated the character development of all on the ridge, especially Fanny, and the young woman she is becoming. Putting Friend Sylvia together with Bobby was genius. Amy’s death was horrible, and haunted my reading. One thing that still lacks for me is William. I think if he had more relationships with people on the ridge, people we care about, we’d see more aspects to his personality. I just finished the first reading of BEES, and I’ll be rereading, again and again, probably until season 6 starts. Thank you for this review!

My favorite part was having all the Frasers/Mackenzies together on the ridge. I just love having them all together under one roof. I seem to be in the minority among fans but I'm really into William and Amaranthus. I don't think she can be completely trusted but I do she's generally a good person who has made some pretty damn stupid decisions for her own self preservation. I like the twist with Richardson being a traveler and I am more than happy to have John in on the time travel. One thing I wasn't too keen on was the whole situation with Ulysses. I didn't get the impression that Ulysses and Jamie left things on bad terms. But then again the show could be bleeding into my memory. Lastly, I love that Claire coming into her power. I'm really excited to see where that plot line goes.

Oh and I totally love your theory. It makes perfect sense!

Your reviews are amazing!...I live very close to the Poisoned Pen and have been there a couple of times . I have never met Diana but I sure hope I do one day . I wanted to let you know that I haven't read the book yet but listened to your review first . I loved it . I wanted to mention something about the "blue light" and how her beautiful native American healer friend told Claire she would have much stronger healing powers when her hair was completely white....Well..do you also remember ...Master Raymond helped her when she was dying after having faith ...His color was "blue" also and so was Claires...that is why he called her Madona .. He had very strong healing powers ..it is very interesting how that ties in with this book ...the healing and the color blue...... I hope that you get to visit the Poisoned Pen one day ,it is such a cute little book store and Diana has quite a wall filled with her books ...Graham and Sam's are also part of It...which is so wonderful .I ordered a signed book for my friend and it was done much earlier that anticipated.....thank you so much for taking the time to do these reviews! ...wow ! It will be interesting to figure out Jamie's ghost one day ..xoxoxo

I just finished the book last night! I am so excited to dig into this! Thanks, Jenn!

🐝 I loved your review!!! I just finished the audiobook. Now I’m going bro start on the book on my Nook. My favorite parts of the book are when most of the troop (minus Fergus and Marsaly) are on the ridge and around each other as one big family!!!! I love that communal life. 📚

you give such a good walk through with these books! I love hearing your perspective on everything. I wish we could watch the series with you :)

🐝. I love watching your take on Outlander and how connected to the characters you are. I have to laugh when you hold back tears bc I’m doing the same thing. It is such a great story.

Excellent review 🥳🎉 I have the book and just couldn’t get into it like the others. This helped me so much! Now I want to read 🤩 thanks for sharing this video with us 🐝 🐝 🐝

Thanks for the review/discussion. I've been listening to the audiobook and I started getting worried that we would have a Fiery Cross situation where nothing happens for most of the book. I mean alot happens but the story doesn't move forward. They don't GO anywhere. Seems like this will be a mix of that and some interesting things later on or sprinkled throughout. Either way I'm always happy after I finish so I will push through. I'm only on chapter 12 or so so loooots go lol. Thanks again. Always enjoy your passion for the series.

Thank you. I'm 1/2 way through the book and now I'll be able read it with foresight which will help me have more clarity. 🐝🐝

Love your smile at the beginning of the video!

🐝 just found your page and subscribed. I’ve read all the books in about 2 years and watched. I’m late to the game. At times I get so confused because of the differences with the shows and the books. But your videos have helped remember things and clarify! Thank you !

🐝 Love your content! Thank you 💙

🐝 Love the passion of your reviews. I've strictly been an Outlander show watcher, but your reviews make me want to take on the series.

Love, love, love the way you unpacked this latest Diana Gabaldon offering. I’ll have to now go back into your back catalogue and do some exploring of more of your other works. (wink,wink)

LOVE this!!! I am not sure if I will read these books, but I have it on my "maybe" list if I get in the mood for it because I do love those epic love type of books. But loved seeing all the plot workings that went into this one. But truly loved seeing your recap of this book and I can tell how much you loved reading it. 🐝

While not covered in your review, I was a little confused when I read about Percy telling William and the Grey’s about Lord John being held captive. Earlier when William and Amaranthus return to Savannah from Philadelphia they find that someone tainted the Brandy with foxglove, but they they give Percy that brandy. Was it on purpose or was it a mistake? Also who tainted the brandy? It was tainted well before anyone know Percy was going to show up. Also Hal asked Claire about how to do off with someone, was he the one who did it? If so who was it for? Also, why didn’t William and Amaranthus get rid of the tainted brandy when they discovered it? Essentially something besides LJG’s capture is amiss in the house of Grey.

One of my theories on Jamie's ghost is linked in with Jamie's 9 lives and all of his near death experiences. In previous books Jamie has been able to explain what electricity looks like and how he knew what Briannas birth mark looked like (before meeting her) seeing the grandchildren playing by the broch etc. He says he sees them in dreams. But what if when Jamie has his near death experiences part of his soul actually does pass over? And in doing that he gets to "haunt" his family for a short time? And the dreams is just that memory seeping through. Diana has said the the Ghost of Jamie is "about 25" when it appears, that's how old he would of been at Culloden right? So during his near death experience Jamie crosses over and his soul finds Claire in 1945, guiding her to him. Maybe when Jamie dies for good he will (and us as the reader) will get the answers we've been waiting So long for! Genuinely feel sorry for those of you who have been wondering about this for 30 years 😅

ok - I can't watch #becausespoilers but just watching the first few minutes - I love how excited you are for this book.

This book was just a warm hug for me. I felt like I was part of their family right there on the ridge. Agreed this book may not have been for everyone but books are not meant to be. Any book that can make me ugly cry is beautifuI! Gabaldon has done it again! P.S someone needs to rescue John!!!

I haven't finished Bees yet. So i will wait to watch your video in a few days and come back.

🐝🖤 Not my favorite of the series, but it had its moments. One of them that didn’t get mentioned was when Roger took part in the battle. It was a really important moment for him in a book where he didn’t get a lot of moments. It was Roger doing what Roger does best, which is to be there for someone in a moment of need. And that he continued at the risk of his own life. I thought that was amazing. He’s my favorite (book) character, which is a pretty unpopular opinion, but oh well. 😁😍 Something I felt was missing from the book was a final farewell to the Cunninghams. They just kind of disappeared, which I thought was odd given his state of health. I was really hoping for some scene of regret or apology or even confrontation, but maybe we haven’t seen the last of them? Who knows! Thank you for these reviews and all the work you put into your channel!

The thing that makes my head spin about Franks book is that if Jamie truly did die on that mountain Claire has changed history which suggests she failed to do so last time around. Or it could suggest she wasn’t there last time around. But if she wasn’t there - if this is the first time she has time travelled - how did Jamie end up there? His life would have been completely different yet he still ended up in that moment - not completely unfeasible but I’d love to know how. I started theorising and then I had to stop because I realised I was too deep down the rabbit hole. I don’t like William but he is growing on me. The thing with William is we are watching him become a man and I don’t like the man child he is currently but he is getting better and I’m so excited for him and Jamie to interact in the next book. I think your theory of Jamie’s ghost appearing to check on Claire at that pivotal point and be some kind of anchor for the time line to start over is highly likely. I think he and Claire will have lived out their lives together and died in the past so would be together in the afterlife - but he knows what point to appear to her/Frank and that also explains why he is young because he would appear looking the age she is about to see him at. I cannot explain how much I love Claire’s healing storyline! I recently read the Space Between novella which posed some new interesting theories/questions for me. Also because of that novella I think Fergus truly is St. Germain’s son and that Fergus can time travel. Not saying he will just that he can. Did you know there is going to be a What Frank Knew novella! Cannot wait for that.

I'm only on book 2 of the series, and I've been obsessing over the ghost of Jamie and coming up with my own theories and no joke I came to the same conclusion you did!! My thought process was of the time traveling that happens and I concluded that Claire's time traveling is happening in a loop to always come back to Jamie. One of the reasons I think this is because Claire finds the flowers before traveling through the stones for the first time. I think it's Jamies way of telling/guiding her back to him. Now because I'm only on the 2nd book I don't know if those flowers ever come up later in the series or if there is a significance of those flowers. I can't remember the name all I know is that they are blue. Which is interesting too because the first book's cover is the dark blue and the 9th book is also blue/the blue light that you mentioned. I'm probably looking too much into it.

Loved your video, and am going to watch all your outlander related videos! Ive been searching for a good booktuber who loves the books as I do, hear their thoughts 💗

And I love William and all the Greys.

I never hated Frank. Claire and Frank had a goof relationship. He took back his wife, and adopted another man's child after a 3 year absence. Morally He could have just divorced her, but he stood by her. After the stones, Claire checked out mentally and Frank continued to support her in a loveless marriage. I saw they were a happy couple and a traumatic thing happened. There doesn't always have be a bad person in a relationship. Sometimes people outgrow each other and there is no one to blame. Also this was an era where divorce was a bad social stigma.

🐝 Now I have to read it again, because i'm sad that I haved finished the book. 🙂

🐝🐝🐝Absolutely LOVED your review. Definitely subscribed now!

Magnificent job… I was riveted !

Lovely review! One thing that was brought up and not really followed through in the book was the fact that Frannys mom was named Faith and Claire freaking out wondering if it could be her Faith. I hope that’s explored more in the last book

Do you think there was a hint of a connection with Faith to Jane and Fanny?

Best book yet!❤ Holding to Williams horse!

I love to hear your thoughts on the book! Thank you for sharing.One thing I really took away from the book was that I have learned to love all the side characters just as much as I love Jamie and Claire. This being said, I am so glad Diana took the time with each family unit. One of my favorite parts was when Emily gave Ian the puppy. Question for you, what do you think will happen with Fergus and his so called new found "father"?

YOU ARE AMAZING ! THANK YOU SO MUCH ! XOXOXOXOO

Loved this book chat ❤🐝❤🐝❤

Jamie knew Frank looked like black Jack he says so in Drums of Autumn.

Great review, thank you. 🐝🐝🐝

My theory: Ghost Jamie You know what they say when a person dies? They get to review/revisit the things that happened during their whole lifetime. I think, since Claire has been and will always be a part of Jamie’s life, he’s there to see the beginning. Of how it all started for Claire and also for him.

ok i have a little theory/prediction for the next book that i want to put out there i think fergus might be capable of time travel... hear me out. firstly, we know that percy has been kind of harassing him, insisting that his father is the compte st germain, and that percy is/was working for richardson or whatever he is actually called who is a traveller. i know that fergus makes it pretty clear that he doesn't believe percy, but i think there has been too much detail put into this for there to be nothing there. drawing back to the short story 'the space between', we know that the compte st germain is a traveller, and whilst he never explicitly mentions anything about amelie or having a baby with her, it does seem that he often frequents brothels so if fergus is his child he may have no knowledge of him. this would also give a bit more explanation as to why percy (under richardson's orders) has been harassing him so much, and i believe they may have been behind the printshop fire. this theory may be a little far-fetched but i am still hopeful because i really love fergus's character and it would be great for him to get a bigger spotlight at some point.

I like Frank, he had to lose the woman he loved to an unknown man, through no fault of his own. Well Claire's too for that matter. He was crazed looking for her and had so many questions when she came back which made him even crazier with her answers. He got the short end of the stick in all of this and became an amazing father in spite of everything which if he hadn't Claire would never have become the doctor she became without him. Jealousy never looks good.

You forgot the musket ball that Claire spits out!!!

She asked forgiveness, and I gave it. But the truth is, I’d forgiven everything she’d done and everything she could do long before that day. For me, that was no choice. That was falling in love. - Jamie, Season 1

My favorite part was when Jenny met Roger. Second favorite was Bree and William

New subscriber here 🤗. I could have sworn Master Raymond have healing abilities with his hands. Also he always talk about a blue color from Claire ?

Bree and Roger's cabin did not burn, its the cabin that Amy and Bobby Higgins live in. Because when Roger and Bree left the ridge they were telling everyone they were going to Boston because they really could not tell everyone where they were really going.

Not one of my favourite novels in the series, perhaps I need to re-read or listen to the audio book again. Anyway it seems to be a set up for the final novel (if no. 10 turns out to be the last one of course). Nothing really happens in this book apart from the Loyalist mutiny on the Ridge. But I did enjoy the reunion between J+C & B+R and kids. Also enjoyed William and Brianna's growing sibling relationship. I do not like or trust Amaranthus. Her playing up to William seemed pretty devious to me. Thanks for the reviews Jen.

Diana says in an interview Thai people can change history with individuals but not in things where groups of people are pushing some movement.

🐝. Love your enthusiasm. Thank you. As Bees will not be translated to Swedish for a Looong while, this stilled My curiosity a Little bit... About Jamie's Ghost, i'm in on a dream theme as Jamie dreams true/"sees" other things. Like for instance Brie's birth mark behind the ear. (And as @bowmama8 wrote...) Hugz from Sweden 🇸🇪

🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝 I haven't gotten Bees yet but it doesn't bother me knowing things in advance. I am waiting for the explanation of the ghost that looks like Jamie and I hope Diana will go ahead an write Book 10. Novellas are fabulous but in my humble opinion, they can wait. 🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝

I wonder how they will handle the Lord John situation in the next season? I heard the actor wasn't returning. That would be so strange with different actor.

As for Frank , Diana has said in a few interviews that she has a book " What Frank Knew " on her schedule , so she obviously has more to say about him, from his POV and she isn't done with it yet. And I am quite interested what's still will coming out about that. So far we only witnessed what Claire and Brianna have said about Frank , from their outlook, but never from Frank himself.

Jenn by any chance do you have a recap of book 8 . I read these books years ago so I’m kinda fuzzy on what happened in book 8 since at this point in my head it’s one long story . If you don’t have one can you do one for fans who just need help remembering what happened on book 8 before I start book 9 . Pleasssseeeeeee

Frasier's Ridge is in NC and yes Emily is Mohawk.

the ghost of James Fraser could have been him time traveling during the 1st book appears as he looked after the battle of Culloden while living off the land. So I assumed he traveled forward then to go see her, but didn't wish to change the timeline. but That was just me.

Does someone know/remember what happened to Adso the cat? I cannot remember if he's mentioned in Bees! By the way, thank you for the video!

I’m surprised that Jamie is still struggling with it when In book 8 it was barely mentioned lol

I need to go back and find where, I thought, the part of Jamie's ghost is covered. Jamie tells Claire of a dream he had ..(🤔🐍bite?🤦‍♀️🤷‍♀️) he tells her that he saw her in the window & that the light around her was different, not like candlelight or the sun and he thought that's what electric light must be like. " I dinna kin WHAT you are doing exactly, you're just there & the light is around you" ...that's all I remember..just need to go find it, reread...

thanks jen! random thoughts, i was surprised ulysses went against jamie. am i confusing book with show? the frasers are antislavery. why would ulysses do this? also the suggestion that frances is faith's daughter, idk. i love bree and family are home. looks like ezekiel richardson will be the final villian. i just purchased 3 books you recommended, but i'm rereading this slowly first!

Diana said the time travel is not a loop...

Great Synopsis of book.

Question, why do you say Frasher"s/Frasier???? It's Fraser, like S sound.

sounds like at that edge of death - Claire's power kicks in and this causes his travel to the 'start' where he is the ghost that frank sees.. ? just a weird theory?

🐝 question ... Did Jamie read Frank's notes research notes did Claire travel back with them I know she traveled back with pictures of Brianna?

🐝Thank you! 🙂

So excited Bees is finally here 🙌. I'm currently on chapter 94. Soooo, some of what yer say'n here is spoiler central 😬😬😬😬but🤷‍♀️...it's all cool tho. I love that we are on same page on so many points of these books. ie; Roger❤, Frank🙄🤬..etc. one thing about the books is that.... just because someone dies...doesn't mean they stay that way😉. I'm surprised..and a little disappointed...that there wasn't more shock & awe when that infant..suddenly comes back to life. Frank just never ceases to amaze me...I really dislike him more an more. As far as age...Jenny is 60 so, unless there's a huge chunk of time fast fwd between where I am and the end ... wouldn't Jaime be what...56-58? Anyway, I'm glad it's here. I hope we don't have to wait long for book 10.

I wonder if in book 10 we will meet again Buccleigh or some other Gaillies plus traveler healer offspring .

This might be a spoiler question, so if you haven’t finished, don’t read this! But who exactly do you think Hal wanted to poison? I might have missed something, but don’t have a clue.

Oh girl, I was so 😡 about Sylvia's husband...but loved her 🤨"Chuck you Farley brown" I divorce thee!! Attitude..🤣🤣👍. I knew Sylvia would end up at the ridge. I may have to save this video and come back when I finished 🤣

It always felt odd how everyone is scratching their head with the whole "this series of book is impossible to classify! It's so in between genres it will please everyone!! GROUNDBREAKING!!!!" Guys. It's a romance. It well thought out romance that takes inspiration from other genres with really relatable characters, and that can make it relevant for people who are usually not interested in romance, but it's romance the first plot was basically prettiest cleverest female protagonist gets her life turned around when she meets hunky dog-hearted highlander man and get to forget her boring 20th century life with her plain white-bread 20th century husband.... I mean Diana built a great story from that, mainly through the creation of deeply relatable fully fledged characters but the appeal in the beginning has never really been much beyond romantic escapism

I Think for Jamie Purgatory is waiting for Clair to join him. Maybe ghosts are time travelers, well Frank seems not be constrained by time, so maybe Jamie is following her through her history until they can, as he believes, be together in heaven. I don’t know. Only Diana knows how she explains his ghost.

I had a hard time getting through it, first half was kind of draggy. It was very detailed. Idk why she chose that title? I didnt like the way it ended.

I don't think Jamie's ghist goes back for Frank. I think he's there because of this the epic love story in which Jamie promises Claire he will wait for her in purgatory even if it takes over 200 years so it's a festival of the ghost so he just goes and glances at Claire.

I jus want to tell u... u are soooooo much just like me... u speak ur attitude ur feelings OMG!!! I SWEAR ITS LIKE ABOTHER VERSION OF ME LOL.. U ARE CERY ANIMATED I LOVE IT!!! ICOULD SEE US BEING FRIENDS CHATTING UP THESE BOOKS AND SERIES!!(SWEAR IM NOT A WEIRDO LMAO JUS SAYIN )

outstanding

Why was Bri & Rogers' cabin burned?

That book is very Interesting, and it is a really fat book so if you're a bookworm you'll love It.

I personally was very disappointed with this book. I'm the biggest fan of the outlander books but this one had the feeling of too many hands in it other than Diana Gabaldon's. I normally feel compete and excited after reading one of her books. Diana is such a descriptive writer and her flare for adding historical highlights feeds the love story, it wasn't there in this book for me. I think a lot of fans were just excited to connect and revisit with Jamie and Claire. Diana, please don't let your beautiful story be taken over. 😞

Just my theory, because Claire healed Jamie with her blue magic, his ghost can time travel to see his Claire. His ghost is somewhat disappointed because his Claire doesn't look quite like she does when they first meet in the past or he's disappointed because Claire seems happy in her present. Just my opinion

🐝. Bravo. Lol.

What does POV mean? You refer to that a lot when talking about the characters.

North Carolina

🐝

Let the real droughtlander begin 😩😩😩

I enjoyed every word of this book, of course! I swear, Herself could write 50 pages of Claire diagnosing and treating a stomach ache and I would eat it up. lol I loved, loved, LOVED the parts with Bree and William. Seeing how quickly he became protective of her and referred to her as his Sister was just 😭. I am still confused about the Mackenzie’s coming back. Mandie only knew Jamie through the book he left for her in the box and when they get to the Ridge, Bree has the books and stuff. So, didn’t they go back to the 80’s, plan their trip, and then go back? If not, how did they only travel about 50 years? We’ve never seen people only travel less than 50 years. Not saying it isn’t possible (it’s Herself’s world and she makes the rules!), I just thought this was new information, but wasn’t really explained. I dunno. Maybe I just missed some stuff? I already need to re-read this. 😂 The whole plot with Sylvia and Bobbie was just beautiful. Poor Bobbie. Poor Amy. 😭 That ending, tho. I will be patient, but man I hope we aren’t waiting another seven years. 😬 🐝🐝🐝

Ok. Read this theory I saw posted on Fb. Interesting. Plausible you think? Just finished Bees and I loved it! I have a theory, about Frank and Richardson/Callahan. **Spoiler alert** What if Richardson/Callahan killed Frank? Frank wrote in his letter to Bree that there were dangerous people possibly after her. We know he was investigating this. Richardson/Callahan can travel through the stones. Frank also seemed like he knew he was also in some sort of danger, knowing he would possibly die soon (I got this from his preparations, letters, etc). If this were to be true, I would be satisfied if Bree were the one to kill Richardson. He went after her family, now putting her dear friend in danger, and possibly killed her Father. Just a thought 🤔

🐝🐝🐝

Jamie is younger than Claire, by at least 2-3 years.

🐝🐝

Well , now you lost me as I have not finished 5he book. Just cannot read these books anymore they are waaaasy to long and the author takes 10 chapters on one thing ..... There's a family tree either at the beginning of book 8 or at the end, but bk 8 also has a family tree 🌳

🐝🐝🐝🐝

I believe that Frank and Black Jack are the same person. Frank never went to war in ww2 he was in the past. Why would they look so much alike and also Stars cast the same man to play both in the show if it wasn’t gonna end up being a time traveler himself. Diana will tie it all together in the end, for sure a lot to pull together but they are the same person who goes back and forth.