Diana Gabaldon's Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone showcases her signature blend of historical detail and complex characters, pleasing longtime fans. The ninth Outlander book is slower-paced, focusing more on character development than action. However, some readers feel it lacks the urgency of earlier installments, making it less engaging for those craving swift plot progression.

Fans of immersive historical fiction with elements of romance and time travel, such as those who enjoy Ken Follett's The Pillars of the Earth or Deborah Harkness' A Discovery of Witches, will cherish Diana Gabaldon's Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone. Ideal for readers captivated by richly detailed narratives and strong, complex characters.

Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone follows Claire and Jamie Fraser as they navigate life on Fraser’s Ridge during the Revolutionary War, reuniting with their daughter Brianna and her family while dealing with various personal and historical challenges. The book also features significant developments for supporting characters like Roger, Lord John Grey, and William. The source material discusses sexual assault and violence against women and contains historically inaccurate depictions of Indigenous Americans.

Emotional / Nostalgic / Adventurous / Romantic / Suspenseful

- Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone is the ninth book in Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series, a saga that blends historical fiction, romance, adventure, and science fiction elements.
- Diana Gabaldon's inspiration for the Outlander series came from a Doctor Who episode featuring a Scottish Highlander, which led her to create the story's iconic setting and characters.
- The title, Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone, references a tradition in Celtic folklore where bees are informed of significant events like deaths and births, underscoring the series' deep ties to cultural myths and practices.

**Claire Beauchamp Randall Fraser**  
A time-traveling doctor from 1968, now living in the 18th century, Claire navigates the complexities of family, war, and old grief while maintaining her medical practice and supporting her husband, Jamie Fraser. 

**Jamie Fraser**  
A Scotsman and landowner, Jamie is Claire's husband who deals with family estrangement and the tensions of war while grappling with the implications of a book from the future regarding his own fate.

**Brianna Randall Fraser MacKenzie**  
The daughter of Claire and Jamie, Brianna has recently returned to the past after traumatic events, bringing with her the knowledge of future events and questions about her family's time-traveling abilities.

**William Ransom, Ninth Earl of Ellesmere**  
Jamie Fraser's son from an affair, William struggles with the revelation of his parentage and its implications on his identity, honor, and relationship with his true father.

Diana Gabaldon

Adult

Novel

Outlander

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone Summary and Study Guide

Background

Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “A Swarm of Bees in the Carcass of a Lion”

Prologue-Part 1

Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone Prologue-Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “No Law East of the Pecos”

Part 2 Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “The Bee Sting of Etiquette and the Snakebite of Moral Order”

Part 3 Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “A Journey of a Thousand Miles”

Part 4 Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone Part 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “Fly Away Home”

Part 5 Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone Part 5 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone Character Analysis

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Themes

Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone Essay Topics

Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone?

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Book Details