More to the Story than Girl Meets Kilt: What Does Outlander Say About Marriage to a Genealogist?

I missed Outlander  in my Summer Reading roundup of genealogy fiction, and Facebook Friends helpfully pointed me to an the all-consuming time-travel historical fiction series. HOW did I miss this series? Outlander series is not new, but with the upcoming debut of the new made-for-tv series, the books by Diana Gabaldon are sure to find a new audience that missed the books the first time around. And, it all starts with a genealogist!

I’ve only just started the first stage setting first novel, Outlander, but the English teacher in me is already wondering about the subtext of the storyline. . .

(No big spoilers here that aren’t already in the reviews.)

The heroine is married to a historian / genealogist and while touring Scotland falls into a time warp. She lands in the arms of her husband’s British soldier ancestor, flees, and is rescued by a band of rival Scots, in particular the young, handsome, wounded Jamie. She learns that her husband’s ancestor was cruel and ruthless, and appears to be more sympathetic with the Scots. Great conflict. Can’t wait to read on.

But, something about the plot seems so familiar. It reminds me a lot of the stories I’ve heard from probate attorneys and estate auctioneers about what can happen to a genealogist’s legacy when the non-genealogist spouse is left to “dispose” of research, books, and heirlooms. I’m not saying that Claire is a jealous spouse; but, it does make one wonder just how “happily married” she really might be. There are no coincidences in well-crafted fiction. Frank’s occupation as historian and genealogist is an integral part of the story, and Claire’s ambivalence about Frank’s British “hero” ancestor speaks loudly  about her feelings towards Frank and his preoccupation with the past.

There’s more to this story than girl meets kilt.

And, maybe it’s time to add genealogy to an estate plan and think about What to Keep and What to Throw Away.