Content Warning: This Themes section contains references to rape and sexual assault.

The trauma of sexual assault impacts several characters in this novel. The end of the previous novel, Outlander, shows Jamie Fraser recovering in a French monastery from the torture and sexual assault he suffered at the hands of Jack Randall. It appears that Jamie has recovered well, but as the novel progresses, the reader can see that Jamie is still struggling emotionally with what happened. The first time his emotional struggle to his sexual assault is evident is after Claire recognizes Mary Hawkins’ name as the surviving wife of Jack Randall and the mother of Frank’s direct ancestor. Jamie has difficulty sleeping that night as a direct result of his concern that Jack might not be dead. A short time later, Jamie and Claire run into Alexander Randall and initially mistake him for Jack. Again, Jamie struggles with emotional turmoil that is a direct result of what Jack did to him. Every mention of Jack Randall sends Jamie into a tailspin that has him sitting up all night and refusing Claire’s attempts at comfort. Therefore, when Jamie runs into the actual Jack Randall, the reader is prepared for his emotional reaction and is not disappointed.