logo

93 pages 3 hours read

A Breath of Snow and Ashes

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2005

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Diana Gabaldon

A Breath of Snow and Ashes

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2005
Book Details
Pages

980

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

North Carolina • 1770s

Theme
Publication Year

2005

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

A Breath of Snow and Ashes by Diana Gabaldon follows time-traveling doctor Claire Fraser and her 18th-century Scottish husband, Jamie, as they navigate challenges on Fraser’s Ridge in North Carolina amidst rising tensions before the American Revolution, dealing with threats from marauders, kidnappers, and betrayal. The novel intertwines historical fiction, romance, adventure, and the complexities of time travel. Graphic descriptions of violence against women and the impact of trauma are present in the story.

Suspenseful

Emotional

Adventurous

Romantic

Mysterious

Reviews & Readership

4.6

224,589 ratings

89%

Loved it

8%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

A Breath of Snow and Ashes by Diana Gabaldon captivates with its rich historical detail and deep character development, drawing readers into the struggles and triumphs of its characters. However, its extensive length and complex narrative may overwhelm some. Despite these drawbacks, the book offers a compelling continuation of the Outlander series.

Who should read this

Who Should Read A Breath of Snow and Ashes?

Readers who enjoy historical fiction, romance, and adventure will be captivated by A Breath of Snow and Ashes by Diana Gabaldon. Fans of Outlander series will love its blend of time travel and vivid history, akin to The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger and Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell.

4.6

224,589 ratings

89%

Loved it

8%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

Character List

Claire Fraser, or Sassenach

The main narrator, Claire is a beautiful and intelligent woman from the future who navigates life in 18th-century America with her modern medical skills. She is Jamie Fraser’s wife and Brianna’s mother, with a strong sense of compassion and duty.

A Scottish Highlander and natural leader, Jamie is devoted to Claire and father of Brianna. He balances the violence of his era with justice and knowledge of the future.

The daughter of Claire and Jamie, with red hair and a talent for inventing, Brianna is intelligent and compassionate, navigating life in colonial America with a strong will and love for her family.

A Scottish Protestant from the future, Roger is married to Brianna and a father to Jem and Mandy. Though a good fighter and provider, he aspires to a life of ministry balanced with his devotion to family.

Claire’s and Jamie’s nephew, Ian has a mix of Scottish and Native American cultural influences, with distinctive tribal tattoos and a loyal dog named Rollo. His past involves opportunities shaped by innocence and loss.

A Scottish Highlander and former rival of Jamie, Tom becomes a reluctant ally. He is defined by complicated family ties and harbors feelings for Claire.

Tom Christie’s mentee and bright young woman, Malva is closely associated with Claire and causes significant events in the community due to her complex personal life.

Jem is the energetic young son of Roger and Brianna, whose parentage is a subject of concern until confirmed.

Loyal yet secretive residents of Fraser’s Ridge, Arch and Mrs. Bug have hidden motives while maintaining a presence in the Fraser household.

A notorious pirate and antagonist, Bonnet's actions affect the Fraser family significantly, highlighting tensions regarding Jem's parentage.

A time traveler like Claire, Donner’s actions contribute to a key event in the novel, motivated by his desire to return to his own time.

A haunting figure from Jamie’s past, Randall’s influence persists through Jamie’s memories, shaping his character's narrative.

Book Details
Pages

980

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

North Carolina • 1770s

Theme
Publication Year

2005

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.