“Reading is of course dry work, and further refreshment was called for and consumed.”

“Strength of bone and fire of mind, all wrapped around a core of steel-hard purpose that would make him a deadly projectile, once set on any course.”

“Of course I can.” He stuck out a rolled tongue and wiggled it, demonstrating, then pulled it back. “Everyone can do that, surely? Ian?”“Oh, aye, of course.” Ian obligingly demonstrated. “Anyone can.”“I can’t,” said Brianna. Jamie stared at her, taken aback. “What d’ye mean ye can’t?”“Bleah.” She stuck out a flat tongue and waggled it from side to side. “I can’t.”“Of course ye can.” Jamie frowned. “Here, it’s simple, lass—anyone can do it!” He stuck out his own tongue again, rolling and unrolling it like a paternal anteater, anxiously encouraging its offspring toward an appetizing mass of insects. He glanced at Roger, brows lifted.”

“Character, I think, is the single most important thing in fiction. You might read a book once for its interesting plot—but not twice.”

“That's for calling your father a fool. It may be true, but it's disrespectful. Brian Fraser to teenage Jamie”

“She was the sort of girl called “bonny”—not beautiful, but lively and nicely made, with something about her that took the eye.”

“Sassenach." He had called me that from the first; the Gaelic word for outlander, a stranger. An Englishman. First in jest, then in affection.”