Debate Over ‘Outlander’ Book ‘Voyager’ Highlights Historical and Cultural Sensitivities

A recent discussion on the Reddit forum /r/Outlander has sparked a debate among fans regarding the third book in Diana Gabaldon‘s ‘Outlander’ series, titled ‘Voyager‘. The conversation centers around whether readers should skip this book due to its perceived problematic elements, particularly the portrayal of certain characters and historical events.

Several users expressed concerns about the character of Yi Tien Cho, also known as Mr. Willoughby, whose depiction in the book is widely criticized for being racist and based on stereotypes. Despite these criticisms, many fans argued that the book should not be skipped entirely. They pointed out that while the portrayal of Mr. Willoughby is indeed problematic, it is a minor part of the overall narrative, and the book offers much more depth and nuance, especially in its portrayals of other non-white characters and historical encounters.

Supporters of the book emphasized that skipping ‘Voyager’ would mean missing out on significant character developments and plot points that are not fully explored in the TV series. For example, characters like Margaret and the detailed encounters with enslaved and Indigenous people are highlighted as adding valuable depth to the story.

The debate also touches on the broader issue of historical context and the challenge of evaluating historical fiction by modern standards. Some users argued that the book reflects the racist attitudes of the time period in which it is set, while others contended that this does not excuse the author’s use of racist stereotypes.