Review: A short span in the intriguing life of Lord John Grey
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 12 1, 2012
...gawd I adore Diana Gabaldon.  She just never fails to deliver!  I've read all of her Novels/Novella's and all I can say is her writings always propel me to another time...they surround, engulf and envelop me.This story had me laughing out loud at the beginning.  I'm not sure if this is Ms. G's intention, but it was so humorous to me to envision these party-goer's purposely electrocuting themselves with an EEL!  So I'm sittin' here reading this with a huge, stupid grin...crackin' up...  Ms. "G" describes John Grey's experience with the eel so precise and exact and even though it was a serious moment, it had me in stitches.  I could feel what these people were experiencing being voluntarily shocked off their feet by an eel!  Hilarious....Ms. G is just that good.Lord John Grey is a patient man who does not act impulsively.  He's been a Soldier (Lieutenant Colonel) in the British Army all of his adult life.  He thinks before acting and does not panic easily (if at all).  Above all else, he is honorable and noble to a fault.  This story lends more insight to the person of Lord John Grey and a small portion of his life experiences.  This story takes place in 1759, as Lord John travels to give witness to the character of a friend in Canada who is facing court martial for failing to suppress a mutiny.I love John Grey's character and I must confess, this emotion surprises me as I didn't like him much at first (his introduction in the "Outlander" Series...but he's weaseled his way forever into my heart).  He's a good man...always consistent, always follows the rules..(.well, almost always..heheh..), while keeping his homosexuality lifestyle hidden and protected.  He sacrifices so much of himself for his family and close friends.Always in Lord Johns life does he face seemingly insurmountable challenges and usually those challenges include life (and career) threatening dangers.  He's always forced to analyze, consider and weigh those dangers against traveling a road less dangerous (but usually is forced into the most dangerous path), in order to achieve his mission...whatever it may be..  This story takes the reader into another thread of John Grey's life...the Battle of Quebec and more.Because there's very little dialogue in this story and a LOT of descriptive detailed foundation, it has the potential of becoming tedious to the reader who has never read D.G before.  But press on and you won't be disappointed.  I never expected John Grey's character to become so interestingly fascinating to me.  He's taken me by surprise.