The Custom of the Army

The Custom of the Army (2012) Diana Gabaldon

This is a Lord John novella.

During an electric eel party, Lord John ends up in a duel (he’s not entirely sure how). When he opponent dies, Lord John is sent by his commander (also his brother) to Canada, where his presence is requested as a character witness in a courts marshal.

Diana Gabaldon took the title of this novella from the historical instructions on court marshals at that time. That is, there wasn’t much–she quotes the entire passage in the introduction, and it’s a rather short paragraph, considering.

As with the other Lord John novels and novellas, she researched the period and military rules thoroughly, so these stories really are a fascinating peek into life at that time. I mean, who would believe something like electric eel parties and only a single paragraph guideline for army court marshals if there wasn’t the historical data to back it up?

But the stories are more than the fascinating historical facts–there is also Lord John himself, who I find to be a fascinating character. He’s in the Army at a time when Britain was at war, and he’s a gay man, at a time when being such was a capital offense. Yet he cares deeply for his family and (more interestingly to me) for justice.

I’m very glad that I came across Lord John, and am thoroughly enjoying reading all his stories.
Rating: 8/10

Published by Dell

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