Throughout the narrative, Gabaldon explores the redemptive power of grace against the limitations of forgiveness. The act of forgiveness frees the transgressor from guilt, but additionally frees the victims to leave behind their trauma and continue with their life. However, forgiveness is not always exoneration, which entails the offender to fully take responsibility for their actions by exhibiting remorse and making a sincere commitment to never repeat the transgression again. Instead, Gabaldon creates instances when forgiveness is simply release; the victim releases their own feelings of hurt and powerlessness without forgiving the act.

In other situations, forgiveness is unobtainable. For instance, Jamie’s guilt regarding his part in the death of William’s mother (Geneva) is ambiguous; though he loves William and doesn’t regret his conception, he still prays for forgiveness for his part in Geneva’s death. William also sees his own part in Jane’s death and though he pleads for forgiveness over her dead body, he will never be able to exonerate himself from his guilt. The granting of forgiveness comes from the living, and both Jamie and William are limited by the deaths of Geneva and Jane. However, William can forgive both his mother and Jamie for their night together, understanding how it might have been for them once he sees Jamie as an honorable man.