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Post by ``Moira on Jan 24, 2009 0:54:18 GMT -6
Amazon.com Review
In Outlander, a 600-page time-travel romance, strong-willed and sensual Claire Randall leads a double life with a husband in one century, and a lover in another. Torn between fidelity and desire, she struggles to understand the pure intent of her heart. But don't let the number of pages and the Scottish dialect scare you. It's one of the fastest reads you'll have in your library.
While on her second honeymoon in the British Isles, Claire touches a boulder that hurls her back in time to the forbidden Castle Leoch with the MacKenzie clan. Not understanding the forces that brought her there, she becomes ensnared in life-threatening situations with a Scots warrior named James Fraser. But it isn't all spies and drudgery that she must endure. For amid her new surroundings and the terrors she faces, she is lured into love and passion like she's never known before.
Gabaldon creates characters that you'll remember, laugh with, cry with, and cheer for long after you've finished the book. --Candy Paape --This text refers to the Mass Market Paperback edition.
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Post by ``Moira on Jan 24, 2009 0:55:21 GMT -6
Publishers Weekly
Absorbing and heartwarming, this first novel lavishly evokes the land and lore of Scotland, quickening both with realistic characters and a feisty, likable heroine. English nurse Claire Beauchamp Randall and husband Frank take a second honeymoon in the Scottish Highlands in 1945. When Claire walks through a cleft stone in an ancient henge, she's somehow transported to 1743. She encounters Frank's evil ancestor, British captain Jonathan "Black Jack" Randall, and is adopted by another clan. Claire nurses young soldier James Fraser, a gallant, merry redhead, and the two begin a romance, seeing each other through many perilous, swashbuckling adventures involving Black Jack. Scenes of the Highlanders' daily life blend poignant emotions with Scottish wit and humor. Eventually Sassenach (outlander) Claire finds a chance to return to 1945, and must choose between distant memories of Frank and her happy, uncomplicated existence with Jamie. Claire's resourcefulness and intelligent sensitivity make the love-conquers-all, happily-ever-after ending seem a just reward.
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Post by ``Moira on Jan 24, 2009 0:56:40 GMT -6
"Happily Surprised"
I must admit, the synopsis on the back of this tome threw me off. I didn't think I would be much interested in a romance novel based on time travel -- it just seemed way too implausible. However, at the persistence of several friends from a book group, I gave this novel a try. I am certainly grateful that I did. Firstly, this is not merely a romance novel. It involves a romance, to be sure, but this romance is not one you'd find again and again in your average Harlequin. This is an original romance, which so completely describes love that I found myself better understanding love than I did at the onset of the novel. When a novel has the capacity to make you understand something as vague as love, you know it is good.
It is also filled with adventure, religion, and human conscience. A historical novel rarely has the ability to make me understand things about my own presence, and yet, Outlander simply did. I was unable to put this book down, as enraptured as I was by the compelling writing.
The character development is beyond any I have lately read. Dianna Gabaldon has a true gift for understanding human emotion and translating it for the rest of us to understand.
If you fear that the plot seems to be a bit too "outlandish" for you, still, give this one a try. While certain aspects may be unbelievable, the reality is, this novel has so much truth to it, you will be amazed. I was.
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Post by ``Moira on Jan 24, 2009 0:57:39 GMT -6
DEVOURED
WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU COMPLETELY LOST YOUR HEART TO A BOOK? Well, look no further. Diana Gabaldon has created the ultimate escape in The Outlander. Don't let the 850 pages dissuade you. It's the fastest read you'll ever have.
The epic tale begins when Claire Randall, a young combat nurse in World War II, moves to Scotland with her beloved husband to re-ignite their marriage interrupted by the war. Hiking one day, Claire accidentally passes through the stones of an ancient stone circle and wakes up to find herself in 16th century Scotland. Lost, alone, and confused (yet, determined), Claire's path crosses, and is inextricably linked to, a young Highland warrior, James Fraser. (The kind of man women want, and men want to BE.)The story that ensues would make Shakespeare proud--danger, suspense, passion, betrayal, true love, and tragedy. Gabaldon is a master story teller. She shrouds her fantasy in just enough reality as to completely seduce her readers.
The time-travel element as well as the romance, while unconventional for a "serious" historical novel, are handled brilliantly by Gabaldon. Not, for the faint of heart-- the author tackles themes of a violent and sexual nature. However, the story is so realistic and beautifully told, it doesn't come off as a ploy to shock readers. Well-crafted and meticulously researched, The Outlander is historical fiction at it's finest-but never this much fun! The hero and heroine come alive. You'll find yourself living and breathing in their world, anxiously devouring each chapter.
WARNING: have the next three books in the series handy. Once, you turn the last page of Outlander, you won't want to return to the 21st century. I couldn't get to the bookstore fast enough. And, Gabaldon does not disappoint...
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Post by ``Moira on Jan 24, 2009 0:58:46 GMT -6
The Ultimate Gabaldon Test
I don't normally like books written in the first person. I *loved* "Outlander" (known as "Cross Stitch" in New Zealand). I read "Outlander" on the recommendation of a good friend and immediately fell in love with Jamie (as any living, breathing woman would).
The book is rich in history, romance, drama... It has the qualities of a true epic, easily rivalling such classics as "Gone With the Wind".
Claire Randall is the reader's guide into the story and throughout it's sequels. It's through her eyes that we are introduced to the way of life and harsh truths in those times. If you've never been to Scotland, you will be dying to go "Jamie Hunting" by the end of this book.
For new Gabaldon readers, Outlander is the one to start with. Do not even attempt to read any of the sequels first. Even though it is not crucial to read them in order, you will get the most enjoyment by doing so. The second and third books in the series are not nearly as good. It is only the enjoyment of reading about familiar characters that kept me going. Nevertheless, by the time you have read all four books, you will be hungering for more.
"Outlander" is the ultimate Gabaldon test. You will either hate it or love it. If you hate it, you won't read anything by Gabaldon ever again. If you love it, you won't be able to eat, drink or sleep until you have read the others.
I am happy to say that I definitely belong in the latter category.
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Post by ``Moira on Jan 24, 2009 1:01:55 GMT -6
Great Book, But prepare to invest your timeThis was a very good book. A little slow in the beginning, but once it picked up, it was really worth it. I will say that "Outlander" is really just the beginning, all the books in the series combined really make this an amazing story. I really enjoyed it and can't wait for the next two new books. Be prepared that if you start this book, you'll really need to read the whole series because it's really a long continuous story. That was one of the reasons that I decided to read it. I wanted a story that was good and went on for a while. If you're interested in the order of the books, it's the following:
1)Outlander (aka Cross Stitch)
2)Dragonfly in Amber
3)Voyager
4)Drums of Autumn
5)The Fiery Cross
6)A Breath of Snow and Ashes
7)An Echo in the Bone (expected Sept 09)
8)TBD
One thing to add is that this series is typically lumped into the romance category, but it was so much more that that. The only thing that is romance about this is its an underlying love story. This is an excellant story that shouldn't be limited to the romance category.
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Post by ``Moira on Jan 24, 2009 1:03:33 GMT -6
Easily Rivals My top ten favorites
Diana Gabaldon can write one heck of a book! I was in love with Outlander from the first chapter, and stayed up all night just so I could finish all 600+ pages in one sitting. It really took two sittings, but who's counting? I had such fun reading this book, it easily makes it into my top 10 favorites...maybe even top five. And a romance novel, to boot! But not merely is it a romance novel, it also packs action, humor, suspense, history, tragedy, and true love all in one sweet little package. There was actually interesting, time-worthy content to it.
Diana did such a wonderful job in developing her characters, they come alive; something that I find is usually lacking in most novels today. Jamie's innate sense of humor had me laughing long after I read his passages, and Claire's inner thoughts were interesting, descriptive, and well-placed. Even the other characters are surprisingly well-developed, steeped in the rich history of Scotland.
I waited a long time to read this book, because the synopsis did not appeal to me. Time-travel romance is not something I wanted to read about. But if this is what is holding you back, don't let it! Give Outlander a try, and loose yourself like I did!
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Post by ``Moira on Jan 24, 2009 1:04:34 GMT -6
Great Book!
I first read the entire series in 1997, and have re-read it several times over the years. These books affected me so much that my husband and I went to Scotland for our honeymoon and my daughter's middle name is Claire. It's hard to believe there were actually 74 people who wrote bad reviews of this book, and they cited poor writing or typical romance as the cause. WHAT!?! Were you reading the same book I read? The writing is excellent! The history is well-researched. Even the time travel aspect is plausible.
I have read many romance novels over the years and I can assure you this is not a typical romance. I'm not even sure I'd classify it as a romance at all (it's in the general fiction section of the bookstore these days). Romance novels are very formulaic -- young virgin meets extremely attractive love-em-and-leave-em type of man whom she hates at first but eventually warms up to. Outlander doesn't have any of those elements in this story.
As for the punishment scene that some disliked, I thought it wasn't too graphic and set it up nicely for Jamie to tell his stories about all the times he was punished as a child so you could get a glimpse of what made him the way he is. I'm sorry, but getting your bottom spanked one time in a long marriage isn't exactly spousal abuse.
As for the person who said there seems to be a fixation with rape or other violence, I believe it is a fair representation of what could happen if you were plunked down in the 18th Century in the same circumstances as the heroine. People like to think the times are violent today, but we in the industrialized nations are actually living in one of least violent times in human history.
If you love a really well-written story, please give this book (and the whole series) a chance. Most of you won't regret it.
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Post by ``Moira on Jan 24, 2009 1:05:48 GMT -6
Totally Hooked on Outlander
I'm not normally into science fiction but I love historical fiction so I picked this book up not expecting much. I soon fell in love with the characters and couldn't put it down. This is by far one of the best books I've read (and I read a lot!!). I can't believe this is Gabaldon's first book. She writes like a master and her storytelling is unparalleled. READ THIS BOOK...you will not be disappointed.
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Post by ``Moira on Jan 24, 2009 1:09:00 GMT -6
Outstanding, excellence, outlandish
Outlander is absolutely stunning. My great thanks go once again to the contributors on the PNR community boards where I heard first of this book and series.
I believe it is very well written. I love the genre crossings: romance, science-fiction, history. DG has an outstanding ability to delve into minute details (which accounts for the 600+pages) but keeps them interesting and not dry at all. I am not a history buff, so I must say, from the details the author gives about historic events in the books (and there are quite a few and very in depth)I cannot judge the 100% accuracy, but to me it was thoroughly convincing and clear to what I know about that time.
I like the characters as well: Jamie - who couldn't. I don't know what men in 1745 were like, but he seems to be a person who has had his hard share in life and it keeps on coming. He is young and romantically inexperienced, so his infatuation with Claire is perfectly normal to me.
The heroine, Claire is also believable in my book. I personally think it is mainly due to the fact that she came out of the 1945's and not like in other books from the 90s, which made it more believable that she coped with the time travel and all its repercussions so well. Also, she has been a nurse in the war and I reckon that has made her see her fair share of things, which also underscores her strong will and ability to work with what she's got. And her life with her uncle lamb has been quite different than what was probably the norm back then.
If you are looking for a historic, yet fantastic, well fleshed out romance with the "what if" (time travel) aspect and you like following the development of very strong and equal lead characters, this book would fit perfectly onto your bookshelf.
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Post by ``Moira on Jan 24, 2009 1:18:18 GMT -6
Surpised to love it
I came late to the party on this one. I had to overcome my own stupid prejudices, my lack of desire to read an 850 page paperback, and the book being packed in a box in the garage for three years. But wow...it was worth the wait.
This never happens: I read the entire 850 pages cover to cover without taking a break. Usually, with a book that size I have to stop at least twice and read other books. It's generally not a reflection of the quality of the book (if it stinks, I won't bother finishing) but more a case of fatigue. Yet I never once tired of this book.
In fact, I loved the main characters, Jamie and Claire, so much that I looked forward to hanging out with them day-to-day. Although I was happy to finish the book, I was sorry not to be able to spend time with them anymore. I can't give any higher tribute to a book then that.
The story is part time travel, part magic, large doses of historical adventure, and romance--but not soppy romance. Jamie and Claire are both smart, resourceful people who remain true to themselves and their respective cultures, but change each other as their association grows. Claire was a nurse in World War II, Jamie a Highland clansmen from 18th century Scotland running from English justice. Claire is swept through some kind of time warp from her time to his and struggles against a very alien culture, war between the Scots and the English, accusations of witchcraft, and her own conflicted feelings. It's epic, sweeping, and a whole lot of fun.
I suppose I'll have to read the many sequels now.
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Post by ``Moira on Jan 24, 2009 1:21:26 GMT -6
Outstanding
There is a reason that this book has over 1300 reviews and almost all of them are 5 stars. It is simply outstanding in every way.
I had heard about this book for years and knew it was described as a "time travel romance," but that really doesn't do it justice. It's an incredibly engrossing epic adventure tale, with a lot of romance and suspense sprinkled in. Absolutely one of the most entertaining and enjoyable books I've ever read.
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Post by ``Moira on Jan 24, 2009 1:23:07 GMT -6
Greater than the sum of it's parts
I can't help but wonder if Diana Gabaldon is one of those cooks who, with a few items from the pantry, can turn Tuesday's leftover meatloaf into a five-star repast.
Well, whether or not she can cook is beside the point--because one thing I know for sure is that she can write books. Throwing together elements of science fiction, history, adventure and romance, she has created an unforgettable novel that defies categorizing. And, judging by the number of review posted here, she has a legion of enthusiastic fans clamoring for more.
I'm not exactly sure why this book captivated me. Strictly speaking, it's a sprawling mess that meanders for a couple hundred pages without seeming to go anywhere. The story doesn't so much end as it just stops--and in a rather anticlimactic spot as well. Did I mention that it's written in the first person and that it weighs in at over 600 pages (and apparently the page count increases dramatically in subsequent books).
The story, however, never seems to drag as the heroine wisecracks her way through eighteenth-century Scotland. Gabaldon has real gift for painting word pictures that are so vivid you can almost feel the Highland mists. Her character are complex and beautifully realized, full of flaws and foibles. The romance between the lead characters is defiantly not the typical Harlequin-style love match (a fact that is much appreciated as I despise "romance" novels).
I can sketch out the basic plot for you in a few words: twentieth century girl Claire is magically transported back in time 200 years where she meets and falls in love with Jamie, a Highlander with a price on his head. However, that's like telling you the Grand Canyon is a hole in the ground or the Atlantic Ocean is a big pond. Gabaldon's tale is multifaceted and intricately layered--a most rewarding read.
I can think of no higher praise than this: after reading the last page, I seriously considered starting the book over again. It's been several days since I finished the book and I still find my mind returning to the story. Happily, there are several more books in the series.
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Post by ``Moira on Jan 24, 2009 1:24:06 GMT -6
Time well spent..........
This book is a time commitment....this series is a HUGE time commitment, but I feel after reading it that it was so worth the time spent reading it.
This is an epic tale of an unlikely romance between a married ex- army nurse transported back in time and a Scottish Warrior. I am usually not a huge time travel reader, but this time travel story "makes sense" in a strange way and you are so "swept away" by the adventure, romance, and characters that you are gobbling up every chapter, taking deep breaths between each story line, and are emotionally drained and then reinvigorated over and over.
Although this is certainly a romance novel...it is really so much more. This one is very difficult to put into any genre because it's story line spans across many genres. A great many men have read this and recommend it....romance lover's recommend it, fiction lover's recommend it, adventure lover's recommend it, science fiction lover's recommend it....check out the reviews...there really should be no doubt when it comes to the appeal this book has.
Jamie is one of the most highly developed characters that I've ever read. He is what made this novel excellent for me. It is difficult to describe, but the way that Gabaldon gradually and yet so completely reveals Jamie to the reader is absolutely spellbinding.
Claire is "spunky" to say it lightly. I enjoyed her character immensely. The way she adapts to her new life and time period was very interesting to watch and the love between her and Jaime is absolutely all consuming and oh so real. I thought as I was reading "So this is what real love is!", and I meant it. Very few couples display that concept in such pure ways. It is moving and beautiful.
I am hooked. Outlander ends so nicely and completely that you wouldn't necessarily have to continue on with the series, but after reading this I guarantee that you'll want to.
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