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Summary: Love the bibliography!
Review: I can see how a 600-entry bibliography wouldn't float everybody's boat, but as a writer looking for in-depth information on Scotland, I was thrilled! I'd written to Ms. Gabaldon, asking for help in finding resources, and I think it's incredibly generous of her to share the results of all her hard work so freely.
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Summary: One of the best books this year!
Review: Having read Outlander three times and the other books twice, I was excited about this book and it exceeded every expectation. Not only is it a guide to the Outlandish Series, it is a marvelous handbook for the novelist, historical or otherwise. Thank you Ms. Gabaldon!
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Summary: A storyteller of incredible ability-how does she do it?
Review: Another of Diana Gabaldon's books but this one is a look at the thought process and 'reasoning' as it were behind the plot, titles, characters and her philosophy on writing and research. She is an incredible storyteller with the ability to make you laugh and cry and still come away having learned something. A must read especially if you have read any of her "Jamie & Claire" books!
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Summary: Kirkus got it backwards
Review: I like the novels and don't think they are too long. But I feel that this book is a rip off and maybe Gabaldon is getting too big for her britches. It's too much money to pay for stuff I've read in other places.
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Summary: I love Diana's writing - all of it! - Connie
Review: The Outlandish Companion is fascinating in and of itself, but it's also another intriguing insight into the original, creative mind of one of the most gifted storytellers of our time. I find this book helpful in clearing up some things, but I am also vastly entertained by Diana's footnotes, asides, explanations, and tantalizing hints of what's yet to come. I will buy everything Diana writes as long as she keeps publishing and I can read (or hear) her words!
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Summary: Fascinating Insight into Writing
Review: This is one of the most fascinating books I've ever read. I bought it from interest in the novels and characters, but found the insight provided into the author's writerly processes to be fascinating. Remarkable!
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Summary: For collectors of Outlander series.
Review: If you are a fan of the Outlander series, this is the book for you. It may not be everything you ever wanted to know about Jamie and Clare, but it is the answer to the most asked questions as far as the author, Diane Gabaldon knows. She offers a brief explanation as to how she writes. Also she gives background as to character, place and history. The problem is that there is no index, and the series is not complete. So there will be a new edition updated or an addendum. This book is strictly for the fan as a collector's item.
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Summary: A companion is a companion is a companion--I say hooray!
Review: I am always interested in the process of writing--where do authors get their ideas and how, exactly, do they do what they do? If the COMPANION had only included that part it would have been worth the price of admission. Ms. Gabaldon is, in my opinion a WRITER and, to me, there is no higher praise. I think some of the reviewers who have been disappointed in this book have missed several of the points behind it, but one sticks out in my mind in particular. Haven't they ever done something just for fun? The OUTLANDISH COMPANION is a lot of fun, as well as interesting, informative, and a chance to get to know Diana better. As for being able to pick up all the contents off her web page, who wants to have to go to the internet all the time? I'd rather have something to put on my shelf next to the books. It is entirely her business when and if and how the next OUTLANDER book is published, and as for me, I can wait! I say bravo and well done, and thank you, Diana!
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Summary: Definitely a worthwhile addition to my Outlander Collection!
Review: This book is wonderful for the simple fact that Diana gave the readers of her amazing time travel series what they asked for. Sure, there were certain things in it that I too, glossed over without much interest (i.e. character horoscopes, bibliography) and felt, though interesting and informative, the Gaelic glossery would have made much more sense being alphabetical (very difficult to use like it is) and would much rather have seen the family trees including the TRUE genealogy (showing illegitimate births, adoptions, birth/death dates, etc.....this info would help tremendously......it's a little deceiving like it is!.....hint, hint....maybe in the next companion book? Hee hee.), but the fact is is that I can't complain in the least because I never took the time to request any of this info. I am extremely thankful, however, to those readers who did and who's questions resulted in this richly detailed, all-inclusive companion book. For, despite those few things I mentioned above that personally didn't do much for me, the book overall was well worth it: the summaries of the previous books will be a Godsend when the next book comes out; I found the author's explanation on how she began these books and her writing process itself to be facinating; the controversies over certain topics in the books to be quite appalling (in a humorous way); the FAQ section very enlightening (even if it is on the website, I like having a hard copy in such a lovely format!). I truly did enjoy this book for what it was: a companion book with a little of everything for all fans of Jamie and Claire. Certainly a nice addition to my library. Anybody who is greatly disappointed in this book does not appreciate it for the "companion" that it is, and are probably not very big fans of the series!
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Summary: Proud owner of a signed copy!
Review: I drove for an hour and a half to buy this wonderful book and get it signed on release day. It was more than worth the time and effort spent. Ms. Gabaldon is a very gracious lady, not pushing my aunt and me to hurry along, and stopping to smile for a picture.The book was worth the wait. It was lovely to recap all four novels in one sitting, and I often found myself saying, "wow, I forgot about that!" Of particular interest to me is the Errata section--I enjoyed the previous stories so much I never picked up on many of those 'discrepancies.' Try visiting amazon.co.uk to view the other covers as discussed (yes, our covers are nicer). I agree, much of the information is available either through the Internet or if you attended one of her previous readings/signings, but this book has compiled, quite nicely, these facts and so much more. Nothing short of The Fiery Cross will satisfy complainers who don't appreciate this book for what it is. It is a delightful addition to any Gabaldon collection.
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