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Summary: Time travel and the Scottish moors.
Review: It is the year 1945 and Claire Beauchamp is on holiday with her husband in the Scottish Highlands after spending time working as a nurse on the battlefields of World War II. Her curiosity takes her to a site of large ancient stones, it is here that she will find much more than the momentary bit of history she is expecting. As she steps through two of the stones she finds herself in a time portal that sends her back to the year 1743.The story that follows is a tremendous work of historical fiction taking us back to the days of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the discourse that plagued the Scottish people. It is during the revolt against the British that Claire meets Jamie Frasier a character that is bigger than life and a man who will fill her life with love as well as angst. This book is a beautiful adventure filled with political intrigue, witchcraft, and an interesting look at the medical practices of the day which Claire is quick to pick up and expand upon, gaining respect as a healer. This is the first book in a series of 5 books, the 5th to be released sometime this year. I am enjoying a second read of the series, in preparation for the new book. This is a fantastic book that will keep you engaged for hours at a time. Kelsana 3/23/01
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Summary: Snob no more!
Review: There was a time when I wouldn't have been caught dead in the Romance aisle at my local bookstore. I have to admit to being somewhat of a book snob - reading strictly "literary" fiction and looking down my nose at people who read what I would call "fluff". No more. I picked up Outlander grudgingly after hearing everyone in my reading group continually rave about it. These are intelligent women whose opinions I truly value. Am I ever glad I listened to them. I can't remember the last time I had such fun reading a book! Since finishing, I have made 3 more trips back to the Romance aisle (with my head held high) to buy the next three books in the series. Even if you don't think Outlander sounds like your "type" of book, give it try. You might be pleasantly surprised - I was.
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Summary: This book will own you (as a previous review states)
Review: I am totally immersed in the story line of Jamie Fraser and Claire. It is realistic to the point of being painful to read. The decriptive rape scene (and later references to it) are troubling. As much as I am addicted to the story (I am now on the third novel of the series) I almost wish I had never started. My husband and I both have been personally affected by the devastating antagonistic events. However, I must confess that the story has also stirred strong, romantic emotions in us, which after twelve years of marriage are a wonderful shot in the arm to our intimate life!
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Summary: It just doesn't get much better than this.
Review: Of all the heroes I've ever read about, only three have affected me so much that I've thought about them many, many times after finishing the book. They are: Jamie Fraser (Outlander/Diana Gabaldon), Derek Craven (Dreaming of You/Lisa Kleypas), and Royce Westmoreland (A Kingdom of Dreams/Judith McNaught). I cannot say enough good things about the hero of this book, Jamie Fraser. He defies every stereotype and rule of the romance genre. He is not dark, brooding, or (initially) tormented. Rather, this is a young, inexperienced man who is humorous and good-natured. Does this make him any less heroic, any less sexy? Not at all. In fact, I can't think of any hero who has attracted me more as I was reading about him. There is a certain charm and compassion to Jamie that is just irrestible. Yes, he does some not so admirable things throughout the course of this book, but you never hold it against him...there are just too many good things about him. He suffers from repeated unspeakable torture but can still smile and laugh afterwards. He is honorable and full of integrity. Simply put, he is heroism at its very best. Now add to all this, a wonderfully-written, absorbing story, a very likeable heroine, superb secondary characters, and you've got one of the best books ever written. :)
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Summary: I'm ready for a time travel adventure of my own!
Review: I have to say, this was a book I will read over and over again. I am not a fan of romance and in fact, have stayed as far away as possible. (I'm more of a science fiction/fiction/mystery gal) But when my friend told me I had to read this book, I ran out and bought it. It's packed full of adventure, history and if you can manage to get through the very wordy sexual scenes, then you're good to go. Even though it, in a lot of ways, fits the typical romance story, there's something about the book that just draws me in. I have to give the credit to the talent of DG. Her characters come alive, and I found myself holding my breath as I was reading, practical screaming out loud for Jamie and Claire! After finishing the first book, I ran out and bought the other three. My only disappointment; she has yet to finish Firey Cross (Hurry, hurry!) I really haven't run across anything else comparable, (although Janet Evanovich's Stephine Plum comes a close second) This is one book you can't pass up.
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Summary: Betrayed after 700 pages?!!!!! Buyer BEWARE!
Review: Ms. Gabaldon is an extremely good writer and I throughly enjoyed the majority of this book...until scenes of such unnecessary vividly described sexual abuse/rape of a major character. I was unprepared for the depth of description and continued reliving of the event. The author had me held in her hand; I came to care about these characters and felt she could and should have found another path for this story. I had already purchased the remaining books in this series and am unsure as to whether or not I can "trust" her again with the rest of the series. I read in my leisure time for relaxation and for at least some form of escape from the more disturbing things in this life and I was sorely disappointed and disquieted in spirit at the conclusion of this book. I invested so much time with these characters and I had hoped I could trust an author in this genre to at the very least describe any serious troubles in a more removed or deminished way. I have never written a review, yet felt compelled to warn anyone buying this book be wary and forwarned. I wish someone had warned me! I'm going to check the reviews for the next books before I continue!
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Summary: Gabaldon is a magnificent storyteller!
Review: I read the Outlander series two years ago and still have not found anything to compare favorably with Diana Gabaldon's skill in drawing beautifully complete characters and a masterful storyline. One out of print book (Katherine by Anya Seyon) came quite close but still DG has a true gift and thankfully she is willing to share it with us. I would eagerly read anything she wrote.
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Summary: Outlander
Review: Outlander is the story of Claire Beauchamp and Jamie Fraser. Claire is a WWII English nurse who is visiting Scotland with her husband Frank Randall who is researching his ancestors. While visiting a stone circle, Claire finds herself transported through time, 200 years back to a feuding Scotland. There she meets Black Jack Randall...Franks ancestor, the MacKenzie clan and Jamie Fraser. In order to escape the English, she marries Jamie and becomes Claire Fraser. The couple go through some ups and downs and find great passion along the way. Together they attempt to change history with Claire's knowledge of the future. While reading the story, the readers learn a great deal about Scotland and it's intriguing and fascinating history and are easily transported to the 1800's. It's amazing how easily the readers get attached to the characters in this story. Diana Galbaldon ages her characters in such a way that the readers feel they had aged along with them. This book will not only captivate you, it will own you. I found myself reading it every moment I had and followed through with the following books. Anyone who enjoys history, mixed with romance and a touch of science fiction will enjoy this book greatly.
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Summary: Listen to the unabridged audio version!
Review: The Outlander series is fantastic, but if you really want a great experience, get hold of the UNABRIDGED audio versions of all the books narrated by Davina Porter. Remember that name: DAVINA PORTER. She manages to bring every character to exuberant life, and juggles a variety of accents, genders, ages, etc. She is nothing short of incredible. Find those audio tapes and enjoy!
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Summary: Best Series I have Ever Read
Review: This is just the first in a series of books by Diana Gabaldon with Claire and Jamie as characters. Her style of writing with her sense of humor shine throughout all of her books. This first book is all it takes to become addicted to the series. Although it involves some time travel and romance you really don't get hung up on those features. You end up living vicariously through the characters and tend to become attached to them. It is almost painful to read through the danger scenes or where the characters get hurt, either mentally or physically, because you feel what they feel! A must read for any avid reader.
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