Outlander

Rating:
Summary: Perhaps the best I've ever read ...
Review: For the first time in my life, i couldn't find the words to write a sound book review. Right now no words are rushing through my head, my fingers are not speedily clicking along the keyboard and in this instant, i feel like a mute. Trying desperately, the tears come to my eyes with the effort of communicating but nothing comes out of my mouth. I am a mass of emotions, all jumbled up inside me. I am left with a feeling of constant unease and i cannot quite say in one word, what i truly feel. I know, with utmost certainty, that whatever i write here, it will not do justice to this novel. I've read not a few romance novels, but i've never, until now, read a story which portray love in all its dimensions, the joy, miracle, pain, hurt evident in all their decisions and gestures towards each other. The reason I find this romance novel so different is that it never degenrates into soda-pop, bubblegum, cotton-candy romance. Not that i'm against romance. But too many people equate love with romance rather than by association. There are enough incidents to darken the plot, such as sadism, rape, and graphic violence. On the other end, the act of intercourse, is pushed to its highest level by portraying it not only as the simple and pleasurable joining of two bodies, but two lovers struggling to become one and indistinguishable by sharing and uniting their souls. The elaborate plot brings to the forefront, what love means, as it is constantly tested through different trials. For days now after finishing the book, I still feel trapped by the intensity of the plot. No woman who read this will fail to fall in love with Jamie. And I lament, for he exists only between the pages of a book ...

Rating:
Summary: Reading them for the 3rd time!!!!!!!!
Review: I am so excited. I read the first 3 in 1995. And after marriage and two kids I am reading them again. This time I get to read Drums of Autum. Just realized there is a 4th. Boy am I HAPPY! These books are the best. I would recommend them to anyone. I wanted to jump in the book and live with them, follow them on their journeys, knock Jamie over the head for being such a man. The first time I read these books I read them in 2 weeks. I lived with these books in my hands. At work I was worthless. Diana has truly given me an escape to another time. I truly love and recommend these books. Thank you Diana for Jamie and Claire.

Rating:
Summary: Outlander
Review: I enjoyed the story. I think Diana Gabaldon spins a good yarn. It was fast paced, romanitc, exciting and probably pretty accurate in the description of life in 18th century Scotland. The heroine was beautiful and smart and feisty and able, and had good hair. The hero was bigger, and stronger and more handsome than all the rest. He was sweet and sensitive and honest and noble, and HE had good hair.

The author was able to paint her scenes vividly enough to be easily pictured in the mind's eye. Having visited Scotland and seen the castles and lochs and highlands, it was especially nice to have the ruins brought back to life, and the glens populated with these memorable characters.

There was not enough made of the circumstance of a 20th century lady caught up in 18th century Europe. Great premise! We could have learned much more about the times, and a little less about the sex. I had no trouble believing that a woman could be transported thru time by some Druid magic, but I had a lot of trouble believing that a 20 yr. old Highland man in 18th century Scotland would be a virgen or utter the phrase, " I rekcon" Otherwise it was a lot of fun, and I did enjoy it. Jamie,of course, is such a wonderful fantacy...oh if only there was such a man!

Rating:
Summary: True to Life Scottish Novel - Ha!
Review: Well - I've read half of Outlander and I'm sorry Diana Gabaldon, but I won't be finishing it.

I wondered when it was first recommended to me by an American friend, whether the author had actually spent any time in Scotland. A few pages into the book and I knew the answer - a resounding "No"! There are many differences between the US and the UK, one of them being their different electrical switch orientation - i.e. when Claire switches the light switch down, she would have, in fact, made sure that they were in bright light and not the ambient candlelight she wished. Secondly, no Scot in their right mind would put cream in their tea!

I rest my case.

This is a fine book for you silly Americans but not for the Scots.

Rating:
Summary: Have you ever wondered . . .
Review: Have you ever wondered what it would be like to go back in time? Imagine being able to view history as it happened and to be a part of it. Maybe even make a difference. Clair Randall gets such a chance. While walking among a circle of stones in a small village near Inverness in the year 1945, she falls through a portal in time. She finds herself in the thick of it shortly after she arrives in 1742. Caught between a rogue band of Scots and a Britiah Dragoon commander (who looks an awful lot like her husband) she finds herself doing what she has to in order to survive. An accomplished nurse and budding herbologist, she offers her services to the Clan McKenzie. In order to escape the unwanted attention of "Black Jack" Randall, she marries a young Scottish man, named Jamie, with a story of his own. Meet the families and follow the adventure of what it was like to be a woamn out of time. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you might even toss the book in anger (just be sure to pick it up again), but most of all you will be touched by the unique love story that is Jamie and Claire.

Rating:
Summary: Beware. Just like life. Really.
Review: If you're a reader of formula "bodice ripper" romance novels, BEWARE. There's plenty of that in here, but love hurts, love makes mistakes and everyone gets dirty, too...just like life. If you like Sci-Fi, BEWARE, there are elements of science fiction in here, but they are minimal...just like life. If you are the politically correct sort and have a problem with a writer writing accurately for the time, and thus prefer anachronistic heros (historical characters with modern sensibilities) BEWARE, you will probably find yourself offended, because ugly, human things happen to these characters, thinkgs which must be worked through...just like life. If you are offended by the idea of a fascinating character being both gay and reprehensible, BEWARE...there are both straight and gay bad guys here...just like real life. If you dislike the idea of characters ever turning to their faith to help them through something, BEWARE...Jamie and Claire end up having to go on faith for a while...just like life. If you have a problem with reading about(accurate for the era) persecution of "witches" and other types of unfair treatment of women, BEWARE...Claire must endure a great deal of unfairness and find ways to assert herself with dignity...just like real life. If you have a problem with a husband and wife having great make-up sex, BEWARE. This couple works hard at being married and the fights that come with working hard also end up in lovemaking...just like life.

The problem with this book is it defies easy catagorization...it has lushly romantic elements, and the overarching theme of the book is the redemptive and healing power of love. But it doesn't belong on the same shelves as the formula regency romances. At times it reads like a handbook of herbal healing (which I happened to like), at times it reads like a Clint Eastwood movie, at times it reads like pulp fiction. It is a round, fully realized book that reflects the human condition in all of its brokenness and nobility. I can only tell you that everyone I have ever recommended it to, male or female, gay or straight, has loved it. One of the gents in my book discussion group got into quite an argument with one of the women about which one of them loved Jamie more! :-)

Rating:
Summary: This book ruined all other books I've read since!
Review: I started reading this book about the same time I began a new job. I had been vying for that job for 2 years, but I could not get this book out of my mind! I'd stay up late to read, get up early to read, then think about the book all day until I could go home and read. When I found out that there were sequals, I was delighted! As far as I'm concerned, I could read sequals of this book for the next dozen years and never get bored with the story of Jamie, Claire, Brianna, and the rest of the Fraizer/MacKenzie clan. Keep it up Ms. Gabaldon.

Rating:
Summary: Talk about going back in time...prehistoric attitudes abound
Review: Couldn't put this book down? I couldn't force myself to finish it! Both the hero and heroine in this novel are thoroughly deplorable characters and if the author wants to indulge her own personal masochistic and rape fantasies, that's her business, but physical abuse and sexual assault are not behaviors I look for in a fictional hero. The heroine, too, lets the reader down in her total lack of understanding of the terms commitment and fidelity (cheating on her husband in quick order when a younger, sexier man comes along). Any woman with a shred of self-respect and dignity should be appalled that a modern woman could write a story approving of a man beating his wife, as though that were acceptable behavior and that we, as readers, should be pining that such a man isn't in our own lives! It was a truly sickening experience. It isn't enough that the sex scenes are so very graphic that the book is inapproprite for teenage readers, but the equating of abusive behavior with manliness is truly alarming. I know it's not a message I would want my daughter to be hearing. In this day and age, all I can say is shame on everyone involved--the writer, editor, publisher,...

Rating:
Summary: the definition of TRUE ROMANCE
Review: I have over 300 books and I consider Gabaldon's books the greatest romance books I have ever read. I only wish that every romance reader can read these books. After you read these books you will believe that Jamie and Claire{the main characters}really lived and be shocked when you realize their not. Every chapter has a plot that will keep you at the edge of your seat and I bet you cannot name a plot that these books don't have. You will come to love and cherish these characters when you are done. Every book is a treasure and a must-have for all romance readers and everyone who has read these books will agree with me. There are no words I can say to describe how amazing these books are. I can only challenge you to buy all four of them and find out what all Galbadon fans already know. Don't be discouraged by the length of the books,you are going to wish it was longer by the time you are done. I want to praise Diana Gabaldon's amazing talent. Whether or not you like time- travel,historical,suspense,supernatural,or just all-around romance you will adore these four books.

Rating:
Summary: Outlander (Cross Stitch)
Review: Diana Gabaldon is an inspiration.

I have read all FIVE of her books and they are magnificant!!

I really enjoyed the historical references she has made in each book. It really gives you a birds eye view of the world as it was in 18th Century Scotland & America.. Anyone would think that Diana was the time traveller!!

I can't wait for the next edition to this superb series. But until then I will have to find something else to occupy my time.

I have a recommendation!! If you enjoyed Gabaldon's Books then you should read Ancient Future, which is written by Aussie Author Tracy Harding. She has a similar style to Gabaldon and I thoroughly enjoyed her series as well. There are 3 or 4 Books to this series as well.

Well Done Diana!!