Outlander

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Summary: Outlander
Review: For the first time in my life I finished reading the last page of a book and desperately wanted to turn to the beginning and start again. Outlander (or Cross Stitch as it is sold under in Australia) is a breathtaking wonderful story. I laughed out loud, cried and lost myself completely in the storyline. I too of course fell head over heels in love with Jamie *sigh*. I can't recommend this book highly enough. I am so thankful that it is the first in a series!!

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Summary: Disappointed
Review: Reading the Outlander book before listening to the tape was my mistake. I loved the book...couldn't put it down. The best thing about the audio version was hearing the words with the lovely scotish accent. There was so much left out of the audio that was so wonderful in the book that I found myself waiting to hear stories, family arguments, love scenes, and characters that were left out all together. If there is ever an unabridged version I would recommend it 100%, but spend your money on the book not the abridged tape.

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Summary: Outlander and other Gabaldon Books
Review: Wow! A powerful, moving-right-along story that keeps you enthralled cover to cover. A swashbuckling romance of genuine, down-to-earth hero's and heroines anyone would be proud to know. No mamby pamby story this, men will be impressed by the challenges overcome and women will be equally delighted with the strength of the women under supremely difficult conditions. It's historical fiction that offers lots of interesting information about what it was like to live way back then: before bathrooms and stoves, democracy and basic human rights, etc. etc. If you like your fiction meaty, informative, inspiring yet realistic, and superbly well written, you'll be very glad you tried this first in an ongoing series that maintains its high quality throughout.

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Summary: Catallus would be proud
Review: "Outlander" known as "Cross Stitch" in Australia, I believe a far more appropriate title given the time travel aspect, is the first of Diana Gabaldon's novels of Claire and Jamie. As other reviewers have noted, one must start the series with this one. Not only does it outline the beginnings of their adventures together but it also shows how the character of the author herself changes throughout. The book starts in a typical English fashion where, during World War II, Claire is a nurse in England being from a conservative English family with English mannerisms and sense of etiquette. This is wonderfully portrayed throughout the first novel but undergoes a wonderful change as you progress into the second and third of the series, Claire rises from the almost staid woman of the first novel to a woman not afraid of her passions. One can feel the effect Jamie has on her, perhaps a sign of Gabaldon's own life changes. This is also remarkable considering the fact that Gabaldon is herself American and yet is able to show a certain "Englishness" which is very authentic, not to mention her character portrayal of the Scots involved such as Jamie or his Uncle. The aspect of magic and sorcery present in the time travel and other fascinating incidences are presented more as natural forces rather than any fantastical experiences you would expect from typical fantasy novels, I think this also is something to be praised. A wonderful book which I've read several times and will read again.

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Summary: Truly amazing.
Review: This is one of the most wonderful books that I have ever had the pleasure to enjoy. (Don't let the mass of the book dissuade you.) I absorbed all four books in less than a month -- and am eagerly awaiting the fifth. The only risk you take....is possibly never finding another series of books that can live up to Gabaldon's art.

The characters are magical and believable. Our heroine, Claire, is swept back in time to Scotland. She is wearing foreign clothing and since the band of Highlanders that have taken her in are uncertain about her origins and intent, she is forced into a marriage with Jamie Fraser. The adventure that she is swept creates an intense bond between the two characters, and the journey they take together is overwhelming and will periodically creep into your everyday thoughts. This story is fantastic and you will find that you don't want to leave it or its characters behind.

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Summary: Maximum Entertainment!
Review: One of the best books I have read this summer. I stumbled upon this book and am so greatful; just like Claire stumbled upon the rocks. I am anxiously waiting the arrival of the second book in the series. This book will keep you up at nights until you have finished it, and then you want more! Romance, adventure, and history all wrapped up into one. Read it! You won't regret it!

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Summary: The Great Escape
Review: What a wonderful book to escape with! You are transported back in time and its just marvelous. You will have a hard time putting this book down and going on with your normal life.

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Summary: Escapist fiction at its best
Review: After hearing several friends and relatives rave about "Outlander," I picked it up. Two pages into the book, I could understand the raves. The time travel storyline has been done before, but for the first time, at least to me, Diana Gabaldon presents it intelligently, and with a realistic, worth-rooting-for heroine like Claire Randall. Gabaldon obviously did her research, and it shows admirably without beating the reader over the head with obscure facts. The writing meanders a tiny bit, but overall "Outlander" will rivet your interest from beginning to end. A great start to an intriguing series!

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Summary: Not size, but quality!
Review: I can't belive as I look over peoples reviews that a majority don't like books written in the first person. But then again most of the silly-soppy books are written in the first person so I can give some understanding. This book however, stands apart from the rest, as you start reading it, you will soon forget you are, and you'll feel part of the story (an important one of-course). It is possible, with next to no sleep and food in the three days straight I was reading this unbelivable book, I really did start to look the part! Because it was written in first person it is great because you don't feel like an onlooker as you get to see as Claire sees and read all her thoughts. And it will send you into hysterical fits of laughter believe me! Well, Okay as you can tell I love the book! I don't think there is actually any other I have read that can compare to it or the other books in the series! So take my ramblings into account, and not the size of the novel when you pass 'Outlander' in the book store, or here for that matter! It's a quality book worth reading!

Rating:
Summary: Nothing like it!
Review: I am only 15 years old, but I absolutely loved this book--in fact, I have read it and the other three books twice. Gabaldon artfully combines all of the aspects of a truly good book. She is a great "weaver of tales" and I look eagerly forward to her next masterpiece portrayal of Jamie and Claire.