I started watching the TV series and then found out there were books!! This story of a love that literally spans all time had me from the beginning! Claire and her husband Frank are o a second honeymoon after the war, While looking for a plant, Claire is pulled back in time two hundred years. There she meets Jaime Fraser. The author's use of actual history and the descriptive beauty of Scotland almost transport you there. All I can say is, once you start be ready for a wild ride and more be ready to buy at least 7 more books!
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As the book is a Christmas present, my wife has not started reading the book. We have seen the Outlander TV series which were excellent.. The hard cover book looks well made. We will be ordering more Outlander books.
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This is the first book in the best series I have ever read. Gabaldon writes beautifully and is a brilliant researcher, so her works are not only intriguing to read but educational as well. One of the best aspects of her writing is that Gabaldon does not write for the sixth grade reading level. This book is perfect for the historical fiction reader who is not afraid of a sizable volume. It will keep them interested for a long time. But beware...it is addictive. The actual story line of "Outlander" begins in the 20th century, in the Highlands of Scotland. Claire Randall and her husband Frank are revisiting the site of their wedding. Because of WW2, they have been apart for several years and are now picking up where they left off. All does not go according to plan. The bulk of this book revolves around the events that transpire after Claire finds herself, via time-travel, in the 18th century in Scotland, out of time, out of place, and involved in the political and social intrigues of the time. Forced to marry against her will to a tall red-headed Highlander named Jamie, Claire allows us to "watch" her as she agonizes between heart and head, balancing her sense of loyalty and her sense of self. The book is chock-full of plot, history, and romance with a healthy dose of (really good) sex. One of the best features of "Outlander" is the believability of the characters. They do NOT seem like characters, but like real people in your own family tree. I find myself caring about them the same way as well. There are memorable minor characters woven in and out of the storyline from beginning to end. And just as in real life, the "best" characters have flaws and the "worst" have redeemable sides. The lack of "black and white" is one of my favorite qualities of Gabaldon's writing. I can think of no reason not to read this book. I'm also not sure how I could compare it to other books in the same genre as I'm not sure just what genre to include it in. As for straight readability, it is an A++++++++.Read full review
After reading Outlander, I was caught up in the Scottish experience with Claire and Jamie. That was 12 years ago and I have read and reread the complete series three times! (That's a real first for me. The only other author who has inspired me to reread his novels is Wilbur Smith.) So, needless to say, I had to invest in hardback copies of all the books...also her Lord John Gray series! I truly look forward to the seventh novel of the Outlander series and can hardly wait to visit with Claire, Jamie, Brianna, Roger and all the other characters once again. Must admit, historical fiction is definitely my favorite!!
The series is a very historically accurate account of the general state of things in the UK and the American colonies leading up to independence. It is at the same time, a lovely, well written piece of fiction. My wife Nancy and I are glad the author kept up with the story of these time travelers and their loved and hated ones.
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