On holiday in 1945, ex-British nurse, Claire Randall, accidentally travels back in time, to 1743. She leaves behind a loving husband and a comfortable 20th-century existence, and finds herself in the midst of skirmishing Scottish clans, brutal British captains, and the hardships of life in the 18th century.I know I’m a bit late to this party, as I think everyone I know has already read the Outlander series or is in the process of doing so, but I can’t begin to tell you how wonderful I found this book to be. There is just so much going on in this story - fantasy, romance, history, adventure. And it was all neatly wrapped up into this epic tale of love that transcends time. WoW!
I did find it a bit wordy at times... sometimes the descriptions enhanced the story, as when describing the Scottish Highlands in all their splendor, but there were times where I found it hard to focus on the page-after-page depictions of each intricate dark corner of a castle or prison.
I read that Ms. Gabaldon said that this was not meant to be the story of a romance, but the story of a marriage. What a profound statement! Marriage is not love and happiness all the time; it has it's challenges. I feel that she does a very good job of illustrating a true marriage.
I strongly recommend this to anyone who loves a well-written story.
... and thus begins my love affair w/ Jaime and Claire Fraser... I believe I have 6 more books to go.
I've always thought that one of the best feelings in the world is finishing a book you loved and knowing that there are at least half-dozen more in the series. It's such a delicious feeling!
ReplyDeleteI read the first one years ago so I'm rereading it now. I'd better get moving too as I plan on reading them all this year for the challenge. Glad you liked it!
ReplyDeleteOh how lucky you are to have the whole series in front of you. I'm so happy you love them!
ReplyDeletegreat review! I have this in my TBR.
ReplyDeletehttp://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/
Don't worry, I'm even later to the party...I haven't started this series yet. But I plan to!
ReplyDeleteI love this book, and I'm so glad to see that you loved it too! I remember the first time I read it I rushed to the library to check out all of the other books in the series. I'm totally pathetic and addicted to reading about Jamie and Claire. :)
ReplyDeleteThere are a few who are reading this series for the first time and it makes me what to get my set out and re-read them. But, my pile it just too big right now! Enjoy
ReplyDeleteI'm really looking forward to the next Outlander book "An Echo In The Bone" which is due out in the Autumn. I've written about the series here:-
ReplyDeletehttp://www.squidoo.com/Diana-Gabaldon-s-Outlander
It includes a chance to vote on which actor could play Jamie Fraser in the upcoming movie.
I've read this whole series and am anxiously awaiting the next volume in this epic love story. I happily just heard that Breath of Snow and Ashes will NOT be the last Jamie\Clare chapter. I don't know if my heart can stand it.
ReplyDelete'Romance' it is...and an understatement that. I don't think Ms Gabaldon is crazy for that categorization but it truly is the overriding plotline that keeps we addicts hungering for more. Yes, it has a lot of detail. That will either make it more 'real' to you, if you like to become immersed in another world, or put you off if you prefer a lighter fiction 'fix'. If you fall in love with Jamie (trust me; you'll know very early on if you do; I got chills with the ghost appearance in chap 1, was it?) you will devour this series and beg for more. And if you DO fall in love with Jamie he will become a living, breathing part of you forever...like an ex-lover. She made magic with him.