Outlander
by Diana Gabaldon
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Book Reviews of Outlander
Book Review: Not 5 stars!!
Summary: 3 Stars
My friend and I exchanged books, as this is her favorite series, and both of us read a *lot*. I was really excited to get going on it, as I'm in need of something good to read, and I love historical fiction.
I don't understand the 5 star ratings here! Here's my 3 star review (should be 2.5)....Firstly, the premise of the story is great. The stone circle being a time portal & Claire being transported back where she meets people from her history and falls in love. I'm so disappointed though by the writing style.
The first part of the book before Claire goes through the portal was just Bor-Ing! I Claire and Frank seem somewhat robotic. The story is told from Claire's point of view, and she's missing layers. I doubt this is intentional...more like the writing is just very surface-level, and some parts the author might be able to research, but not really "Get it". For example, the description while Claire and Frank watch the druids in the circle (that felt made up, maybe I'm biased because I *am* a druid though lol). And Claire's description of she and Frank's intimate experiences...boring!! The writing was so dry. I almost put the book down, but didnt because everyone who saw me carrying the book around at work said "Oh, I LOVE that series, it's so good!". So I kept reading. One other reviewer stated the book picks up a bit after Claire walks through the portal, and that is correct.
Up to page 325-ish. There is a lot more going on in the story, but the descriptions and characters remain VERY superficial. I feel like I can't get all the information! It seems like the characters, especially Claire, are lacking something, and she in particular is selfish, foolish, and spoiled. Unbelievably so for someone in her predicament. The yelling scenes between she and Jamie, and other characters really get old after a while, and feel unnecessary. I find myself thinking "not again!"... it's almost as though the author felt compelled to fill up pages, but didnt have anything to say! I feel like I'm watching two superficial friends caught in drama, and nothing is really said. The fact that Claire would stand up and act like an outright b**ch when she's in serious danger, in an unknown place, *and* being stupid, seem very FORCED. The "romance" scenes are dissapointing...they involve a lot of "paperback romance" violence... some other level of character development is missing!
I plan to finish the book, but the characters, like I said, are missing multiple layers, and this makes the story superficial and unbelievable. Was hoping to be sucked in, as many reviewers here were, but am not. Perhaps that will happen on page 326, but I doubt it!
Just looking at the classifications under which Amazon lists this book: Historical romance--um, maybe... not romance! are you kidding? That is sad. Time travel--sad attempt, scotland--I cant say for sure, as Im Irish not Scottish, but seems fairly accurate, Historical fiction--ok, yes.
*update*
Ok, I DID finish the book, and it DID get better. But not by much. Not enough for me to finish the series or raise my rating. And I'm sorry, but 375 pages into a novel to get "decent" really sucks and is not worth my time. At least the yelling and violence ended. I can't believe people think violent sex is "romantic". Whatever. It's not at all romantic. Everything is very superficial. There is lots and lots of dialogue which seems "filler". Superficial. Nothing gets really deep. The same endless scenes are over and over. Claire acts stupid, Claire and Jaime get mad, Claire and Jaime have makeup sex, Claire and Jaime have a superficial discussion which is trying to be deep...blah blah. Thank god Claire doesnt go back thru the portal to the 20th century (that was the only good part). In my opinion, this might be of interest to people who are mostly into paperback cheap romance novels, and cant really get into anything deeper. Because, this book is so shallow, all the way thru! Reading similarly-themed semi-historic novels I was all set up for some deeper message or development of characters. At *least* an interesting story. There is none of that. Everyone keeps telling me... OH, but you have to read the whole series... wtf.. I am not wasting my time after I've read 500 pages of boring. I dont think an author deserves it when the first book sucks so bad. Boring Boring. I dont get the hype. Very disappointing.
Book Review: Don't underestimate....
Summary: 5 Stars
I am joining the Outlander craze very late in the game. I had never heard of the series until Amazon recommended it to me as a similar title to Audrey Niffenegger 'The Time Travelers wife', which I loved!
Both have time-travel in common (and a main character named Claire), but other than that, the two are nothing alike. 'Outlander', Diana Gabaldon's first in a series of seven (the latest book will be released this year) is in the historical romance genre. For that reason, I was very skeptical before reading. Mills & Boon comparisons flashed in my mind as I browsed the various book covers. But I was wrong to have been so cynical, because after reading the first book, I am officially hooked.
The novel starts out in 1946. Twenty-seven year old Claire was a British nurse during WWII, now enjoying a second honey-moon in Scotland with her husband and history-enthusiast, Frank Randall. The couple are trying for a baby, as well as attempting to rekindle what the war interrupted. While out exploring a stone henge called Craig Na Dun, Claire finds herself mysteriously transported 200 years into the past - thrown into the middle of a battle between Scottish highlanders and the British army, led by Jonathan Randall, sixth grandparent to Claire's own Frank. The highlanders, intrigued by Claire's healing abilities, kidnap her and take her back with them to Castle Leoch (Loch Ness) where she is captive to the Mackenzie clan, specifically brothers Dougal and Column. In attempts to adapt to her new surroundings Claire finds herself forced into a marriage of convenience (and safety) with 23 year old Mackenzie nephew, Jamie Fraser. Together Claire and Jamie try to evade capture by Jonathan Randall, while dealing with clan politics that are suspicious of Claire and wary of Jamie's claim on the clan throne.
Much has been made of the romance in this historical romance. Many reviewers slanderously call the Jamie/Claire relationship an outlet for bored housewives to get their kicks. Fair enough, the romantic bits are pretty heavy and clearly aimed to please the ladies (a virginal male hero who enjoys... *ahem*, 'serving' his wife). But any other reviewers who delegate 'Outlander' to the Mills & Boon style of trashy romantic writing (as I originally did - for shame!) are much mistaken.
Gabaldon has written a book with three dimensional characters, with a hero and heroine whose roles are often seamlessly reversed and traded back and forth. Jamie and Claire they spend the book rescuing each other from various deadly situations. Granted, the damsel in distress plot devices and numerous sticky situations get a little much, but are never dull. Gabaldon's writing is fluid and some of the dialogue refreshingly witty and rhythmic.
A long book, 600 and a bit pages, it is never dull. Likewise, the action is not relentless and therefore monotonous. Gabaldon strikes the perfect balance - thanks in large part to the Jamie/Claire relationship evolution which allows the plot to slide into an easy calm in some places.
Many reviewers also complain a lot about Claire's lack of exploration into the time travel business. Fair criticism. She pretty much shrugs her shoulders at the whole 200 years in the past thing and gets on with Highland business. But in all honesty, she has the lovely Jamie Fraser to occupy herself with... no wonder the time travel takes back seat to the romance.
This is not your typical trashy historical romance. Outlander is smart, funny and enthralling from beginning to end. And addictive! Once you start you will be chomping at the bits to read the next in the series, and the one after that, and the one after that and.... well, let's just be grateful Gabaldon knows a good thing when she writes it.
Book Review: Absolutely breathtaking!
Summary: 5 Stars
I had this book on my to-read pile for a long time. Why did it take me so long to give it a whirl? Outlander is one of the most mesmerizing novels I have read in a long time. Beautifully told with splendid detail, precise historical references and compelling characters that made you care about them from beginning to end, this is one of the best reading investments I've made all year! First set in 1945, Outlander tells the story of Claire Randall, a married woman who is out on a second honeymoon with her husband after spending years apart during the second world war, where she worked as a combat nurse. While vacationing in the Scottish Highlands, her husband decides to research one of his ancestors and other Eighteenth Century tales. He also becomes intrigued with people making ritual sacrifices and practicing witchcraft. During an excursion near a standing stone in an ancient stone circle, Claire is transported to the year 1743, where she becomes an outlander and the captive of Colum MacKenzie at the Castle Leoch. What follows is a riveting, moving story with battles, spies, struggle, pain, and a passionate love affair between Claire and Scottish outlaw James (Jamie) Fraser that will leave you breathless. There are many twists throughout the novel.
I was reluctant to give Outlander a whirl because many people told me that it was long and boring. Well, there are over six-hundred pages in this novel, but it is by no means boring. I admit that I had a difficult time getting into it at first. The story starts out slow and you either have to be a lover of historical novels or someone with a lot of patience to want to continue reading it. The wait is worth it. Claire is an intelligent woman who faces all sorts of adversities without losing her spark and brazenness. And I loved the scenes with her and Jamie. Things start out slow at first, but then the sexual tension between them is remarkable. There is a great deal of realism as far as Claire's torn feelings with her loving husband Frank and her passionate liaison with a man in her unexpected journey to two centuries' past. Those scenes and the ones centered on the backdrop of the Jacobite Rising are the best things this novel has to offer. However, as much as I love this novel, I must point out some shortcomings. The fact that Claire is able to adjust to the life and customs of the Eighteenth Century, especially with the clothing and the lack of electricity and modern medicine, are unrealistic to me. There isn't the merest mention of discomfort with the clothes and other obscure things from that time frame. This shortcoming sort of discredits the masterful work of this novel a bit. Also, aside from a few halfhearted escape attempts, Claire does not seem terribly upset about being MacKenzie's prisoner. Again, this is something Diana Gabaldon should have worked on making more believable. And going back to the first sentence of this paragraph, there are indeed some slow scenes centered on meaningless dialogue and internal monologue throughout the book. This is probably the reason why so many readers have complained about the book being boring. But in spite of those shortcomings, Outlander is one of the best novels I have read in a long time. The novel does have some gruesome scenes with violence and strong sex scenes that could easily be interpreted as rape, which is why I think that people who enjoy light romances or are faint of heart should not read this. As for everyone else, you will love this book. This is the first part of a series and I cannot wait to read the other offerings. I recommend this unique time-travel tale most highly.
Book Review: My mom was right - this is a very good book!
Summary: 5 Stars
I have just finished reading Outlander, and am over halfway through the CD set, disc 17, and can't stop thinking about the story. My mom told me about this book, and the others that follow, years ago. It sounded interesting, but I was just finishing college, and never read it. Several years later, I found a copy of Outlander in a used book store in great condition, and figured I would purchase it, since it was so long and was highly recommended. Well, fast forward about six or more years. I now drive about an hour to work, and have discovered the great invention of books on CD. I started out with two of the Harry Dresden books by Jim Butcher (narrated by James Marsters) and was hooked on the idea of listening to a book while driving. Time driving just flew by. While trying to figure out what to borrow next from the library, my mom brought up the idea of Diana Gabaldon's books. Sounded good to me, since I don't always have time to read.
I received Outlander from inter-library loan, and immediately started listening. I didn't get into it until after Claire ended up in Scotland, then started listening with rapt attention. I am so hooked. Being that I only get to listen to about two hours of CD a day, if that, I wanted to know more about the story right now, so I pulled my copy of the book of the shelf and found where I was at in the CD, which was at the point of Claire's and Jamie's arranged marriage and started reading. I had to know more. So in the course of a couple days, I completed the book, while still listening to the CD while I drive to work or wherever. Last Friday, I was up until 3:30 a.m., because I couldn't put the book down. I had to know if Claire found Jamie after the British caught him at Lallybroch. I can see why so many people would rather read than sleep. I haven't encountered a book that made me want to do that in many, many years. Upon finishing the book at 3:30 a.m., I decided the next day, I would have to start from chapter one and read it from the beginning to pick up on all the things I may have missed out on when I was listening to the CD. There were details in the beginning I want to go over so I fully understand them.
I love all the detail. I felt like I was right along with Claire throughout the book. I know a lot of people complain about the detail, but it makes me feel like I am there. I enjoy it very much. I can picture all the details vividly in my mind. I have read a lot of people complain about all the sex scenes, but absolutely no complaints here. I love them. I have read the typical romance novels in high school and college. These scenes are written so differently, to me. The wording is different, without all the typical adjectives. I get goosebumps while reading them, wishing I was the one Jamie was saying all those things to (minus the spanking episode). To hear a man whisper those things to you while making love, wow!! I also enjoyed the fact that he was the virgin, not her. Makes for an interesting change of roles in a romantic story - the female, the teacher; the male, the student.
I have ordered the next three books, and plan to borrow the Dragonfly book on CD as soon as I finish Outlander. I am hooked, and these will probably be a series of books that I will read and reread into the future. I am just wondering if there is only one more book left after Breath of Snow and Ashes. I hope not. This is a great escape from ordinary everyday life. It take you on a great journey. I would highly recommend it.
Book Review: Outlander
Summary: 4 Stars
This book is far from what I expected. Recommended to me by a book message board, I had expected a fantasy type novel with just a hint of romance. While there's some of that Outlander is vastly different from normal time travel books.
Claire, a married nurse from the 1940's is on her second honeymoon when she is transported through time by some sacred stones. Unaware at first, she discovers herself in the 18th century. Even more incredulous, she is found very quickly by a past relative of her husbands, and by past I mean several generations in the past. With the aid of some Scottish warriors, she is released from his cruel care and taken to their clan's chieftain.
On the way, she nurses a man affectionately called Jamie, who has been injured in some skirmishes with the English. There is some attraction, but Claire doesn't think too much of it until she is forced to marry him to save her own life. Very attracted to him, she is first torn with guilt over her husband in the future, but slowly puts him out of memory as she grows to love Jamie.
The book, while not having a set plot (perhaps because of the numerous sequels) is really the story of two lives and reads like it as well. They encounter several misfortunes at the time and tangle themselves in intrigues and lawlessness.
The story is told through Claire's eyes and Gabaldon does a wonderful job of making her character relate-able. However, I did find a few instances that made me pause. Claire, although she was a nurse in the 2nd world war, does not seem to fit with her time. She is not as genteel as one would expect from the time and has a vast amount more of independence and thought of women's rights than I think would be appropriate in that era. She also uses phrases that I don't think came into origination until sometime later and cusses quite frequently.
There is also some controversy regarding the beating that Claire's husband gives her in the novel. While most stop reading because of this, I am of the opinion that it did a lot to show the novel's history. While some say she forgave him too easily, he is a product of his time in which the action was condoned and she is a product of her time, where if not condoned, such things were left between husband and wife and there was no legal intervention if a beating did happen. It would make sense then, that she did not feel that it was grossly inappropriate and could forgive him much easier than a woman of our time could. While horrific in our eyes, if left out of the novel it would do no favor to the reader. Someone wouldn't leave slavery out of a Civil War novel just so not to offend. Lessons cannot be learned if they are not told about.
Although I agree that that beating was important to the novel as a lesson, I do think there was a lot of unneeded gratuitous violence in this novel. Each chapter seemed to mention a beating at least once, if not something more violent and it took away from the story after awhile. While I was enamoured with the plot, I think too much violent filler interrupted it.
Overall I did like this book. There were several things I would have liked to be written differently, but as its too late now, the book is an entertaining read and I'll probably continue on with the series.
Outlander
Copyright 1991
627 pages