Tuesday, September 8, 2009

REVIEW: OUTLANDER by DIANA GABALDON

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
Del publishing 1991

I thought it might be fun, since Diana's latest book in the Outander series is coming out in 2 weeks, to do a review of the 6 books leading up to the next one. 

Outlander is the very first in the series, and it also happens to be my favourite.  Most people (my husband included) would dismiss Gabaldon's work as "chick lit".  And though there admittedly is quite a bit of romping and manly highlanders in the mix, it is really  very rich, detailed historical fiction at its best.  This is, by far, my number one source for the ultimate in escape reading.  You feel as though you could actually live in DG's world.   For the past 8 years, there has never a week that has gone by that Jamie and Claire have not been a part of.  I am always reading a book from this series.  It is intelligent writing, it is manly enough that even many men have read and enjoyed it! 

The story begins in 1945 just after the war, where Claire is on holiday in Scotland with her husband Frank.  Theirs is a relatively happy marriage, as in it is not completely UNHAPPY.  Claire decides to take an early morning walk and stumbles accross a set of standing stones, not unlike Stonehenge but much smaller.  When she touches the stones she hears a deafening noise and feels as though she is being torn to pieces.  Badly disoriented she comes to on the ground and in the same place but something is eerily different.  Suddenly, without warning, a band of weirdly dressed men come upon her and demand to know who the hell she is.  And she replies with one of my favourite lines from the entire series with, "I'm Claire Beauchamp.  Who the hell are YOU?"  It does not take long for Claire to realize that she has some how been transported back in time to the 1700's in Scotland and that's where everything gets very interesting.  She meets a young Highland warrior named Jamie, and through no fault of their own they are thrust together in what will prove to be one of the greatest love stories ever told in literature (okay, this is just MY humble opinion.  ;) ) . 

The Outlander series is a fantastic read for anyone who has ever been in love, wants to be in love, or especially (as in my case) anyone who has been married for a long time.   On the pages of this beloved book are tests of the heart, soul and love that you will find yourself swooning all over the place.  And it will keep you turning its pages long into the night.  Will she be able to go back?  What about Frank?  What about Jamie?  WHAT THE HECK IS GOING TO HAPPEN???!!!!

If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would!!  Pick up your copy TODAY.

RATING:  5/5

6 Blabs:

Jenny said...

I started reading this once for a group read and stopped halfway through. It wasn't that I didn't like it but it was just so long! I'm definitely willing to give it a try again, but the thought of such a long series of LONG books is daunting, lol! Great review though!!

Jo-Jo said...

What a great review. I haven't read this series yet, but your review definitely has me interested.

Lisa said...

Jenny: definately give them a try. Don't let the length scare you. It's worth it!

Jo-Jo: I hope you do check them out!

And thank you both so much for your kind words!

Jessica said...

Excellent review! Thank you so much for the recommendation. :)

Unknown said...

Lisa - so many women love this series. I really liked the first book but since I've been over to very cold and wet old England so many times in the last few years - and mind you Scotland is worse - I just don't enjoy reading the series as much. Maybe I will get over it. :)

Anonymous said...

I have been curious about this author. I may have to give these a try!

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