What do readers think of Outlander by Diana Gabaldon? Write your own review.

Wow! Outlander is an adventure, romance, and historical fiction novel rolled into one. Gabaldon's research is amazing! I never though I would be so happy learning about 18th century Scotland, but told by Gabaldon, it's captivating. At 600 pages, it's too long and involved for the book club I'm in, but I think it could be tackled by serious book clubbers. Don't finish this book without having the next one in the series on your nightstand!

Outlander is a good story with a lot of action, love, and sex that I usually skipped over. The book was written with great talent: the sentences read smoothly and full of information and great flow. I'm not sure I will search out sequels as I had to question the cool and dignified Claire's out-of-character hissy fits, along side the unbelievable goodness of Jamie. If she continues in the next book, I'm outta there! Hopefully Diana Gabaldon will produce a book that eliminates the grating personalities of some of the characters—eg., the sweet, sweet inhabitants of the abbey. I feel that there was much to question regarding reality of the times.

Don't let the size of this book scare you off. If you are looking for a good read that is filled with many different elements this is the book for you. You have time travel, history, war and witchcraft just to name a few. I wanted to read every single solitary word because I was afraid of missing something if I read it too fast. Really looking forward to seeing where the rest of this series takes me.

I have a strong affection for well researched books. I was looking forward to all 850 pages after reading about herbs, medical treatment and castles. However, it took a great deal of effort to wade through the surrounding romance novel. The book seemed to be a plot outline for a 20 year soap opera. I think Miss Gabaldon has a list of every possible trauma, relationship grouping, and romance fulfillment. She covered them all. I would suggest that she choose one genre and use her storytelling skills to share her ideas with the reader. (Sorry, Diana!)

An epic adventure novel, Outlander defies categorization and delivers everything its publishers promise via rich characters, intriguing plotlines, and an unmatched intensity in its 800 pages. I would say it’s not the type of book I normally read – but it’s not “the typical book” by any stretch. If you have a lot of time on your hands, this series is for you!

One word sums up this book: Saga.

In this love story/action-adventure/historical fantasy, Claire Beauchamp is transported from the 1940’s to the 1740’s Scottish highlands where she begins a new life with her husband’s ancestors.

The author has clearly done her homework. All of the elements of Scottish life are vibrantly depicted from the natural landscape right down to the Gaelic dialect and told in a smooth and fluid style. Unfortunately, there is way too much of these detailed descriptions and not enough plot.

The characters are one-dimensional and fell enter either the good or evil category. I struggled to care at all about their fates. This novel tries to be everything ends up being not much at all.

A friend of mine expressed great interest and enthusiasm after reading this series; therefore, I couldn't wait to read Outlander. Though I found the book an interesting read, I doubt that I will continue with the series.

I must admit that the reason this book holds the interest of many readers is the scope of its content. The 850 pages certainly move the reader through history, mystery, romance and time travel. Also presented are scenes of sex and violence along with graphic descriptions of abuse, rape and torture. So Gabaldon is correct when she says her novel includes "the usual stuff of literature."

Literature is also filled with many memorable characters--I would not give Outlander top billing on my memorable character list.

Interesting, but...

I finally finished this hefty novel. I like a good time travel story any day, but this book did not leave me fascinated. This book was made in 1991 and it shows. It's very corny in some sections; I imagine those who don't mind soap operas would really like this book (including the grandiose love scenes). The main characters Jaime and Claire are too naive and unrealistic in today's standards. I give it good points though for the research--language, clothing, customs etc. are all convincing and it sets the right mood. Overall though, it's a good effort as far as mashed-up genres go (it's sci-fi, romance, historical fiction, adventure, and so on). It's just not my type.