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

I was surprised to find myself not enjoying this book. I had great expectations for this book, however, the only reason I actually finished the book was because I needed to write a review. I was unable to connect with the female character or the main male character. I found it impossible to suspend my disbelief in this time travel book, and at many points I had to put the book down in disgust. The writing was well done, but the behavior of the characters just didn't resonate with me.

I admit to being somewhat of a literary snob. My shelves are lined with the likes of Philip Roth, Joyce Carol Oates, and Ian McEwan. I generally avoid historical fiction, and I’ve never enjoyed romance or fantasy. So why do I love Outlander so much? I’m not exactly sure, but the book’s combination of memorable characters, intelligent dialog, non-stop action, non-sappy romance, and historical detail is like a drug. A very pleasant, very addicting drug. Gabaldon’s writing is always elegant, never fussy, and moves along at a quick pace. After about 50 pages of this novel, I was absolutely hooked for the entire book, and that’s saying a lot considering it’s over 800 pages long.

I love this book! It's been on my reading list for years but receiving it from BB finally nudged me to read it. Technically this book is a time-travel but doesn't read like that, but rather like historical fiction with a contemporary flair. The story is set in 18th century Scotland and the narrator, who finds herself unexpectedly there, is very believable and likable as a character. The history and culture of the times are nicely revealed, as is post war England. A definite must read.

All I can say is I pray that my storytelling skills can even live in the shadow of Diana Gabaldon! When I read the slipcover of the book, I didn't think she could fit as many themes, not well anyway, in ONE book! Well she did! With unforgettable characters depicted with rich historical detail Gabaldon created a sci-fi romance novel of passion that evoked every emotion imaginable! A PAGE TURNING MUST READ! I did not like the book, I LOVED it!

Hm-m-m-m...where to begin? When I read this book, I found it to be a rich, vivid historical fiction and recommended it to my daughter. She declared it to be a bodice-ripping romance, and my sister, when asked about it, smiled knowingly and said, "Every woman deserves a Jamie Fraser." Then there is the whole sci-fi time travel angle going on, too. In essence, there's something for everyone in this compelling story by Diana Gabaldon. The author has done a wonderful job of peopling an epic adventure with characters you either root for or love to hate. Claire's incredible journey from post-WWII Scotland to a mid-eighteenth century village is a rousing, action-packed, enchanting read that has been enjoyed by legions of readers since it was first published.

I tried very hard to read this book, really really hard. I got lost in the rhetoric and a cast akin to reading war and peace. The story is formulaic and wordy, perhaps classic readers of the genre would find it interesting after they read through the nonsense. I had hoped the theme would revolve more around history than it did. I could not gain interest in the characters enough to care what happened to them

When I saw the size of Outlander, I worried that I wouldn’t get it finished in time. I read this 800 page novel in two nights. Now I am reading the second novel in the series. I don’t know how I missed this when it first came out twenty years ago, but I am hooked now. History, adventure, time travel, romance, eroticism, etc., all the things promised by Diana Gabaldon on the cover are delivered in spades. The author spins a web of suspense and adventure and handles every thread in the web with a deft touch. Don’t miss this reissue.

Outlander, by Diane Gabaldon, is one of those rare books that immediately pulls you in and doesn't let go. From the first page, you are drawn into another world, and you don't want to leave. I found myself torn between wanting to read it every moment I could, and wanting to put it away so it wouldn't end too quickly. Even though it is a very long book, don't be put off by the size. It is very quick reading and will appeal to all sorts of readers. Fans of historical fiction, time travel and adventure will all find something to like in this book. I will advise you not to finish this book until you have the next of the series in hand so you won't have to wait before continuing the story. Truly one of the best books I have read .