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There are currently 39 member reviews
for Outlander
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Sandy C. (Houston, TX)
Long drawn out saga
As a fan of historical fiction, I enjoyed the portions of the novel that related to Scotland and the country's history. It was much too long (850 pages, small tight); however, and much of the sex and violence could have been cut way back. After a certain point, I had to skim over much of that content. I also could not quite relate to Claire, the main character, and was put off by the screaming matches with Jamie. On the positive side, the author definitely did a lot of research and is a good story teller. Overall, just "okay" for me.
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Joan B. (Ellicott City, MD)
OUTLANDER
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!)
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Sharon V. (Chicago, IL)
Outlander
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.
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Marie A. (Warner, NH)
Interesting, but...
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...
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Andrienne G. (Azusa, CA)
90s literature shows its age and sentiment
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.
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Sandra L. (Delray Beach, FL)
Outlander
This book was disappointing. Being a huge historical fiction fan I did enjoy the details of the time period but it seemed to me the characters were spending most of their lives either being almost beaten to death or having sex ! I don't know if I'll give Gabaldon's next work a try.
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Gunta K. (Glens Falls, NY)
A romance fantasy
This is a romance novel with overtones of fantasy particular to the Scots.
Claire Randall is a WW II nurse. In the tome the war is over, she and her husband are having their second honeymoon in the town if Inverness, Scotland. One day during an idle walk Claire visits a standing group of stones at Craigh na Dun. This is where the fun starts. For reasons unknown to Claire she gets catapulted back in time to seventeenth century Scotland.
There she meets dozens of very interesting Scotsmen from various clans, including one from her husband's clan who is nearly identical in looks to her husband. During Clair's time travel she becomes a witch , has a couple of near death experiences and marries. During this time Claire retains all of her nursing knowledge therefore is able to perform some medical "miracles" for the Scotsmen warriors hurt in battle. This is a real Scottish feast, brogue and all.
The novel is good, yet I was hindered in the reading of it by the Scotish brogue which runs throughout the book and is unfamiliar to me.
