As part of my book club I read Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. I’ve been entwined in the entire series now, which consists of: - Outlander
- Dragonfly Amber
- Voyager
- Drums of Autumn
- The Fiery Cross
- A breath of Snow and Aspen
- An Echo in the Bone
Thus far I have read 4 of the 7 books, currently working on book 5 – The Fiery Cross…with the 7th in the series due out in September. After reading all these books I still haven’t been able to figure out exactly how to write about them. I thought I might write about each book, but felt like it wouldn’t be sufficient. So let me at least start with a description of story.
Outlander the series starts with the introduction of Claire Randall, a woman travels to the past – the 18th century to be exact. Once the time travelling begins, the story unfolds rather quickly with Claire marrying 18th century Jamie Fraser, while at the same time trying to return to her 20th century husband Frank. After the intimacies shared during their time together both good and bad, Claire falls madly in love with her 18th century husband. The big question in book 1 is – will Claire return to Frank? The remainder of the books follow Claire and Jamie on their lives as they live together and apart – separate by 200 years. Each book provides you with new journeys, characters, and places – and even additional time travelers. Additional complications and romances bloom throughout the reading adventure. You simply want to read the next book in order to satisfy the need to know…
So many questions as you read the book:
- Will Claire leave Jamie and return to the 20th century?
- What will happen while they are separated?
- Will Claire and Jamie be reunited?
- Will Jamie ever meet his daughter, conceived in one time but living in another
- When will Jamie die and will Claire be there with him?
- Etc. etc. etc.
So I read Outlander because it was a book chosen amongst us in our group. But I read the series of my own accord…committed to see the story to the end. The reason why – maybe that’s harder to explain. I don’t know that I can put into words how great a story it is. Keep in mind each book is at least 800 pages with a few being over 1000 with characters showing up in each book – DG has done a very good job of keeping everything relevant.
I would not say that Outlander (or any other book within the series) is my all time favorite book – ask me when I’m bent over with no teeth and white hair. Maybe then I can answer that question “what is your favorite book”, but today I have no answer for that. However, I can say that love story of Jamie and Claire is definitely my all time favorite. It reminds me of Pillars of the Earth – but because that love story was contained within one book, it wasn’t as moving as Diana Gabaldon’s (DG) books. With Outlander you have to get involved – there’s no other way around it.
The landscapes: Scottish Highlands, Paris, the Indies, and of course primitive America are romantic in and of themselves with vivid descriptions, smells, and sounds. And of course there is Jamie – the stubborn, handsome, tall, and strong red haired Scot clad in plaid and kilt. He is the embodiment of a woman’s fantasy – chivalrous, loyal, loving, handsome, good in bed, funny, and romantic. Fighting for his life, family, country, love, and always for Claire. I can’t say exactly what makes me swoon over this love story, but I think DG was able to capture the fairy tale women look for albeit this one in the 18th century. No the love isn’t always perfect and some things are downright astonishing but a man that would give his life, body, soul, and mind to you completely and swear celtic oaths is nothing less than “dreamy” (haha). And the essence of the accent on the pages helps verra much. :)
So I didn’t want to tell you book by book what happens – because that wouldn’t do justice to the series. I think if you start with book one you’ll find it necessary to read the others. Yes, the beginning is slow – just get to the part where Claire time travels and you’ll be hooked from there.
Just where are your photo credentials young lady?! 
Driving through a fallen tree. 
