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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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
Eileen P. (Pittsford, NY)
An airplane book
As long as you aren't bothered by sexual violence and physical abuse, this would be a perfectly adequate choice for a long plane flight. In that case, its length would be a virtue rather than a defect. This plot-driven story doesn't require much thought or concentration. Unfortunately, its rather pedestrian prose makes it difficult to empathize with the characters.
Kim E. (Warrenton, va)
Struggled to finish.
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.
Dorothy T. (Victorville, CA)
Outlandish
While the author has an extensive imagination and a talent with words, I found “Outlander” to be too long and too full of explicit sexual and violent content for my personal taste. In the introduction to the edition I read, the author defines her work as “literature.” I consider literature to be edifying in some way, encompassing a theme or themes that cause the reader to think about some aspect of life; I didn’t find any of that here, just escapist fiction. I understand that this book and its sequels have been very popular. If you are looking for nothing more than entertainment, this might be for you.
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