Title: Outlander
Author: Diana Gabaldon
Genre: Historical Fiction/Romance/Science Fiction
Publisher: Bantam Dell
Published: 1991
Pages: 850
After a long two months, I finally finished reading Outlander—the first book in the Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon. The novel is drenched in rich historical detail of 18th and 20th century Scotland and England, focusing on the journeys of two main characters: Claire Randall and the beloved Jamie Fraser. This is a historical fiction novel that dabbles in time travel, adventure, and of course, steamy romance.
The year is 1945. World War II (WII) has finally ended. After serving many dedicated years as a combat nurse during the war, Claire is finally reunited with Jack Randall—a passionate historian. Trying to resume their life before the breakout of the war, the couple decides to go on a second honeymoon to Scotland, so Frank could study his family tree. But a peculiar thing happened during Claire’s stay. After Claire and Jack witness a group of “supposed” witches dance around ancient stone circles, Craigh na Dun, Claire decides to go back by herself to the stones to gather plants—but she suddenly encounters a screaming stone that transports her to 18th century Scotland.
Before she knows it, Claire is amidst a small battle between the British and the Scots. As she is whisked away from danger from a bunch of Scotsmen dressed in kilts, she meets an injured (but extremely handsome) Scotsman, Jamie. Claire, a well-trained nurse, uses her skills and knowledge to treat him to the best of her ability. Her talents earned her respect from her fellow Scotsmen, but they suspect that she’s an English spy. As a result, they take Claire with them as their captive to Castle Leoch, where she meets clan chieftain, Colum. After conducting a little investigation in the castle’s library, she discovers that she’s in the year 1743.
After failing numerous times to escape, Jamie and Claire become close, and Claire becomes more accustomed to 18th-century life. But as her bond with Jamie grows more robust, the decision to leave and return to her old life and Jack becomes harder. Claire is faced with returning, leaving behind Jamie, or staying and continuing the new life she has adopted.
The book is narrated by Claire and is divided into seven parts: Part I: Inverness, 1945; Part II: Castle Leoch; Part III: On the Road; Part IV: A Whiff of Brimstone; Part V: Lallybroch; Part VI: The Search; and Part VII: Sanctuary.
In the first part of the story, I must admit that it felt dry, uninteresting, and a bit over-detailed with things that I felt were nonessential. But I didn’t give up, and I’m glad I didn’t; with a little bit of time and patience, the story does get fascinating. I am impressed with the depth of Gabaldon’s knowledge of 18th century Scotland;. However, the book is based on fictional characters and time travel. It is interesting to gain knowledge and insight into the issues occurring during Scotland’s history. Being a history major, I truly appreciate any author who integrates history with his or her storyline.
Readers, you will not be disappointed. You’ll be captivated, engrossed, and entranced in this story about love, hardship, heroism, adventure, and new beginnings. The setting is amazingly well-textured, and Gabaldon’s writing style is fluid, understandable, and eloquent; without a doubt, she is highly imaginative. She also does a superb job in developing her characters—she gives them so much life. And trust me on this, you will fall head-over-heels for the firm, gentle, kind-hearted Jamie Fraser (seriously, who wouldn’t?). On a serious note, you will definitely find yourself eager to read the parts and scenes of Jamie and Claire.
After reading Outlander, I can’t wait to get my hands on the rest of the books in the series.
Overall, it was a great book with a fantastic and unique plot—a book that I would certainly recommend to anyone!
x, k
No comments