Review: Outlander
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow. This books is absolutely amazing. As Diana Gabaldon has said, it has everything from adventure, science-fiction, mystery, historical fiction, fantasy, and romance. It’s packed!
Yes, I started reading the books because I very much enjoy the show. After the first half of the show ended, I thought I would pick up on the book. First off, the show is very faithful to the book so far, and I can see now that Caitriona Balfe as Claire and Sam Heughan as Jamie are absolutely perfect for these characters! I was picturing them the whole time I read the novel!
I’ll keep the plot very brief: Outlander is set in 1945 and is about a former WWII nurse, Claire Randall, who is off on her honeymoon in Scotland with her husband, Frank Randall. One day, Claire goes by herself to Craig na Du, an ancient stone circle. While she’s looking for a particular flower, she hears a buzzing sound which she thinks is coming from a large cleft stone. She touches the cleft stone and disappears. Claire travels back in time to 1743 Scotland. Here, she meets Frank’s menacing ancestor, Black Jack Randall, who is the complete opposite of her gentle husband. But, most importantly, here she meets young Jamie Fraser: stubborn, brave, intelligent, courageous, compassionate and strong. Jamie Fraser is the one that changes Claire’s life forever.
And he does. I loved the blossoming and growing relationship between Claire and Jamie. Their love for each was so strong, undying, and emotional. Their relationship was so heartbreaking; a roller-coaster with ups-and-downs, but yet, they forgave and fought besides each other. Two people from different times and worlds became one; they understood and supported each other. They never gave up on one another. It was truly great to read their story and I can’t not wait to see what comes next for Claire and Jamie!
Gabaldon’s writing is so vivid; I actually felt like I myself was transported to Scotland in 1743. It was such a great book and I think it appeals to a variety of readers.