November 03, 2008

Outlander

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
Drama, passion, mystery, myth...
What a read!!  I really loved this book, I was hooked right from the first chapter.  I am so excited about it, I don't even know where to begin.
The story starts with Claire and her husband Frank on their second honeymoon, in Scotland...during the 1940's.  They are both scholars of sorts, and she is a nurse.  Through circumstances we don't understand (yet) Claire travels back in time 200 years.  Kidnapped by rough and hairy Scot's men, Claire must try and figure out how she got there and if there is a way back home.  She is torn between two lives, and eventually two men that she loves.  Claire is a warrior, not some whiny helpless babe, she is smart, clever and can take care of herself.  Finally a book with a solid female lead...so empowering.
And that is only the very beginning... 
There is a lot of adventure, plenty of sex (it gets pretty steamy in a few places), and enough bad guys to go around....there is even a witch trial (my favorite).  
My favorite part of the whole story is Jamie Fraser.  He is strong, heroic, funny, and what kept me turning the pages...my type of leading man. I found the story to be very romantic in places.  The misty Scottish highlands, roaming the country side sleeping in the heather, and finding love where you least expect it....perfect trusting love.  But it is not just romance, there is a lot of history and fun facts.  I love reading about the 17th and 18th centuries, especially in Scotland and that part of Europe.
The book was a real page turner, and I am sure if I had started it before the baby came I would've finished it within days.  I am already a couple hundred pages into the sequel, Dragonfly in Amber (so far Outlander is part of a 6 book series, and I think book 7 comes out next year), and so far this one is just as intriguing.  I can't wait to see where the story takes me...
Thanks Gramps for a great recommendation!!!

5 comments:

Emma said...

I am glad you read this. Gramps told me to read it too, I was just waiting to see how you liked it! I miss Lenny Clark and Tiger Harry!!

Jenni said...

I saw your facebook comment, and I'm not too worried about the content of the book!! ;) I actually can't wait to read it! Thanks for the recommendation!!

Did you get new running shoes?

Gramps said...

I'm glad you are enjoying the Outlander books. I have read all six and can't wait until the seventh book comes out late nex year. I grew to love both Claire and Jamie in the series. They just leap off the pages as such real people. I have also read the Lord John books as well, although I find them difficult to reccommend. Lord John, a gay officer, in the English Army, an interesting character who makes sever appearances in all of the Outlander Books. He is attracted to Jamie, but Jamie spurs his advances and has nothing to do with affinity for men. They learn to respect each other and become very good friends, but not lovers. His devotion to Jamie's best interests are what makes him an interesting character. This one of the best authors I have ever read, surpassed probably only, by Dumas and his Count of Monte Cristo.

Caleb said...

If "steamy" doesn't bother read the "Game of Thrones" series for some nerdy fantasy awesomeness.

Anonymous said...

I too love this author and have actually read two or three of her books years ago. I'm glad you're enjoying them.

Love you.