Reading: Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
- readerskitchen
- Oct 28, 2016
- 2 min read
“Not for the first time, I reflected that intimacy and romance are not synonymous.” - DIana Gabaldon
Title: Outlander (Outlander #1)
Author: Diana Gabaldon
Publisher: Dell Publishing Company
Published: 2005
Rating: 5 Stars
I have a very unusual history with this book. I purchased it years back, when Borders was going out of business (around 2009?). It had time travel and history and the books looked pretty, which is all it really takes to get me to buy something. I kept the books on my shelf for about 4 years. Finally, after reading some particularly vicious goodreads reviews, I decided these books weren't for me and I gave them to the used bookstore.
Oh, how I regret that.
I watched the Starz show over the summer and was quite surprised. Then I read the book this month and really enjoyed it. The character of Claire is strong and brave and smart and sassy. She's nothing like teh way she was characterized in the reviews I read. The book, which does have a romance in it, is not a romance novel. As you know, I have nothing against romance novels, but it was described as a romance novel that uses time travel as an excuse for adultery, which is just not a fair representation.
Faced with terrifying circumstances, fascinating and deep characters, and the huge challenge of living as a woman in the 18th century Scottish Highlands, Claire handles herself wonderfully. The book has some humor, tons of history, action, and (I think) a timeless love story (or two). It pulls you along through one harrowing adventure after another. I really truly enjoyed the experience and had a hard time being away from the book. I made excuses to get home early and read for hours before bed so I could finish it. I didn't want to be apart from the characters I had become so fond of.
That said, the first season very closely follows the book, so I had seen it all before. I was able to get past Gabaldon's occasional verbosity by skimming areas that were too lengthy and descriptive. It's a style and if you like it, great. If not, skim parts. I've done it since reading LOTR in 3rd grade and it's suited me well for years since.
I recommend this book and I gladly go forth to read the second installment.
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