The year is 1945. Claire Randall, a former combat nurse, is back from the war and reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon–when she walks through a standing stone in one of the ancient stone circles that dot the British Isles. Suddenly she is a Sassenach–an “outlander”–in a Scotland torn by war and raiding Highland clans in the year of Our Lord…1743.
Hurled back in time by forces she cannot understand, Claire is catapulted into intrigues and dangers that may threaten her life…and shatter her heart. For here she meets James Fraser, a gallant young Scots warrior, and becomes a woman torn between fidelity and desire…and between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives.
While on a short term bout of bed rest with my first pregnancy, a friend dropped of this book and told me, “This was the best part about my bed rest when I was pregnant.” With that, I opened the book and was transported into a world of mystery, intrigue, Scottish clans, intense romance and some of the best writing ever. Diana’s gift with the written word is without doubt the best I’ve ever read. Characterization and scenery descriptions were perfect and I experienced the highlands during my bed rest. Her two main characters Claire and Jamie are still, almost 20 years since I first read this book, very much in my mind as well as their devotion and love for one another. Lots of historical detail as well as time travel. This book is quite a ride, one that will haunt you forever.
My ALL TIME favorite author. So lucky to have been able to see her twice!
Quotes I liked:
Oh, aye, Sassenach. I am your master . . . and you’re mine. Seems I canna possess your soul without losing my own.”
-“Not for the first time, I reflected that intimacy and romance are not synonymous.”
-“There are things that I canna tell you, at least not yet. And I’ll ask nothing of ye that ye canna give me. But what I would ask of ye—when you do tell me something, let it be the truth. And I’ll promise ye the same. We have nothing now between us, save—respect, perhaps. And I think that respect has maybe room for secrets, but not for lies. Do ye agree?”
-“Does it ever stop? The wanting you?” “Even when I’ve just left ye. I want you so much my chest feels tight and my fingers ache with wanting to touch ye again.”
-“No wonder he was so good with horses, I thought blearily, feeling his fingers rubbing gently behind my ears, listening to the soothing, incomprehensible speech. If I were a horse, I’d let him ride me anywhere.”
8 hardcover books with 24 pages per book 18 sound buttons: 8 book iD, 8 LEDs, 3 long-lasting replaceable AAA batteries included. Standalone electronic pad resembles an eReader, Choosing a story to read is fun and rewarding Engaging narration and stor... read more
I know. I’ve never been to Scotland and it is now very high up on my bucket list. Of course I’d probably spend the whole time searching for Jamie and Claire as they have become all too real for me over the course of 17 years and 6 books!
Love Outlander series, but I wish she’d write faster!
carly m
on April 18, 2012 at 4:57 am
by far my favorite book of all time. amazing, amazing, amazing!!
Anonymous
on April 18, 2012 at 9:14 pm
I, too, have loved the whole Outlander series, and especially, Claire and Jamie. My husband has heard so much about them, that he feels he knows them, too. Marilyn B.
Anonymous
on December 18, 2013 at 11:13 pm
Amazing series! I recommend this book to everyone I know, but not everyone is interested. I don’t know if it is the length, the time period, the time travel? Who knows, but I feel like I uncovered a gem when I found this book. Can’t wait for #8 to come out next year!
Every day I clean the Winchesters’ beautiful house top to bottom. I collect their daughter from school. And I cook a delicious meal for the whole family before heading up to eat alone in my tiny room on the top floor. I try to ignore how Nina makes a... read more
Amoral, cunning, ruthless, and instructive, this multi-million-copy New York Times bestseller is the definitive manual for anyone interested in gaining, observing, or defending against ultimate control – from the author of The Laws of Human Nature. I... read more
Review:The Museum of Failures by Thrity Umrigar is another excellent example of creating a novel with richly layered characters while comparing Indian and American lifestyles. In this story, Remy returns to Bombay, which he has dubbed the museum of failures, as he sees his native country through the lens of his American life. He’s there to meet his friend’s niece with the hopes of adopting her baby, as he and his wife are unable to conceive. This innocuous trip turns into a much more complex time as Remy is hit with roadblocks time and time again.It’s the story about Remy and his mother that really got to me. He lived a life of never measuring up and feeling quite unloved by her. Through their time together in Bombay, he learns critical information that allows him to see her in a more thoughtful and understanding way. This time away has brought what’s left of his shattered family back together.His trip extends much longer than anticipated and he realizes the value of being home. His American wife Kathy seemed too good to be true, but I did like their relationship, born of trust and equality. Remy’s life as a poet was buried away, but through his visit in India, he realizes the importance of doing work you love, not just working for a higher paycheck.Overall, this was a satisfying read and one that fans of Umrigar will appreciate. Her last book, Honor, along with The Space Between Us, are my two favorites of hers. I haven’t met an Umrigar book I didn’t enjoy!@thrity_umrigar @algonquinbooks 📘: Do you dress up for Halloween? If yes, what's your costume of choice? If not, what's a scary book you've read? ... See MoreSee Less
It made me fall in love with Scotland….read the whole series!
I know. I’ve never been to Scotland and it is now very high up on my bucket list. Of course I’d probably spend the whole time searching for Jamie and Claire as they have become all too real for me over the course of 17 years and 6 books!
Love Outlander series, but I wish she’d write faster!
by far my favorite book of all time. amazing, amazing, amazing!!
I, too, have loved the whole Outlander series, and especially, Claire and Jamie. My husband has heard so much about them, that he feels he knows them, too.
Marilyn B.
Amazing series! I recommend this book to everyone I know, but not everyone is interested. I don’t know if it is the length, the time period, the time travel? Who knows, but I feel like I uncovered a gem when I found this book. Can’t wait for #8 to come out next year!
Are you going to watch the mini series on STARZ network? It actually looks like amazing casting, especially for Claire and Jamie!