Rating: 
Summary: Ignore the fact this is marketed in the "romance" section
Review: Utterly mesmerizing - the saga of a WWII nurse thrown back in time to what appears to be the pre-Culloden Scotland Highlands. Knowing what she does of history, what is a compassionate Englishwoman to do?Engulfed with the sweeping panorama painted by Gabaldon, you will find yourself cheering for the characters. Clare, the heroine, is down-to-earth, but doesn't really believe this 18th century stuff is all real. Jamie, the hero, is painted to be the man most women would want without being artificial (a remarkable feat!). All of the cast of characters are well developed. The pace varies from sedate to heart-thumpingly fast. The history and representation of Scottish/English relations appear fairly accurate to a moderatly-well-informed critic. Outlander has a unique conclusion (for a 'romance' novel). This book stands by itself. You don't need to read the other Gabaldon books to appreaciate this one. In fact, not knowing there are other books lends an even sweeter sorrow to this story. Ignore the fact this is marketed in the "romance" section of book stores, and simply accept it as an utterly delightful romp through history with a powerful romantic element woven into the war, politics, intrigue, accusations of witchcraft, treason, and personal drama.
Rating: 
Summary: A complete surprise
Review: I have never been a 'romance' fan, and have actually been a non fiction or war/military reader most of my life. This book was suggested to me by a co-worker and I hurumphed at the idea. Imagine my total surprise when I was nearly at once mesmerized by this story. What initially inspired me to even give it a glance was the fact that the heroine was a WWII nurse....nothing less would have even enticed me to look at the back cover. However, the humor, the sexiness, the intrigue won me. This is one sexy novel, but also funny, readable, and so enjoyable. This non romance reader found a real treasure in this story. Do not be timid about giving it a try. Like me, you very well may just find yourself quite surprised!
Rating:
Summary: STUNNING!
Review: If you want a run-down synopsis, read the other reviews. I simply want to add my voice to the multitude in expressing how much I and all my friends loved this book. It's not fair that it is placed in the 'romance' genre alone, because Gabaldon completely transcends the bounds of her genre. No wishy-washy, silent, incompetent heroines that have no ability to stand up for themselves here! Claire is not the heroine who lets the classic romance hero, a brooding yet gorgeous jerk, walk all over her. Claire is refreshingly vocal and intelligent, which is something I cannot say for 99% of other romances. You can always trust her to get the job done. Jamie is as stunning as Bronte's Heathcliffe, and even more loveable. He encapsulates a sense of honor and duty that is (forgive me male population) so lacking today. I could go on and on, but let me just say that, after reading Outlander, the girls I roomed with threw away their list of requirements for 'the one,' and tacked up on the fridge a piece of paper that simply read, "JAIME FRASER!" You will read all 800 pages in one sitting. And you will LEARN. Gabaldon's historical accuracy is impeccable, and so brilliantly recaptured- well, it's been two years since I've read the series, and I can still tell you the date, the people, who-what-when-where-why of various scottish battles, weaponry, clothing, etc. She makes it fascinating. One of the few books where you will be continually engrossed in clever plot twists. Just to give you an idea of how much my friends and I covet these novels- when they did an internship during college, they actually had a time system: who could have which book for two hours *only*, and then must pass it on to the next roommate, on pain of death. The other books in the series are just as satisfying. Read it. You won't be disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: Be Still My Beating Heart
Review: Who ever had the audacity to say that books two, three and four of this series were not as good as the first must get their head examined. I read all the time, my favorite type of novel being the "historical romance type". Never in any book that I have ever read have I gotten so completely swept away. These four books are one giant masterpiece, and I fear that ABC will not remotely do this story justice when they make the made for T.V. mini-series. Diana Gabaldon is a genius and master story teller. These books are a must read.
Rating:
Summary: An Exceptional Read
Review: My mother brought this novel home from the library one day. She never got to read it. It totally and completely absorbed me and has had the same effect upon legions of women. This was the first novel in which I felt so moved by the characters that I wanted to be the heroine and was so entranced by the time-travelling theme that it inspired many a late-night fantasy about Scotland. The book revolves around the life of Claire Beauchamp, a former World War II nurse, who, during her vacation with her husband, Frank Randall, in the Highlands of Scotland, gets transported back in time to the 18th century. "Outlander" details Claire's adventures in Scotland, her relationship with James Fraser and her struggles against her husband's ancestor, "Black Jack" Randall. This book has everything I admire: a strong, intelligent heroine; a valiant and charismatic hero; a nefarious villain that I loved to loathe; a cast of supporting characters that contributes to the development of family, a sense of humor, and various political machinations; a historical backdrop full of intrigue and legend; a well-written story that challenges the reader's mind and tempts our imagination; a stunning climax and a happy ending. I absolutely loved this book.
Rating:
Summary: Enthralling!!
Review: Diana Gabaldon is truly an excellent author! She is able to create characters that are very vivid and real and intertwine many events and characters into a constant chain of excitement and interest that keep the reader enthralled until the very last word! More than mere romance, this book is masterpiece that combines historical details and real life that makes you hold your breath. I can't wait to finish the series so that I can start the series over! (The series follows in this order: Outlander, Dragonfly in Amber, Voyager, and Drums of Autumn. Also, Diana is now working more books to add to the series.)
Rating:
Summary: The Best book I have Ever Read!!
Review: I have only recently started to read, and stumbled across this book by reading one of these reviews. I am so happy I bought this book, it gave such great detail on all of the charachters, that you can't help but love them all! I found myself reading all day long or could not wait until I could pick my book up again. That is totally out of character for me. Buy this book and you will be hooked! I am on the third one now and am so bummed that I only have one more to go. She better get a new book out soon, or I don't know what I will do!!!! Ahhhh These books are not fluff writing, it has great twists and turns and just totally delivers! ENJOY !!!!!
Rating:
Summary: An Incredible Journey to Love ...
Review: Claire is such a charming Heroine, one falls immediately and completely in love with her. Imperfect, questioning, and a veritable "trouble-magnet" ... one waits breathless for her next encounter. And Jamie. Scottish warrior, mere male mortal. He bears his honor and his wounds with dignity. And his love for Claire has often made him choose between his honor, his family ... and his love. You will not forget these two.
Rating:
Summary: Magical and Absorbing!
Review: This book is one of the finest i have read in a very long time. I am 17 years old. It was my mythology teacher who turned my friends and I onto this book, and now it seems our entire school is obsessed with it. It is impossible to put down. After borrowing my cousin's copy to read, i had to buy my own so i could read it over and over again. The only bad thing about this book is that it is virtually impossible not to become obsessed with the story. All of my friends and I are in love with Jamie and want to travel to Scotland to see if such men truly exist. It is not merely a romance, though romance is involved. It is more of an adventure story. I would've given this novel more than 5 stars, had i been able to. Gabaldon is brilliant, and i highly reccomend this book, as well as the others in the series.
Rating:
Summary: ...And I don't even LIKE "romance" novels!...
Review: I put off reading this book, even though it was highly recommended by a friend. I didn't have the heart to tell her that "romance novels" weren't my cup of tea- never mind some far-fetched paranormal historical romance. I could have not been more wrong! I loved this book. I mean, I REALLY loved this book. It was absolutely packed with adventure, passion, thievery, witchcraft, heart-stopping suspense, love, war, escape, buggery, revenge, even some wolves were in there for good measure! Diana writes with spirited intelligence, heart, and humour. Her charcaters are full of life and will live on long after you close the cover, and pop it back onto the shelf, and to my delight, the love scenes are written with imagination and freshness- no ridiculous "he touched her quivering milky bosoms" here. The research for factual information in this superb novel is first-rate, and meticulous, which makes this book an even greater pleasure to read. If you are someone who prefers to read literary fiction over any other genres, as I do, all I can say to you is PUT YOUR PREJUDICES ASIDE AND TRY THIS BOOK. I'm sorry I didn't read it sooner! It truly is the work of an excellent, and extremely talented storyteller and writer, all my "book snob" friends will be getting a copy for Christmas,and I can't wait to dig into the others in the series!
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