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Summary: Have you ever wondered . . .
Review: Have you ever wondered what it would be like to go back in time? Imagine being able to view history as it happened and to be a part of it. Maybe even make a difference. Clair Randall gets such a chance. While walking among a circle of stones in a small village near Inverness in the year 1945, she falls through a portal in time. She finds herself in the thick of it shortly after she arrives in 1742. Caught between a rogue band of Scots and a Britiah Dragoon commander (who looks an awful lot like her husband) she finds herself doing what she has to in order to survive. An accomplished nurse and budding herbologist, she offers her services to the Clan McKenzie. In order to escape the unwanted attention of "Black Jack" Randall, she marries a young Scottish man, named Jamie, with a story of his own. Meet the families and follow the adventure of what it was like to be a woamn out of time. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you might even toss the book in anger (just be sure to pick it up again), but most of all you will be touched by the unique love story that is Jamie and Claire.
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Summary: Beware. Just like life. Really.
Review: If you're a reader of formula "bodice ripper" romance novels, BEWARE. There's plenty of that in here, but love hurts, love makes mistakes and everyone gets dirty, too...just like life. If you like Sci-Fi, BEWARE, there are elements of science fiction in here, but they are minimal...just like life. If you are the politically correct sort and have a problem with a writer writing accurately for the time, and thus prefer anachronistic heros (historical characters with modern sensibilities) BEWARE, you will probably find yourself offended, because ugly, human things happen to these characters, thinkgs which must be worked through...just like life. If you are offended by the idea of a fascinating character being both gay and reprehensible, BEWARE...there are both straight and gay bad guys here...just like real life. If you dislike the idea of characters ever turning to their faith to help them through something, BEWARE...Jamie and Claire end up having to go on faith for a while...just like life. If you have a problem with reading about(accurate for the era) persecution of "witches" and other types of unfair treatment of women, BEWARE...Claire must endure a great deal of unfairness and find ways to assert herself with dignity...just like real life. If you have a problem with a husband and wife having great make-up sex, BEWARE. This couple works hard at being married and the fights that come with working hard also end up in lovemaking...just like life. The problem with this book is it defies easy catagorization...it has lushly romantic elements, and the overarching theme of the book is the redemptive and healing power of love. But it doesn't belong on the same shelves as the formula regency romances. At times it reads like a handbook of herbal healing (which I happened to like), at times it reads like a Clint Eastwood movie, at times it reads like pulp fiction. It is a round, fully realized book that reflects the human condition in all of its brokenness and nobility. I can only tell you that everyone I have ever recommended it to, male or female, gay or straight, has loved it. One of the gents in my book discussion group got into quite an argument with one of the women about which one of them loved Jamie more! :-)
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Summary: This book ruined all other books I've read since!
Review: I started reading this book about the same time I began a new job. I had been vying for that job for 2 years, but I could not get this book out of my mind! I'd stay up late to read, get up early to read, then think about the book all day until I could go home and read. When I found out that there were sequals, I was delighted! As far as I'm concerned, I could read sequals of this book for the next dozen years and never get bored with the story of Jamie, Claire, Brianna, and the rest of the Fraizer/MacKenzie clan. Keep it up Ms. Gabaldon.
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Summary: Talk about going back in time...prehistoric attitudes abound
Review: Couldn't put this book down? I couldn't force myself to finish it! Both the hero and heroine in this novel are thoroughly deplorable characters and if the author wants to indulge her own personal masochistic and rape fantasies, that's her business, but physical abuse and sexual assault are not behaviors I look for in a fictional hero. The heroine, too, lets the reader down in her total lack of understanding of the terms commitment and fidelity (cheating on her husband in quick order when a younger, sexier man comes along). Any woman with a shred of self-respect and dignity should be appalled that a modern woman could write a story approving of a man beating his wife, as though that were acceptable behavior and that we, as readers, should be pining that such a man isn't in our own lives! It was a truly sickening experience. It isn't enough that the sex scenes are so very graphic that the book is inapproprite for teenage readers, but the equating of abusive behavior with manliness is truly alarming. I know it's not a message I would want my daughter to be hearing. In this day and age, all I can say is shame on everyone involved--the writer, editor, publisher,...
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Summary: the definition of TRUE ROMANCE
Review: I have over 300 books and I consider Gabaldon's books the greatest romance books I have ever read. I only wish that every romance reader can read these books. After you read these books you will believe that Jamie and Claire{the main characters}really lived and be shocked when you realize their not. Every chapter has a plot that will keep you at the edge of your seat and I bet you cannot name a plot that these books don't have. You will come to love and cherish these characters when you are done. Every book is a treasure and a must-have for all romance readers and everyone who has read these books will agree with me. There are no words I can say to describe how amazing these books are. I can only challenge you to buy all four of them and find out what all Galbadon fans already know. Don't be discouraged by the length of the books,you are going to wish it was longer by the time you are done. I want to praise Diana Gabaldon's amazing talent. Whether or not you like time- travel,historical,suspense,supernatural,or just all-around romance you will adore these four books.
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Summary: Outlander (Cross Stitch)
Review: Diana Gabaldon is an inspiration. I have read all FIVE of her books and they are magnificant!! I really enjoyed the historical references she has made in each book. It really gives you a birds eye view of the world as it was in 18th Century Scotland & America.. Anyone would think that Diana was the time traveller!! I can't wait for the next edition to this superb series. But until then I will have to find something else to occupy my time. I have a recommendation!! If you enjoyed Gabaldon's Books then you should read Ancient Future, which is written by Aussie Author Tracy Harding. She has a similar style to Gabaldon and I thoroughly enjoyed her series as well. There are 3 or 4 Books to this series as well. Well Done Diana!!
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Summary: Outlander
Review: For the first time in my life I finished reading the last page of a book and desperately wanted to turn to the beginning and start again. Outlander (or Cross Stitch as it is sold under in Australia) is a breathtaking wonderful story. I laughed out loud, cried and lost myself completely in the storyline. I too of course fell head over heels in love with Jamie *sigh*. I can't recommend this book highly enough. I am so thankful that it is the first in a series!!
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Summary: Disappointed
Review: Reading the Outlander book before listening to the tape was my mistake. I loved the book...couldn't put it down. The best thing about the audio version was hearing the words with the lovely scotish accent. There was so much left out of the audio that was so wonderful in the book that I found myself waiting to hear stories, family arguments, love scenes, and characters that were left out all together. If there is ever an unabridged version I would recommend it 100%, but spend your money on the book not the abridged tape.
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Summary: Outlander and other Gabaldon Books
Review: Wow! A powerful, moving-right-along story that keeps you enthralled cover to cover. A swashbuckling romance of genuine, down-to-earth hero's and heroines anyone would be proud to know. No mamby pamby story this, men will be impressed by the challenges overcome and women will be equally delighted with the strength of the women under supremely difficult conditions. It's historical fiction that offers lots of interesting information about what it was like to live way back then: before bathrooms and stoves, democracy and basic human rights, etc. etc. If you like your fiction meaty, informative, inspiring yet realistic, and superbly well written, you'll be very glad you tried this first in an ongoing series that maintains its high quality throughout.
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Summary: Catallus would be proud
Review: "Outlander" known as "Cross Stitch" in Australia, I believe a far more appropriate title given the time travel aspect, is the first of Diana Gabaldon's novels of Claire and Jamie. As other reviewers have noted, one must start the series with this one. Not only does it outline the beginnings of their adventures together but it also shows how the character of the author herself changes throughout. The book starts in a typical English fashion where, during World War II, Claire is a nurse in England being from a conservative English family with English mannerisms and sense of etiquette. This is wonderfully portrayed throughout the first novel but undergoes a wonderful change as you progress into the second and third of the series, Claire rises from the almost staid woman of the first novel to a woman not afraid of her passions. One can feel the effect Jamie has on her, perhaps a sign of Gabaldon's own life changes. This is also remarkable considering the fact that Gabaldon is herself American and yet is able to show a certain "Englishness" which is very authentic, not to mention her character portrayal of the Scots involved such as Jamie or his Uncle. The aspect of magic and sorcery present in the time travel and other fascinating incidences are presented more as natural forces rather than any fantastical experiences you would expect from typical fantasy novels, I think this also is something to be praised. A wonderful book which I've read several times and will read again.
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