Outlander

Rating:
Summary: A great romance
Review: I loved all the history you can learn from her books. I read Drums of Autumn first, not realizing it was a series. So, I have read Outlander and intend to read the other two. Jaime is just too sexy. You can't put these books down.

Rating:
Summary: The Best Romance Novel Ever!
Review: Diana Gabaldon is the ONLY Romance Novelist I have found so far that I enjoy reading. She obviously works hard on research, as well as creativity. I recommend this book and the rest of the Outlander series, and I am looking foward to more>

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Summary: Gratuitous violence in torture scenes not necessary!
Review: Overall, I think that Gabaldon's book is a grand spectacles of life in that era. However, the graphic scenes of torture were unnecessary and revolting. I think it's highly unlikely that anyone, even strong Jamie, could survive toture sessions like the ones he endured. Those scenes turned my stomach and made me turn the pages faster to skip over it. A disappointing end to a marvelous tale.

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Summary: Highland tale that absorbs the reader and refuses to let go!
Review: Once in a great while there comes a book that is so exquisitely contrived and expertly crafted that the reader not only feels as if they're being woven into the fabric of the story, but the story actually becomes a part of the reader... This is one of those rare books. Don't miss it!

Rating:
Summary: BEST I'VE EVER READ
Review: This was the first book I ever read in my life that made me sit on my sofa and cry so hard I was sick, yet it wasn't a depressed type of cry. I have to admit I started bought this book because it was on sale and even though I was broke I needed something to read. And plus it was thick, and I like books that I'll be reading for a month.... So much for that idea. I was finished within three days. I read on the bus, cooking over the stove, on my coffee break at work, everywhere. I was so sucked into the story whenever I would pick up the book it was as though a peice of the world has broken off and everything else disappeared. The author's amazing portrayal of history was extremely detailed and took a breath taking step away from all the text books and Hollywood war cries of Scottish history, but the love story was what made my stomach go weak. At first I was doubtful -- I thought that Claire was a bore and Jamie a typical hero. But quickly the tables turned on my cynicism and as I said before I found myself crying my little heart out as I turned the pages. And I have another confession. I haven't been able to complete the series yet -- i'm pacing myself. At the pace I've been reading them, I'm determined to make these enjoyable experiences last for years. It's complete with a healthy bite of history, great sex, humor and lots of action.I recommend these to anyone with the gumption to take on such an mentally and emotionally exhausting novel.

Rating:
Summary: Entire Series Astonishing
Review: I found a special kinship to to Gabaldon's series being of scottish ancestry and also marrying into the Duncan family. I have recommended this book to friends of both genders and have heard nothing but raves. All the books in this series--but especially Outlander--were incredibly enjoyable, escapist reads. Thank you Diana for a strong female protagonist. btw, both the author and I grew up in the same No. Az. town--and went to the same high school--she graduated ahead of me by 4 years. This classmate is proud of another Flag High graduate.

Rating:
Summary: The Best of the Best...
Review: There are scores of reviews for Diana Gabaldon's excellent series of novels involving Jamie & Claire. Read them and let your mind go with the flow - you'll never want to surface again. The only way I can emphasise this is to say that I have lent my copies to everyone I know who can read!!! and then I feel jealous that someone else has got them. I especially want to keep Jamie all to myself...

Rating:
Summary: This Ain't Your Old Ordinary Romance Novel
Review: When I was a little girl, I remember sitting in the back seat of our station wagon while watching my mother sitting in the front passenger seat reading one of her romance novels. I always asked her whether she was reading a good book, to which she almost always replied, "it's alright . . . but it's pretty much like all the others." I always wondered why she bothered . . . after all it seemed like a horrible waste of time. When I was older, however, I found that what she said was basically true . . . romance novels are pretty much just the same book but with different covers and characters with different names. But, after reading Ms. Gabaldon's work, I believe that a new trend in romantic literature has arisen. The only book that I like better in this genre is "Gone with the Wind" for one simple reason . . . with Scarlett I knew what motivated her while with Claire I wasn't quite sure what she was about. Since, for the most part, she wasn't very interesting, I never really cared about her (I didn't want her to die, I just wanted her to be more exciting and three dimensional). On the other hand, I really liked how the character of Jamie was set up for development. As a reader, I saw constant and detailed instances of how and why he was the man he was in the story e.g. very specific and detailed flash-backs in his life. I also say "Bravo" to a wonderfully complex villian in Randall. He was not merely a storybook cliche. I was left wondering how he grew into the cruel man he became and what exactly was his relationship with his brother Alex? I also loved to hate Dougal -- he was a hoot! I didn't know if I wanted to have him slapped, shot, kissed or spanked, but I do know that I would have volunteered for any of the four. I really enjoyed Geillis too. I thought the part where Claire sees the small-pox vaccination when Geillis sacrafices herself was really quite memorable. I would recommend this book to people who enjoy history, romance, or just plain old escapis! m. It is a wonderful story.

Rating:
Summary: Not just another romance series
Review: I am NOT a romance fan, but these books transcend the romance genre. I agree, that not since Gone with the Wind, have I been so captivated by a love story. Scotland and it's inhabitants became real - the attention to historical detail made the story come to life. If you read Outlander (and the rest) - don't assume you can put it down, and don't expect to sleep until the book is done. And even then.... the characters will stay with you.

Rating:
Summary: Simply Great
Review: I've read this series from the beginning. I got a friend hooked on it. The strangest thing is He is related to the Fraser Clan! His roots are traced back to Simon Fraser, Jamie's father. It's a very pleasant surprise to have an author get the actual facts of an entire family. Way to go Diana! You are a fabulous researcher! What you don't know about Scottish History hasn't been written! That, along with the characters in the "Outlander" series makes this a must read for romance, sci-fi, and history lovers!