Review of Outlander by Diana Gabaldon (c. 1991)
After years of being told, "You are a reader ... you HAVE to check out the Outlander series," I finally did, in fact, read the first book in the series. I am an avid historical fiction reader, generally avoid "romance novels" like the plague, but do like just good, engaging fiction. For the most part, Outlander delivers on many levels. The history, lore and total immersion into the Scottish Highlands in the 18th Century is fascinating and what held me the most. Much to my surprise, I did like the romance aspect quite a bit too. The characters are well flushed out, but very "Hollywood" in that they are amazingly alluring and handsome/beautiful to everyone, dashing, beautiful bodies, just enough quirks to make them loveable, NEVER let the other down (if you ever dreamed of your true love saving you from doom and disaster, your fantasies will forever be met in this book), that kind of thing. I also was surprised to find the "time travel" part kind of interesting and of course, we are left with the mystery unsolved at the end of the novel to keep a reader hooked. So I see the cult-like attraction to the book and I feel weirdly addicted to read the next in the series. My only real complaint is everyone touts how incredibly well-written this book is. I dissent, in some ways. It is repetitive both in language usage, themes, etc. Some things were played out over and over and over and I just was like, egads, get on with it. The technical skill is fine, but I kept thinking more editing would have helped a lot. Also, there are some moments of very gratuitous violence with some of graphic "sexual" scenes, so be prepared for that. Must have a fairly strong stomach. Anyway, don't take it too seriously, if you can kick back and enjoy the ride, you might find yourself swept away.
3.5 out of 5 stars
Carolyn
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