Review of Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

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“All right you bloody Scottish bastard, lets see how stubborn you really are.”

It took me five whole days to finish reading this enormous story. Diana Gabaldon is an incredible storyteller because I was captivated by the characters throughout the entire five days. There were moments when I felt like shaking some sense into them, but that’s what made it perfect. Their imperfections made them relatable and the story more realistic.

If you’re looking to explore the Scottish Highlands alongside a strong-willed Highlander and a nurse in an unimaginable scenario, Outlander is the perfect book for you. And if you happen to have a soft spot for charming Scots and their lovely accents, don’t waste any more time reading reviews – go ahead and buy the book! The Scottish brogue sounds so authentic that it makes me wish I could speak it fluently.

“I swore an oath before the altar of God to protect this woman. And if you’re tellin’ me that ye consider your own authority to be greater than that of the Almighty, then I must inform ye that I’m not of that opinion, myself.”

The Summary

In 1945, Claire Beauchamp and her husband, Jonathan Randall, decide to take a trip to the Scottish Highlands. However, their visit takes a turn when Claire is mysteriously transported back to the year 1743. This new world is filled with many dangers and challenges, and it’s definitely not a place for the faint of heart. Thankfully, Claire is a strong and capable woman who is up to the task. It’s in this new world that she meets Jamie Fraser and begins a thrilling adventure.

Jamie Fraser is traveling to Scotland with his uncle and a few companions, when he has an unpleasant first encounter with Claire. Later, Claire is taken hostage and brought to the Mackenzie’s land, where many suspect her of being an English spy. The story continues from there, but I’ll let you discover the rest for yourself.

My Thoughts

I have to say, there’s something I’ve been wanting to confess since I started writing this review – I’m absolutely in love with Jamie Fraser. Admittedly, there were some questionable moments throughout the story, but Jamie is such a dynamic character that it’s hard not to be drawn to him.

Despite his stubbornness and tendency to speak before thinking, his unwavering loyalty and determination make him a truly admirable character. There’s something about that Scottish accent of his that just melts my heart.

Jamie is the type of person who would stop at nothing to protect his loved ones, especially Claire, and that’s what had me grinning from ear to ear at 3 in the morning. It’s hard not to fall in love with a guy like that.

“I can bear pain myself, he said softly, but I couldna bear yours. That would take more strength than I have.”

There was one instance when he decided to administer a spanking as a form of punishment, and it made me lose a bit of respect for him. Even though I understand it was a common practice at the time, it felt wrong and I disagreed with it.

Outlander is not just about the relationship between Jamie and Claire. There are many other events occurring throughout the book. From a sadistic commander who has a particular taste for Jamie, to a witch hunt that was nearly a ‘sink or float’ test, to a prison breakout involving cattle, there is never a dull moment in this book. The lives of Jamie and Claire Fraser are constantly filled with excitement and adventure.

Are you alright?”

“No, I bumped my head.” Rubbing the spot, I looked dazedly around the bare hallway.  

“What did I bang it on?” I demanded ungrammatically.

“My head.” he said, rather grumpily, I thought.