“All right you bloody Scottish bastard, lets see how stubborn you really are.”
Read Outlander: Amazon, iBooks
Five days—five days it took me to get through this behemoth of a story. Diana Gabaldon is a freaking master storyteller because, for those five long days, I was simply enthralled by these characters. There were moments where I wanted to give them all a good shake, but that’s why it’s perfect. They were so imperfect.
Let me say right off the bat, I got no sleep these past few nights. Yesterday, I was up till 4 a.m. finishing it and there were moments when I thought I’d fall asleep before the end, but I pushed through. The constant sick feeling I felt today was so worth it.
Outlander is perfect for anyone wanting to explore the Scottish Highlands with a dashingly stubborn Highlander and a nurse in an impossible situation. Also, if you have a weak spot for Scottish accents (and charming Scots), stop reading this review and buy the book already! It sounds so authentic, makes me wish I could actually pull it off.
“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.”
It’s 1945 when Claire Beauchamp and her husband Jonathan Randall decide to visit the Scottish Highlands. A visit that ultimately transports Claire back to 1743. A place with many more dangers and quite a lot of action, definitely not for the faint of heart. Luckily, Claire doesn’t fall under that category and it’s there that she meets Jamie Fraser.
Jamie Fraser is on his way back to Scotland with his uncle and a few others when he meets Claire and it’s not the most pleasant first encounter. In fact, I’d say it was pretty uncomfortable considering Claire popped Jamie’s arm back into the socket. Of course, it probably felt better after that, so maybe it was pleasant.
After that, Claire travels (kind of a hostage) to the Mackenzie’s land where many believe her to be an English spy. Now, I’d go into more detail of what happens after that, but I’m sure you want to find out for yourself, so…you’re welcome.
Oh my god, I’ve been wanting to say this since I started this review—I love Jamie Fraser. There were some questionable moments of course, but ugh, he’s such a dynamic character. He’s a stubborn mule with a loyal heart who makes mistake after mistake and doesn’t allow others to speak before spewing out whatever he’s thinking. Somehow, he managed to creep his way in. I don’t know how. Maybe it’s the accent.
Jamie’s the type of guy who would turn the entire world over if it meant saving his loved ones (particularly Claire) which had me smiling like a goof at 3 in the morning. I love that guy.
“I can bear pain myself, he said softly, but I couldna bear yours. That would take more strength than I have.”
Of course there was that one time when he did that spanking punishment thing which put him on my shit-list. It felt wrong and I did not particularly care for that. Yes, I understand why it was done and I know it was commonplace during that time, but still.
Moving along, Outlander did not focus entirely on the relationship which worked out well. There was much more going on. Actually, there was A LOT going on. From a sadistic commander who had a particular taste for Jamie to a witch hunt that was this close to a ‘sink or float’ test to a prison breakout including cattle. I can say for sure that you won’t ever be bored with this book. It’s one thing after another when it comes to the lives of Jamie and Claire Fraser.
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.
Read Outlander: Amazon, iBooks
Outlander Gifts/Merch
Outlander Wedding Vows Travel Mug
This is honestly a great gift for anyone who loves Outlander, so if you can’t stop thinking about Jamie and Claire, treat yo’ self with this unique travel mug!