Book Reviews of Outlander (Outlander, Bk 1)

This is probably the best series I have EVER read-and I've read a lot. I think I read the entire series (all six, 900 page books) in under 2 weeks. While I was working and going to school-that's how awesome they are, I could not put them down, I HAD to find out what would happen. I agree with what others have said that these are not romance novels-they really focus on the heroine and the realities of what it would be like to be stuck in another time. Her writing and storytelling is very believable, and the sub-plot of what plays out between Jamie (swoon!) and Claire, is just a the icing on the cake. What a great read-two thumbs way, way up. I ended up buying all the books after because I want to make sure I can find them when I want to read them again. I've already reread bits and pieces of them, and I only read them for the first time a few months ago. Awesome, awesome writing.

Had a hard time with the first couple chapters cuz I thought they were kinda boring. But, once she reaches Jamie, I couldn't put it down. Very intense.

I'm not a fan of time-travel/science fiction/fantasy/series, but this novel defies being categorized. Yes, it is time-travel, yes, it is romance, yes, it is historical fiction. Overall, it is phenomenal! I happened to pick up Outlander at a garage sale for 25 cents -- and then couldn't stop until I read the rest of the series, plus the Lord John novel spin-off. I can't wait to see how Gabaldon picks up with the next book in the series. FANTASTIC!

I've read this book at least 3 times, and am making my way through the entire series (again)! One of my all time favorite books...

My absolute, most favorite series in the world ever! She writes such beautiful, haunting books that have adventure, romance, intrigue, travel, history...you name it, it's in it! She makes me laugh, cry and hope that all of her books won't ever end.

I cannot tell you how many times over the years that I have found myself wondering about Claire and Jamie as if they were personal friends of mine instead of characters in a book.

Good story but a little too much of a romance novel for me

This is a wonderful, engaging story that I found easy to lose myself in. Well written, extremely accurate, and evocative, I definitely enjoyed this book cover to cover.

Trust me...even if you aren't a fan of romance, this is a great book. I've never met anyone yet who didn't love it.

I picked up the fifth book in this series at a thrift store only to relaize it was part of a series. Came onto PBS and got lucky in getting books 1-4 within a week. Finished off the first book, Outlander, in about 2 days. Interesting novel, a bit of romance, time travel, history and mystery all in one! I look forward to reading more within this series. I found myself becoming more and more interested in the characters and wanthing to know what would happen to them.

This is my favorite book of all time. What more can I say.

The first book in a fabulous series. It makes you laugh and cry, and really makes you wish you were in Scotland. Instantly fell inlove with Jamie Fraser. I've told everyone I know to read this series, and they've loved it too. And if I'm not mistaken, Jamie and Claire are mentioned in "The Time Traveler's Wife".

I love this book - although it is not GREAT literature - and you must suspend disbelief frequently.... it is a lovely read that keeps you on the edge of your couch and wanting more. One of her book jackets says, "Lots of action, lots of sex..." and this is right - but done right - it's a fun read - I love this series.

My mother mailed me the first few books of this series a few years ago because she loved them so much. They are incredibly addictive to read. The character and story development are excellent. Even though a lot of people say these are "romance" novels, there is just so much more to this book similar to how there was more to the series of The Clan of the Cave Bear. Romance is a rather part of the entire story arc for the series, but don't let that detour you from reading them. Diana Gabaldon has done a wonderful job of capturing the historical era that her heroine ends up getting transported to. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good escape from everyday life.

I don't know how she does it, but Diana Gabaldon holds me with her descriptions of time and place in a way I have NEVER been held. I am in love with Jamie - surely she had to know someone like him. His every move and emotion is so well described. Thank you Ms Gabaldon for making an old heart remember how sweet young love can be.

Everyone told me I'd love this book, but it really didn't do anything for me. Fight, almost get raped, and then have sex with her highlander husband. Repeat ad nauseum. The "fantasy" part of it was negligible, and really kind of gimmicky.

Wow! I wish there were more stars so I could give this series at least 10!
(also on amazon.com)

A friend of mine recommended this book and I was a little leery about reading it at first due to the time travel component (sounded weird and I've never been a scifi fan), but finally decided to read it because my friend spoke so highly of it and our tastes are very similar.

I've never written a book review before, but feel compelled to comment on this one. Outlander is an intoxicating combination of historical action/adventure fiction, time travel and romance. There are lots of plot twists, as much action as a James Bond movie and as many characters as a Dickens novel. The characters are so vividly drawn that you feel you know them as intimate friends by the end of the book/series. The historical details are fascinating and life in 18th century Scotland is described in such exquisite detail that you feel as if you have visited Scotland.

However, be warned. These books are highly addictive! If you read this, you will be compelled to read the rest of the books in this series (to date, dragonfly in amber, voyager, drums of autumn, fiery cross, and breath of snow and ashes). I read all six of the series in six weeks (6000+ pages / 3 million words). My husband says I became obsessed with the books and read them to the exclusion of everything else including housework, friends, family and him. It became so bad that by the time I was nearing the end of the last book, (breath of snow and ashes), he was threatening to leave me unless I gave up reading.

Jamie Fraser is hero with whom no living man can compare. He is at once a fierce, courageous, protective warrior and yet a passionate, tender, sentimental and sensitive husband with a very engaging sense of humor to boot and you just can't get enough of him and his feisty, bold, smart wife Claire. Jamie's love for Claire is so selfless and unconditional that it is at times heartbreaking. I found the scene where he takes Claire back to the standing stones (thinking that she wants to return to her own time and that it's not safe for her to remain in the 17th century) so touching that I cried. He explains later that he prayed all the way up that hill; not for her to stay, because that wouldn't have been right. Instead, He prayed for the strength not to fall on his knees and beg her to stay.

Even my husband enjoyed the book. Although the ending of Outlander is disturbing and upsetting, it does not diminish the book in any wary --rather it adds to it. I've come to realize that the plot twists at the end of her books are a technique of Diana's--just when you think everything is fine and we're going to have a happily ever after, Diana pulls the rug out from under your feet and the characters experience some (often life threatening) disaster which they must surmount; sometimes it's more than one disaster in succession. It keeps you excitedly turning pages up to the very last page. I find Outlander the best of the series, then Voyager and then Breath of Snow and Ashes, although each one is a very good novel capable of standing on its own; none of them disappoint.

It is an insult to Diana Gabaldon to classify this as a "romance" novel just because it does have some romance in it among the other plot themes. I think historical/action adventure would be more accurate. It is so much more than others of the romance genre. I'm afraid she has ruined me for other authors. I picked up a couple of other novels to read while I'm waiting for Diana's next installment in the series (due in 2-3 years) and nothing else quite compares.

Oh, and BTW, it couldn't be any further removed from a 1980's style "bodice ripper", to which some inane reviewer compares it.

Write faster, Diana! Write Faster!

Yes, I know this is a best-seller, and I know that it gets very high reviews. But I have to admit that I was disturbed by the whole book and especially the violence. Instead of reading the whole series, I had absolutely no desire to learn what happened further with these characters.

Fantastic read. I know now why there are so many faithful fans of this series. I can't wait to move on to the next one!

This book has everything.I couldn't put it down. Action,drama,love,sex,good till the last page.

The first book in Diana Gabaldon's Outlander story sets the pace for the rest of the story. Suspenseful, romantic and THOROUGHLY enjoyable, readers will be dying to get their hands on the rest of the series!

I wish I could remember who recommended this book to me in the first place, because I owe them a huge thanks (or I should curse them for keeping me up at night). While I absolutely loved the characters (hubba hubba Jamie) and the overall story, it is l-o-n-g and could have done without some of the scenes. There's just too much distress and rescuing going on along with a tad too much graphic sex. All that being said, I was still up till the wee hours reading it and cannot wait for book 2 to arrive.

This was a wonderful read! It took me a little while to get into the story, but then I ended up getting swept away by the adventure. It's a fun, romantic, historical fiction account of life in Scottish highlands. The lead character accidentally steps through a portal to a time 200 years in the past. I look forward to reading the other novels in this series.

An excellant book...no other way to state it. I am not a reader of romance novels, neither am I a reader of fantasy (or science fiction). But this book has elements of both in it, and I loved it. Before I read it the first time, I asked what it was about of the person who recommended it to me. She said it was sort of a romance novel and sort of a book about time travel, and I scoffed at reading it...this person pressed me to read it "you will love it" was the statement that was said to me...and I did. I have read the book twice, listened to it twice on audio, and would love to have a copy of the unabridged version in my own collection....an Excellant book. It is a story of a woman who travels back in time 200 years and falls in love, but Oh so much more than that. You must read this.

I love time travel book and this is one of the best!

A wonderful series!

I loved this book! I think this is a great romance novel! Its a great story and I found myself thinking of Claire and Jamie as real people. When Jamie talked to Claire about their relationship, I would get butterflies in my stomach. This book has a dfferent tempo then most of the regular romance novels. Its like you are in the story with them and not just reading a book. And yes, I know this is fiction!

I've read this book many times. It's one of my all-time favorites, and still my favorite in this series. One of the great things about it is that every time I read it I find something new that I missed before. I'll confess though that the very first time I read it, about ten pages into it, I thought ... I don't know if I'm going to like this. Famous last words, as they say.

This is definitely a love story, more so than the other books in the series. But to say that's all it is really sells the novel short. It's the most complex and compelling love story I've ever encountered. But as much as it's a love story, it's a piercing study of what it really means to be man, to be a husband, to be responsible for a family, to be willing to sacrifice everything to uphold vows you've made in the face of violence, hatred and injustice. It's a thoroughly grown-up story, and not for the faint of heart. That said, there's plenty of black humor and good fun, too.

Two downsides: Once you get into it, you won't be able to put it down for anything--crying children, dirty laundry, house fire, whatever. And, as other reviewers have mentioned, after you read this, you'll be spoiled and continually disappointed in less satistfying stories.

The seventh in this series--An Echo In The Bone--comes out later this year. If you start reading now, you MAY just have time to read them all before its 9/22/09 publication date.

The Outlander series received rave reviews from a few friends of mine so I decided to give the first book in the series a shot. While I wasn't blown away, I found it to be an enjoyable read. I really liked the theme of the book and found some of the historical information fascinating. The love scenes fell a little flat for me and I started to feel bothered by Gabaldon's near obsession with sadomasochism, a theme that popped up several times in the book, particularly near the end. The way it was presented really bothered me, particularly at the end of the book, where I found myself feeling almost sick to my stomach with tension. Despite my strong emotional reaction to this element of the book and it's ending, it did draw me in. It took me nearly 2/3rds of the way through the book to get there but when I got to the last 250 pages, I could not put it down. I'll be keeping up with the series.

When an acquaintance first told me about this book, I didn't think I would like it or that it would be believable as I'm not a sci/fi person either. Boy, was I wrong. I, too, read the entire series in a couple of weeks and could not put it down. It has everything...romance, adventure, gore, history, suspense. I've never read anything quite like it before or since.

This is my all time favorite series of books! If you can make it through the first 100 pages of this book, which in MHO were a tad slow, you won't be disappointed. Ms. Gabaldon's characters are so well developed and the story so engaging that I found myself forgetting they weren't real people. I had to put the book down and walk away on more than one occasion because I was so annoyed with Claire or Jamie!

The story will captivate you and the history that comes to life in the pages of this book (as well as all subsequent books in the series) is better than any college course I ever took.

One note, though: These books have to be read in order. I imagine it would be nearly impossible to make sense of anything if you started with "Dragonfly In Amber" or any later book.

Where to begin...this book is the most amazing journey I have ever been on. Heartwarming, totaly Scotland. This book is the first in a series that you seriously cannot put down. It takes place in 1945 and 1743. The main character, Claire, time travels between the two times. What happens next is an amazing adventure that takes Claire on a wild, romantic ride through perilous times. Claire meets Jamie, her soul mate. You become so embroiled in the lives of these characters you forget you are not actually there.

When I pick up one of these books all else falls away and I am truly transported to another time and place.

This book was so highly recommend on this website as well as others that I couldn't wait to read it. Unfortunately, I just couldn't get into it. I thought it was WAY longer than it needed to be and it just dragged on & on. I really wanted to like it & was hoping that it would pick up but it just didn't. I was very disappointed. I may pick up the 2nd book in the series just to see if that one's any better.

I am hooked

I am not a fan of time travel but after reading this book I was hooked on the series! I highly recommend this book. It was one of the best books I have ever read.

Sometimes I tend to read fast and forget to enjoy the story. I am also not a big fan of romance novels. This book was a departure for me but I enjoyed it a great deal. I read it with the condition that I would only order the next book in the series if I liked this one. The character development was good and it was refreshing for someone to want to do the right thing and to actually think about what that might be. This book is long enough I had enough time to enjoy it and so I am looking forward to the sequels. The historical details & description of living conditions all brought a reality to the book that made it even more enjoyable. The story also didn't take itself "too seriously". I won't comment on some of the humor I found in the tale as you need to come across it and enjoy it fresh.

Loved it!

This Diana Gabaldon series, starting with Outlander is the best I've ever read!! So much detail and intricate plots!! I've read the whole series about 5 times!!! If you like historical romance and time travel you will love this series as much as I do!!

Interesting read. I enjoyed this book, but thought it was a bit too long.

Outlander shouldn't really be classified as "romance." There is romance in it, but it defies genres. I'm almost 60 & I have read this series at least twice. I turned my doctor onto it & months later she was still hooked on the series.
I DON'T read romance novels! This is a little bit of everything: time travel, general fiction, thriller, SF, & some romance. It's my favorite book of my favorite series of all time. And I've read thousands of books in my life in most genres. Please don't miss out on this! You won't be sorry & don't give up before Claire ends up back in time. That's the REAL story.

excellent book. kept me in suspense. I couldn't put the book down. Made me feel like I was really in the story. I love that.

I could not put down this book. It swept me away to 1700 Scotland. I loved Claire and Jamie.

Book 1 in the series that made me fall in love with Claire and Jamie, and crave more, more, more. I have the first six of the series and am anxiously awaiting the next one! These books can't be classified under one category - they're historical fiction, romance, with a smidge of science fiction. Claire, a nurse from the second world war, travels with her husband to Scotland. While there, she visits the standing stones of Craig na Dun, and travels back in time to 1743. This isn't normally my type of book. I first picked up "Voyager" (3rd in the series), because it was a huge thick book which I'm drawn to, noticed it said trilogy and assumed all three books were in the same volume because of the thickness. I realized my mistake when I got home. That was one of the best mistakes I've ever made, because otherwise I would have missed six of the best books I've ever read. If you like getting lost in big thick character-driven books, you won't go wrong with this series.

This is the first book in a very addictive series. I don't normally like books written as series-the subsequent books always fail to deliver. Not so with this group of novels. The author Diana Gabaldon is a New York Times best selling author and her story actually improves with each new book. This is a tale of a woman living in two centuries. An ancient stone in the British Isles acts as a time machine to transport her into Scotland at a time when it is revenged by raiding clans and torn apart by war. An absorbing story of the land and lore of Scotland that left me obsessively searching the bookstores for the next novel in the series: Dragonfly in Amber. These are BIG novels, nearly 1000 pages of hard to put down reading!

By far one of the most imaginative fantasy-meets-romance series I've read. Great characters, wonderful plot, and credibly researched historical information.

This is a fabulous book. Claire ends up going back in time...accidently and meets up with Jamie a Scot. It is a great story and an unbelievably good book.

Definitely in a class by itself. I've always been a fan of time travel and this is one of the best. The subsequent books in this series, while excellent in their own right, just never quite measure up to it in my opinion.

A must read!

Book 1 in the Outlander series. Time-travel romance. Couldn't put it down.

Read this one, then follow up with "Voyager." Unusual and interesting.

Once you read this, be prepared to read the rest of the series - you won't be able to stop.

Best book ever! I try to get everyone I know to read this one! Don't know how anyone could ever part with it....

First in a series of awesome historical science fiction bodice rippers.

Loved this book, one of my all time favorites. The entire series is amazing, though the first one may be my favorite.

The author makes you believe that it's possible to go in time with this wonderful account which also reflects her great knowledge of Scotland in the 1700's. She does a great job with her character who must try to use her knowledge of life in the 1940's to survive in the 1700's without revealing that she's from another time!

One of the best books ever! The author writes a spellbinding tale that will keep you flipping pages late into the night. Time travel, adventure, action, killer romance, lush landscapes, Scottish history, castles, richly developed characters and more action. You won't want it to end. Thank goodness there are sequels!!

A wondrfully romantic novel about time travel to eighteenth century Scotland. A combat nurse from 1945 is torn between love for her husband back in the present and Jamie Fraser, the Scottish Laird and warrior. A little long, but I loved the story and the characters Claire and Jamie.

Great first book of the series. This is a romance/history book that kept me up until all hours. Also got me hooked on the series!

I couldn't get into it! boring and long.

This is one of my favorite books ever! It's a mix of romance, time travel, action/adventure and historical fiction. While you'll find it in the romance section of the bookstore, don't let that turn you off ... it is NOT your typical romance novel. I even know guys who love this series! Be forewarned: There some violent and some -very- steamy scenes.

Engrossing, intriguing, emotional story, though one that is not for everyone. It is violent, with scenes of physical torture, rape, war, and just the brutal life of the 18th century. It is also tender, touching and wildly romantic. Jamie Fraser is a hero for the ages!

Very enjoyable book, a well written lighthearted read. This is a book that's very hard to classify, as it can be considered part of several generes. It includes elements of historic fiction, romance and a touch of fantasy.

I have been wanting to read this book for a long time so was looking forward to it. However, I had a really hard time getting into it for some reason. I don't know why. It took me half way through before I was drawn in and this is a long book. After that point I really enjoyed it and am wanting to read the sequels. Having said that I would still recommend reading Outlander.

Because of the length of this book (the size of a trilogy), I was reluctant to start it. However, I am very glad that I did, because it's a very entertaining story--well imagined and well told.

This is the best series I have ever read! I can't decide whether it is the story, the characters, the history, the romance, or what, but I am totally hooked on this series. I hope there are many more books to come.

Great mix of history, romance, and fantasy. Terrific use of humor (loved Claire & Jamie's wedding/wedding night) but also a revealing look at darker subjects. First in the series and yes, it is a little long, but worth it. Later books have dragged more slowly but by now I am so interested in the characters I can't stop. If it says anything about this series - it is one of the few I buy ONLY in hardcover and all are keepers.

Really liked this book. It kicked off a long dormant love for historical fiction.

This is that rare book that you read, and on finishing, realize it's made you a different person. I loved it.

I liked it and the story has stayed with me.

I really like historical novels and I really enjoyed this book. Diana Gabaldon has a way of drawing you into the action, making one really care about the characters and their outcomes. I liked it so much i just ordered the next 6 books in the Outlander series!

MY FAVORITE BOOK OF ALL TIME :)

I really loved that this was a SINK MY TEETH in kind of novel. Very long and easy to read. I could imagine myself in the highlands of Scotland. A little slow to start but worth it. Now reading book2.

Love the outlander series. Unexpected twist of time travel and history. Draws you in to the characters as if you know them personally.

I had a very hard time getting into this book, and almost didn't continue. (what a loss that would've been!) As someone else said, once she steps through those stones, things pick up dramatically, and the story gets rolling. If you can suffer through the first 200 pages, you won't regret it.

This is not just another boring romance novel!

Interesting book about a nurse in WWII who time travels to Scotland of the 17 hundreds. The first of a series. It presents a good picture of life in that time.

Wonderful book. I was hard to put down. Kept wanting to know what was going to happen next.

Time trave and history readers will enjoy

I can't wait to read the rest of the series.

Loved it.

loved this book

Outstanding book! Couldn't put it down.

Amazon.com:
In Outlander, a 600-page time-travel romance, strong-willed and sensual Claire Randall leads a double life with a husband in one century, and a lover in another. Torn between fidelity and desire, she struggles to understand the pure intent of her heart. But don't let the number of pages and the Scottish dialect scare you. It's one of the fastest reads you'll have in your library.
While on her second honeymoon in the British Isles, Claire touches a boulder that hurls her back in time to the forbidden Castle Leoch with the MacKenzie clan. Not understanding the forces that brought her there, she becomes ensnared in life-threatening situations with a Scots warrior named James Fraser. But it isn't all spies and drudgery that she must endure. For amid her new surroundings and the terrors she faces, she is lured into love and passion like she's never known before.

I was lame and sore in every muscle when I woke next morning. I shuffled to the privy closet, then to the wash basin. My innards felt like churned butter. It felt as though I had been beaten with a blunt object, I reflected, then thought that that was very near the truth. The blunt object in question was visible as I came back to bed, looking now relatively harmless. Its possessor [Jamie] woke as I sat next to him, and examined me with something that looked very much like male smugness."
Gabaldon creates characters that you'll remember, laugh with, cry with, and cheer for long after you've finished the book. --Candy Paape

Outstanding! One of the best books I've read in years. This is the first book in a wonderful series.

This is book one of a six (so far) book series. I don't usually like time travel stories, but I loved this one! It's in my "read again" pile.

First book in series. Excellent!

I really enjoyed this book. The first 30 pages was a bit hard to get through all the history. After that, it was fabulous! The heroine is wonderfully modern and sassy. Recommended.

Very enjoyable read...will read more of this series.

Given to me by a friend. Never got into it, and lost touch with friend. Want it?

Gabaldon writes exciting historical fiction, thoroughly researched and fully realized.

A good vacation read. And not as graphic as most romance novels.

A really great time travel book.
Claire Randall goes through the ancient stone circles in England 1945, and ends up in Scotland in 1743. For her protection they make her marry a highlander from a Clan Mackenzie so he can be her protector during a time of war with England. And the weird thing is that the worst enemy she encounters is actually an relation of her husband from 1945...

Claire Randall is leading a double life. She has a husband in one century, and a lover in another.

Great beach book or airplane read. Engaging tale of romance in 18th century Ireland.

I throughly enjoyed this book and the books in this series to come.

Great book! I had to start the next in the series as soon as I put this one down!

This is a FABULOUS series, and Gabaldon's writing is just wonderful. You are so immersed in the factual details of another time, you won't be able to put it down...

Great Story, goes through a long twisting plot that doesn't necessarily surprise you but keeps you entertained through the whole 850 pages!

excellent romp

Awesome series. I love the Outlander books. Long epics with great colorful characters. This is the first one in the series. Try it.

Warning...has sex.....but it was an awesome story!! I hope the other books carry on the story!!

The first in the Highlander series is an awesome read! Claire Randall,a former combat nurse back from the war and reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon-when she innocently touches a boulder in one of the ancient stone circles that dot the British Isles. suddenly she is a Sassenach-an "outlander"-in a Scotland torn by war and raiding border clans in the year 1743. Once you read this 1st book you'll be addicted and must read the rest!

WOW! This is the first book in a long time that I have wanted to read over and over. I can hardly wait for the next one to get here.

Absolutely incredible, romantic reading. These books more or less consumed my life for a few weeks!!

Combining time travel with romance and excellent writing makes for an interesting read.

Interesting concept! And you gotta Jamie!!

An interesting fantasy romance.

Addicting series! Start ordering the next ones in the series NOW as you'll want to have them on hand for when you finish each book!!

The reader gets sucked right into the story and you just can't put it down! Excellent!

This is the 1st of Diana Gabalon's Highlander saga (5 in total) and it's an awesome read! I couldn't put it down and read it fast enough!

In Outlander, a 600-page time-travel romance, strong-willed and sensual Claire Randall leads a double life with a husband in one century, and a lover in another. Torn between fidelity and desire, she struggles to understand the pure intent of her heart. But don't let the number of pages and the Scottish dialect scare you. It's one of the fastest reads you'll have in your library.
While on her second honeymoon in the British Isles, Claire touches a boulder that hurls her back in time to the forbidden Castle Leoch with the MacKenzie clan. Not understanding the forces that brought her there, she becomes ensnared in life-threatening situations with a Scots warrior named James Fraser. But it isn't all spies and drudgery that she must endure. For amid her new surroundings and the terrors she faces, she is lured into love and passion like she's never known before.

This was a good book, long but good.

Have you ever read a book you didn't want to end? Have you ever read a book where the characters made you cry? That is this book! I did not want to put it down. A+++ read.

Wonderful Book! Great characterization and she does a great job making you want to read more!

One in a series that involves romance and time travel with Claire Randall who travels back in time and into the arms of gallant eighteenth-century Scot Jamie Fraser.

I started reading this series along time ago. If you like time travel stories. This is a good one.

Loved this book so much and am now on the 5th book of the series and cant wait to read the last one! I will really miss all these characters, they feel like family to me now. Great book! recommend it highly!

This book took me a while to get through. In the end, I liked it, but I don't think it's the best I've ever read. I've ordered the next in the series to see if it picks up since there are so many rave reviews!

This book is sweeping in its scope, and mesmerizing in the action and adventure it contains. A very entertaining way to learn something about 18th century Scotland! There's plenty of political intrigue, violence, sex (even some bodice-ripping) but I don't think the book belongs in the "romance" category. It has great character development, and creates a many-layered complex world that seems quite real and plausible, even though it begins with a time-travel event!

The first book in the wonderful saga of Jamie and Claire Fraser. If you are a woman and don't fall in love with Jamie, something is wrong! My very favorite author and series.

Diana Gabaldon's books are the ONLY books that I collect & buy in hardback! Excellent!

I have read and re-read this series and am now collecting it in hardback. Outlander is the first book in a series that takes place before and during the Scottish rising, as well as in the era of WWII. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a page-turning escape from the real world.

I know a lot of people love this book but I really disliked it and so did my daughter, who read it separately. If you're into historical romance it's probably something you'd enjoy but it held no charms for me.

Interesting premise. I really enjoyed the adventure.

Claire Randall is leading a double life. She has a husband in one century and a lover in another. From 1945 to 1743.

Love this series--packed with adventure and romance!

I love this series! the whole time travel, sexy Scottish guy, stubborn female story line really works and the historical aspects are really interesting. Did I say I love this series? I LOVE all of the books Gabaldon has written.

I read this book years ago, and it's still one of my favorite books ever. A wonderful story.

This is a really good book. A really good one.

Amazing start of an amazing series, with the sexiest hero ever.

An adventerous story of Claire Randall accidentally transported to 18th Century Scotland. She leaves behind one husband only to end up with another. Her loyalties are torn between the two men and as she struggles to return to the her own time she discovers she has grown fond of the 1743 Scotland. Great read.

Once you start this don't plan to do anything else! I am not a fan of historical romance, but this was one fantastic romantic suspenseful sexy book. I've already started the next in the series!

I absolutely loved this book. This is a novel that I will buy a hardback for my collection to read over and over again.

I LOVE this series and especially this book. Claire is hilarious and tough. Jamie is the hottest fictional character I have had the pleasure to read about. (It's been a long time since I've had a little crush on a character in a book, but Jamie does it for me!)

A great book--unforgettable!

This was one of the best books I have ever read. I was pulled in from the very beginning and could not wait to get back to it when I had to stop. I would recommend it as a must read.

One of my favorite books. Wonderful characters, unforgettable writing - I can't recommend it highly enough!

This book is a classic -- I've re-read it I don't know how many times -- and every time I read it, I appreciate something new about it. The second book in the series, Dragonfly in Amber, is not as good as this one, but the rest of the series does not disappoint.

In 1945, Claire Randall, a former combat nurse, is back from the war & reunited w/her husband on a 2nd honeymoon - when she innocently touches a boulder in one of the ancient stone circles that dot the British Isles. Sudden she is a Sassenach - an "outlander" - in a Scotland torn by wqar & raiding border clans in the year 1743.

One of my favorite authors.

One of the best books I've read in a long time...kinda fantasy and historical fiction with a touch of romance, I just loved it! Can't wait to read the next one.

excellent. looking forward to the next one in the series

Time Travel, Adventure, A Highland battle, a wedding and tons of action made this book the beginning of a strong following for Gabaldon's Outlander Series. Full of historical detail and well written this makes a wonderful read.

eh, it was OK. Didn't like it as much as I thought I would.

I love the Outlander series and this is the one that started it!

Wonder beginning to a fantastic series. I loved it!

Different cover art

While on her second honeymoon in the British Isles, Claire touches a boulder that hurls her back in time to the forbidden Castle Leoch with the MacKenzie clan. Not understanding the forces that brought her there, she becomes ensnared in life-threatening situations with a Scots warrior named James Fraser. But it isn't all spies and drudgery that she must endure. For amid her new surroundings and the terrors she faces, she is lured into love and passion like she's never known before.

"I was lame and sore in every muscle when I woke next morning. I shuffled to the privy closet, then to the wash basin. My innards felt like churned butter. It felt as though I had been beaten with a blunt object, I reflected, then thought that that was very near the truth. The blunt object in question was visible as I came back to bed, looking now relatively harmless. Its possessor [Jamie] woke as I sat next to him, and examined me with something that looked very much like male smugness."

Good Story

Great author & great book

The cover is different than cover shown.

Book 1. Could not put it down! Loved it.

"Claire Randall is leading a double life. She has a husband in one century, and a lover in another...." This is quite a page turner. It was interesting to read about Scotland in the mid 1700's and Claire's absorption into this new and strange life.

This is possibly the best book I have ever read. Every woman need a Jamie of their own!! Who could play him in the movie version?? I'm not sure anyone out there could do him justice!!

At first I was unsure about tackling this book because it is so long (and so are the books that come after it!) but I decided to give it a try because I've heard so many good things about it. I am very glad that I did! It didn't take that long to read because I couldn't put it down. There were so many things that I wish had not happened in the book (how much battering can one body take??), but the relationship between Claire and Jamie is just breathtaking to watch.

Such a wonderful story.

Excellent time travel book... amazing!

Absolutely captivating. I can't recommend it highly enough.

Loved it! A historical, adverturous love story.

Fantastic time travel/romance! One of my all-time favorite series (I re-read this series at least once annually)!!! This is the first of five currently in PB, and the latest HB comes out 27 September.

In 1945, Claire Randall, a former combat nurse, is back from the war and reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon--when she innocently touches a boulder in one of the ancient stone circles that dot the British Isles. Suddenly she is a Sassenach--an "outlander" in a Scotland torn by war and raiding border clans in the year of our Lord..1743.
Hurled back in time by forces she cannot understand, Claire's destiny is soon inextricably intertwined with Clan MacKenzie and the forbidding Castle Leoch. She is catapulted without warning into the intrigues of lairds and spies that may threaten her life...and shatter her heart. For here, James Fraser, a gallant young Scots warrior, shows her a passion so fierce and a love so absolute that Claire becomes a woman torn between fidelity and desire...and between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives.

This is my all time favorite book! I've given it to many of my friends. A most enjoyable read!

Great story.

The first in this popular series.

spine creases

This first book in the Outlander series, is the beginning of a wonderful story ... can't wait to read the rest of the series.

This is a wonderfully written book. It can stand alone or is the start of a great series, which is good news if you like Gabaldon's work (and I suspect you'll be a fan after you read this!)

This paperback is not in the best shape - an ex-library edition. But an excellent read and the perfect book to take on your vacation and leave behind for the next reader. The first in a series but a good read all on it's own.

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