Diana Gabaldon published Outlander, the first in a (now) nine book series thirty-one years ago! I’m going to give a brief overview of the book and then go through what I’ve read so far of this series (basically my opinion that none of you asked for). This is definitely a commitment whenever you start reading it, so be prepared to not do anything for the next couple of weeks as you finish the whole series.
Also don’t hate me, I’m going to admit something that is sinful in the bookish community. I started reading this book after watching the first season of the Stars adaptation. I know! Burn the witch, but listen, I started watching the show during the semester and it was just easier to handle because I could have it on in the background while I was doing homework! But if y’all want to join in my roommates and I’s mini bookclub, we’re currently reading Outlander!
A Mini Crash Course of Outlander
Our journey begins after World War II, we follow Claire Beauchamp Randall and her husband Frank as they travel through the Scottish countryside, (already a point for them, Scotland is gorgeous). The couple is becoming reaquainted with one another after serving in the war, and they reaquaint themselves frequently… if you know you know. In their treks across Scotland, they visit the Highlands and visit Craigh na Dun, an ancient rock formation said to have mystical powers. Eventually, Claire goes back to the site by herself and then finds herself rocketed through time to 1746– 200 years in the past. Obviously things are different, and she has to adjust as she finds her way back to her correct time.
Then Claire meets Mister Jamie Fraiser and I’ll be honest, I’m biased and completely influenced by the wonder that is Jamie Fraiser (played by Sam Hueghan in the Stars adaptation). There’s a lot the man does that I don’t agree with, but also I love him. I’ve got lots of thoughts and feelings and I wear them all on my sleeve, especially when I’m reading.
A Word From Diana Gabaldon
On her website, Diana remarks that she never wrote Outlander (Cross Stitch in the UK) for it to be published. She wrote the book to determine what it took to write a novel. She also says that she’s “never been able to describe this book in twenty-five words or less, and neither has anyone else in the twenty years since it was first published.” She decided that while learning how to write a novel, she would keep the project to herself.
I wouldn’t tell anyone what I was doing. Aside from the feeling of sheer effrontery involved in doing so, I didn’t want a lot of people tellng me their opinions of what I should be doing, before I’d had a chance to figure things out for myself (as I said, I’d written a lot of non-fiction to this point, and nobody told me how).
26 Years Ago Today… Diana Gabaldon
Current Emotions Surrounding My Outlander Experience
My roommate is not excited about me writing this article because she thinks I’m going to spoil the series for myself! However, I haven’t allowed myself to read the spoilers of the book series or the show. Would I really be a true fan if I did? I’m really liking this book so far. I’m about halfway through the first book and I’ve got nothing but good reviews. I was a little worried whenever I was reading the Goodread reviews for it. Over the years though, I’ve learned to take reviews with a grain of salt. Not everyone enjoys the same things, so I’m not bothered by a lot of the things that would cause other people to DNF a book.
Also, I want Jamie Fraser to yell at me that I’m doing a good job. I just feel like that would be really encouraging. Maybe that’s just me…if it is, y’all better keep your mouths shut, so I can live in my fantasy world.
If you’re more reasons to read Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, here’s fifteen quotes to entice you!