Review -- Outlander

Outlander
by Diana Gabaldon
Published by Delacorte Press, 1991
627 pages

Summary: in 1945, Claire is on vacation with her husband in Scotland, when she comes across an ancient stone that transport her back in time. She finds herself 200 years in the past where she uses her training as a nurse to become entrenched with a group of Scottish soldiers. Finding refuge in the castle of the laird, Colem McKenzie, Claire must use her knowledge of the time to survive life in the Scottish highlands.

Review: Outlander is a book about a life diverted (or perhaps one that finds its true path?). In the beginning of the book, we see Claire in her own time, as a wife who is reunited with her husband after war. In 1945, we able to get acquainted with Claire and her quiet life. When she is transported to the 1700s, she gradually becomes a different person through the chaos of life on the Scottish highlands. Her need to survive and get back to her husband makes her show bravery and intelligence in the dangerous situations that cross her path. The development of Claire's character throughout the novel is wonderful. I also enjoyed the relationship between Claire and Jamie (a Scottish soldier she must marry to save her own life) and how through the course of the novel you can see their love deepen. In terms of plot, I was a little disappointed. At 627 pages, there were many situations that could have been cut from the novel. At one point I was concerned when another person was being kidnapped and a character was being tortured for a second time. However, the adventures that didn't repeat themselves as well as the political intrigue were fun and engaging. Thanks to all the bloggers who recommended this read, I am definitely planning on reading the sequel. Rating:*** out of 5