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What do readers think of Outlander by Diana Gabaldon? Write your own review.

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Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Outlander

by Diana Gabaldon

  • Critics' Consensus (0):
  • Readers' Rating (41):
  • Published:
  • Jun 1991, 640 pages
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There are currently 41 reader reviews for Outlander
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Amber B. (Canton, Ohio)

Outlander
An epic adventure novel, Outlander defies categorization and delivers everything its publishers promise via rich characters, intriguing plotlines, and an unmatched intensity in its 800 pages. I would say it’s not the type of book I normally read – but it’s not “the typical book” by any stretch. If you have a lot of time on your hands, this series is for you!
Rosemary T. (San Antonio, TX)

Outlander
Although the story held my interest most of the time, I found there were parts where I bogged down with too much detail. Often I thought the story was ending but would realize there were still 200 or more pages to go. If I had any criticism, it would be that Claire and Jamie seemed to possess "super human" skills as they moved from one life threatening crisis to another. Since the story left many unanswered questions, I most likely will read the next book in the sequel.
Aprile G. (Northampton, Massachusetts)

An engaging & well-written romance
Outlander is an engaging and well-written historical romance filled with vivid battle and sex scenes. Despite it's strengths, however, it is too long, sags in spots, and could easily have been trimmed by several hundreds of pages. I did enjoy the book, but it took me forever to read (not my usual m.o.). I may read another book in the series, but I certainly won't run out to get the next book immediately
Linda W. (Riverview, Florida)

I found myself smiling as I read on...
This work is a romance novel with a focus on the romantic relationship between Clair from 1945 Scotland and Jamie from the Scotland of the 1700's. While I am not usually a fan of romance novels, I found myself smiling to myself as I read each chapter. This is a good read that will take you on a journey you won't find in other books.
Madeline M. (Sarasota, FL)

A Sweeping Saga
I enjoyed this sweeping saga very much. It truly does have everything - time travel, history, war, love, lust, humor, excitement. It also has a smart, bold, practical heroine in Claire. And although it ran a little long for me, I'm still happy I read it - and even happier the second book in the series is sitting on my shelf.
Linda P. (Kearny, AZ)

Outlander
I wanted to love this book. All the reviews I read led me to believe it was the type of book I would enjoy. But in the end I neither loved nor hated it. It had all the things that were listed as "the usual stuff of literature" but that was the problem. A little bit of everything and not enough of just a few good detailed things. The plot just wandered all over. I read the whole book and although I wonder what more adventures await, I probably won't read anymore of these books unless it's the last one. So I wish ye well Claire and Jamie.
Sandy C. (Houston, TX)

Long drawn out saga
As a fan of historical fiction, I enjoyed the portions of the novel that related to Scotland and the country's history. It was much too long (850 pages, small tight); however, and much of the sex and violence could have been cut way back. After a certain point, I had to skim over much of that content. I also could not quite relate to Claire, the main character, and was put off by the screaming matches with Jamie. On the positive side, the author definitely did a lot of research and is a good story teller. Overall, just "okay" for me.
Joan B. (Ellicott City, MD)

OUTLANDER
I have a strong affection for well researched books. I was looking forward to all 850 pages after reading about herbs, medical treatment and castles. However, it took a great deal of effort to wade through the surrounding romance novel. The book seemed to be a plot outline for a 20 year soap opera. I think Miss Gabaldon has a list of every possible trauma, relationship grouping, and romance fulfillment. She covered them all. I would suggest that she choose one genre and use her storytelling skills to share her ideas with the reader. (Sorry, Diana!)

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