The Outlander series may have been started by Diana Gabaldon over twenty years ago, but my obsession began just over a year ago. It all started innocently enough as I browsed my local Books-A-Million. On the shelf in all its red, leatherette, embossed glory was the 20th Anniversary Collector’s Edition of Outlander. As an avid reader, librarian, and collector, I knew of the books and their reputation as gripping reads, but had yet to read them. So, I swooped this copy of Outlander up to add to my collection and finally, finally found out what everyone else already knew. Outlander swept me away immediately. I snatched up the rest of the series for my e-reader, and now I’m hooked. I also bought the Outlander Soundtrack vinyl red album from Barnes and Noble when it was released in the summer. The music is hauntingly beautiful, and I’m listening to it now as I compose this blog post.
After I finished reading the first book, I immediately ordered , watched it in one weekend with my husband who really enjoyed it too (perhaps it was the clan/redcoat fighting and the politics of the time). I ordered today. The television production pays special attention to authenticity and is true to the book, including the sensual. While extremely well done, bear in mind that nothing is left to the imagination when it comes to sex. Attempted rape occurs more than once also. Nudity is common, so I’m only comfortable watching these shows with my husband. I won’t be watching with my girlfriends. They may borrow and watch on their own if they choose. Since the images are not crude or vulgar, I don’t mind too much.
Outlander (4.5 of 5 stars) is immediately engrossing from line one. It is also surprisingly and delightfully witty and humorous. The heroine, Claire, is a modern, independent woman with strength and opinions, but also vulnerabilities. The story is romantic, adventurous and historically fascinating. Obviously well-researched, the practices of 18th century medicine intrigued me the most. The Gaelic is authentic, and the attention to detail is exquisite (this is true in the television production as well). Full of passion, drama, political intrigue and mystery, Outlander is a thrilling (although sometimes traumatic) read. By adding the music and the television drama, I feel I’m having an entire Outlander experience. To expand on the experience, I purchased both of The Outlandish Companions as well. I didn’t buy the though. While I enjoy coloring, I prefer patterns, objects or animals to people. At any rate, I’ll soon be diving in to Dragonfly in Amber and am very much looking forward to it.
By the way, because all but the most recent of the Outlander books have been around for many years, you should easily find them at your local library. As for the music, you can listen to it for free on Spotify.Jump through time and enjoy!
Season Two is now available through Amazon Prime with the purchase of the STARZ network for $8.99/month after a 7 day free trial.
Quotes:
“It wasn’t a very likely place for disappearances, at least at first glance” (p. 1).
“To stand against a crowd would take something more than ordinary courage; something that went beyond human instinct” (p. 123).
“I am your master…and you’re mine. Seems I canna possess your soul without losing my own” (p. 320).
“The hole had the dark anonymity of the confessional, and a soul on the verge of death had no time for lies” (p. 386).
“There is a fine line sometimes, between justice and brutality” (p. 495).
“For where all love is, the speaking is unnecessary. It is all. It is undying. And it is enough” (p.580).