Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book


**This is the first book in the Outlander series**

In the year 1945, Claire Randall and her husband Frank take a second honeymoon in the Scottish highlands. One day, while exploring the countryside alone, Claire finds a henge of rocks. Upon touching one of the boulders, Claire is transported back in time to the year 1743 and meets James Fraser, a member of the MacKenzie clan. Claire also meets British Captain Jonathan "Black Jack" Randall, Frank's ancestor, who has a personal vendetta against James. Amid the danger and violence Claire faces, a deep attraction to James forms, which complicates her thoughts about her life in 1945. When opportunity to return to 1945 occurs, Claire must decide between the passion she feels in the 17th century and the life she's known in the 20th century.

I picked this up years ago upon the recommendation of a patron. Simply put, I love this book and have devoured all the books in the series. Part romance, part historical fiction, with a dash of science fiction...this book appeals to readers of basically any genre. But, don't let the romance descriptive deter you from trying this - people I know who despise romance novels cannot believe how much they enjoyed reading this book and the series.

Despite the over 600 pages in length, Outlander is a fast read. Gabaldon has an amazing storytelling gift that brings the readers into the story right from page one. The characters come to life and are well developed. Gabaldon's extensive research is evident in the descriptions of the 17th century and the conflicts of that era between the Scottish clans and the British. Before the reader knows it, he/she has finished the book. But be prepared - have the next in the series, Dragonfly in Amber, ready to read or go through withdrawal.

Reviewed by Jessica