Book Review: Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Title: Outlander
Author: Diana Gabaldon
Series/Standalone: Outlander Series (Book #1)
Genre: Historical Fiction, Adult Fiction, Romance
Pages: 627
Publisher: Anchor Publishing Canada
Year Published: 2001
Format: Paperback (Own It)
First Line: "People disappear all the time."

"Claire Randall is leading a double life. She has a husband in one century, and a lover in another. In 1945, Claire Randall, a former combat nurse, is back from the war and reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon-- when she innocently touches a boulder in one of the ancient stone circles that dot the British Isles. Suddenly she is a Sassenach-- an 'outlander'-- in a Scotland torn by war and raiding border clans in the year of our Lord... 1743.

Hurled back in time by forces she cannot understand, Claire's destiny is soon inextricably intertwined with Clan MacKenzie and the forbidden Castle Leoch. She is catapulted without warning into the intrigues of lairds and spies that may threaten her life... and shatter her heart. For here, Jamie Fraser, a gallant young Scots warrior, shows her a passion so fierce and a love so absolute that Claire becomes a woman torn between fidelity and desire... and between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives"

My Rating: 5/5

Since I've joined the bookish community there has always been a buzz around the Outlander Series.  I'll agree with those who do not appreciate aspects of this storyline and it is problematic. There are also points where this story made me feel slightly uncomfortable. Strong alert for rape, sexual assault and physical abuse. That being said, in the time period where this takes place, this is not exactly surprising. That being said I loved the grit and the dark aspects of the storyline along with the many characters. After finishing this book I can not wait for more and plan to continue the series throughout the year.
Certainly a new favorite.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny