So, here's the thing.

I read this book when I was 15 years old - about 13 years ago - and I thought it was the greatest thing ever. Time travel has always been my one true love. However, while reading it, the 'romance' took a back seat for me because there were so many fascinating time travel and historical elements. The Claire/Jamie bits didn't stick in my mind as much as the overall story arc.

Now, 13 years later, with the surge in popularity due to the show, I'm realizing how wrong this book is and how horrible Jamie and Claire's'relationship' is. She gets forced into a marriage and raped on their forced wedding night and numerous times after that. No. It's a myriad of abuse wrapped up in fake love. Their romance is described as 'passionate' and'swoon worthy' even though it originated from a place of sexual assault and abuse.

This goes to show how influential books can be, especially to young readers. I read this as a teenager and saw nothing wrong with it - I even read three more books in this series afterwards. If I read this for the first time today as a 28-year-old, I don't think I would have given it the 4 stars I gave it all those years ago.

I think I would have been disgusted.

EDIT: I'm well aware that 'back then' rape was more commonplace. I'm also well aware that this book was written several decades ago. It still doesn't change the fact that I found the romanticized rape/abuse disgusting.

✨6th reread! I have just completed my sixth reading of this amazing series, and I am once again astounded by the number of details and nuances that I missed during my previous reads.

It's truly remarkable how this series seems to hold certain parts hostage, revealing new treasures with each reread. I am convinced that it is nothing short of magic.

My favorite series ever!!

**I just finished my 5th reread of Outlander, and I have to admit that I didn't think it was possible to fall even deeper in love with a series, but this one has proven me wrong.

There are so many details and parts that jumped out at me this time, things that I can't wait to discuss on my upcoming podcast.

Two things that have become more solid over the past 7 years are my intense, deep, abiding love for Jamie Fraser and my deep respect and awe for Claire.

The indecision and struggle she faces as she contemplates going back through the stones until she realizes that she fiercely loves this red-headed Scot named Jamie, whom she had to marry to save her life, only to fall deeply and madly in love with him.

I literally hold my breath every time during that scene when Jamie takes her to the stones. The pain on his face, portraying the agony in his heart, is simply heart-wrenching.

I don't know what's worse in the BJR parts. Whether it's actually seeing the brutality onscreen, which was superbly acted out, or reading it on the page due to the exact details that made my heart ache for Jamie.

Jamie and Claire are it for me. They are my otp, and I love them with all my heart. I'm excited to go through all the big books again, and this time, I'll be adding the novellas, side books, and companions for the first time!

2021:

**This is the 4th time I've read this book since 2015. Here are a few things I am most sure of:

1. Jamie Alexander Malcolm MacKenzie Fraser is my top book husband of ALL time.

2. I have fallen deeper in love with him during this 4th read and second time rewatching season 1.

3. I am able to appreciate this series much more now that I have removed myself from all fandoms and became my own "fandom," so to speak.

4. No one will ever dictate how I am to feel about any book, character, or show ever again. It's been this way for over two years now.

5. This is my #1 series of all time. Jamie & Claire for life!

\\n  **** 4.5 I Fell In Love STARS****\\n


\\n  - Reto 2018 Un libro de más de 400 páginas\\n


\\n  - PopSugar Reading Challenge # 24 Un libro acerca de viajes en el tiempo \\n


\\n  \\n   

—Ah, Sassenach —contestó con cierto pesar—. Soy tu amo…, eres mía. Parece que no puedo poseer tu alma sin perder la mía.

\\n  \\n





This is a rather intense and beautiful book. Although I admit that the beginning was very difficult for me. It was too slow with many descriptions. I think reading so many books where the relationships and interactions between the protagonists occur from the first or second chapter has spoiled me. But that doesn't take away how much I liked it and how happy I am to have read it.


HISTORIA


Clare and Frank Randall are a married couple who, after World War II ends, travel to Scotland before settling in England. Frank is a historian who is obsessed with his family tree and discovers interesting data about his lineage. One day, Claire goes for a walk on some rocks where many stories and legends are told. Suddenly, in the blink of an eye, she finds herself in the same place but in a different time 200 years ago.


PERSONAJES Y FANGIRLEO INTENSO


Who has a new Book Boyfriend and new father of their children? YOOOO


ME ENAMORÉ, ME ENA-ENA-NAMORÉ…
Mira qué cosa bonita
Qué boca más redondita
Me gusta esa barbita.





It was inevitable not to fall in love with Jamie Fraser. And there is only one way to describe him and that is PURE PERFECTION. From the first moment he appeared, my Book Boyfriend detector was activated.





The man is pure love. Every phrase he said was worthy of being framed. I swear my ebook was all underlined. He had such a poetic way of saying things that I had to mark them. He had such a relaxed way of being, no filter when saying things, his sense of humor. I loved everything about him. He was protective, loyal, and loving.


\\n  \\n   

—No fuiste la primera mujer que besé —susurró—. Pero te juro que serás la última. —Y agachó la cabeza hacia mi rostro expectante.

\\n  \\n





His innocence and not being a sex god was a plus. But that didn't stop him from being insatiable. The man wanted to do it all the time and Claire had no complaints. Their sex scenes were well done, not too explicit.





\\n  \\n   

—Cuando pregunté a mi padre cómo sabría cuál era la mujer correcta, me respondió que llegado el momento, no tendría ninguna duda. Y así fue. Cuando desperté en la oscuridad bajo aquel árbol en el camino a Leoch, contigo sentada en mi pecho y maldiciéndome por dejarme sangrar hasta morir, me dije: «Jamie Fraser, a pesar de su aspecto y de lo que pesa, ésta es la mujer».

\\n  \\n


The relationship between Claire and Jaime was slow and beautiful. You don't realize when it turns from a relationship of sexual attraction to one full of love. And like Claire, I would have chosen Jaime one thousand times ALWAYS.





This story made me laugh, fall in love, suffer, almost cry, and also made me hate and be furious with rage. I have never had such a desire to enter a book and kill someone. Well, yes, Artemis the cow goddess of the Dark hunters. If I had that power, I swear I would brutally torture Jonathan Randall, that wretched, sick, disgusting dog. I HATE HIM.





The final part was a real heartbreaker. How I hurt for Jamie's suffering. I was on the verge of screaming. What happened to him is HORRIBLE. But at least the end was beautiful and hopeful. But seeing that I have a lot of books left, I'm not getting my hopes up too much.


Pd: Now I'm going to watch the series that I've been really looking forward to.

Even though it has been out for a long time, my knowledge about Diana Gabaldon's Outlander was extremely limited. Truly, the only thing I was certain of was that it was a time-travel novel with a heavy emphasis on romance and was definitely set in Scotland. Since romance isn't typically my go-to genre, I made a conscious effort to set aside my expectations and simply enjoy the book. And for the most part, I did enjoy it. The writing was of a high quality, the dialogue and description effectively evoked the setting, and there were strong and well-developed characters. However, there was also a great deal to think about that prevented me from fully immersing myself in the novel.

I wasn't overly charmed by the romance that lies at the heart of Outlander, but I did find the dynamics between the characters intriguing. Claire Randall, a World War II combat nurse who is transported to 18th-century Scotland, marries a younger man, an outlaw Scottish Highland warrior named James Fraser (Jamie). As the story progresses, it becomes evident that Claire has more passion for her newfound love than she does for her professor husband (Frank Randall) in 1945. Jamie is an outlaw bad boy who is, in reality, pure and good, but also somewhat sadistic. What some might view as brutish behavior is presented as a realistic portrayal of the times (Scotland in 1743). Maybe that's true, but it allows Gabaldon to place violence at the forefront of sex, relationships, and society. Given that there wasn't a particularly strong plot, this aspect, for the most part, kept the story moving along at a reasonable pace. Still, for me, it was a bit disconcerting.

Rather than being plot-driven, Outlander seemed very episodic. There were nearly countless violent encounters and subsequent recoveries from injuries. Claire's initial goal of returning to her own time and her (other) husband had seemed like a driving force of the narrative, but that goal takes a backseat to the action for much of the book. And then, when Claire chooses to stay in the 18th century, it disappears entirely. I was intrigued by the brief appearance of fellow time traveler, Geillis Duncan, who, along with Claire, is tried as a witch. So, even though it was episodic, there were interesting elements. While I was interested in how Gabaldon constructed this world and thought the writing was good (and mostly enjoyed it), I doubt I will continue the series. 3.5 stars.

Finally rereading this so I can read the sequels!

This book has always held a special place in my heart. The story is so captivating and engaging that I find myself getting lost in its pages every time I pick it up.

And the TV show is so, so good! I’m in love with it.

The adaptation has done an amazing job of bringing the characters and the world to life. The actors have truly embodied the essence of the characters, making it even more enjoyable to watch.

Can’t wait to see my unicorn - Jaime, he’s hot. - because damn is that man real?

Jaime is one of my favorite characters in the series. His charm, wit, and good looks make him irresistible. I’m always excited to see what he’ll do next.

Hilariously enough, three years later, in the very same month of June as I last did, I have completed my third reread of the book. I'm not entirely sure if it's the approach of my birthday that makes me want to reread or perhaps the premiering of the 7th season around this time (most probably the latter). One difference I've noticed is that despite my deep love for both the book and the series, I feel inclined to dock one more star. Maybe it's because I've read it multiple times now, but I no longer feel the same intense attachment I had at the beginning. I still wholeheartedly love the story and the show, but the book can be a bit long-winded at times. Another aspect that I completely missed during my first two readings was the presence of religion as a major driving force. Although it makes an appearance towards the end of the book, you do understand its significance through the last message. In truth, I don't find it off-putting; I'm just now becoming aware of it.

One thing that remains the same for me is that I'm in no rush to read the second book. As a matter of fact, I might just stick to the TV show alone. Caitríona Balfe and Sam Heugan are more than enough to keep me loving the show.

Finally, after a very long gap between readings, I finished this amazing book. Don't be discouraged; the only reason it took me so long to finish was simply because the book is quite long, and it has nothing to do with the book itself. This is entirely my fault. I won't go into too much detail about the book mainly because there are already many spectacular reviews out there, and mine would pale in comparison. As a long-time fan of the TV series, reading the book was a must for me. Kudos to whoever selected the roles and cast Claire and Jamie because I haven't seen an adaptation that casts its characters as well as Outlander did. The huge number of fans the show has is mainly due to the amazing cast with their incredible chemistry and the overwhelming (in a positive way) story that the show offers. Hats off to Diana Gabaldon for writing such a detailed story. Even with my limited knowledge, I could tell that she did a wonderful job of keeping track of the historical events (with the small exception of the witch burning, which she admitted herself) and giving us not only a timeless romance but also a glimpse into the times of Scotland that are not often explored. The detailed accuracy and the beauty of the writing magically transport us to Scotland and create an unforgettable image.

Despite its beauty, I'm going to take a short break before delving into the second book. After all, the length of the book really does tire me a little, mainly because of my hectic schedule that rarely gives me any free time to read a book as magnificent as this. This book truly deserves all the attention a reader can give. Read it, people. That's all I have to say. Just read this freaking book because it's awesome!!!!!! -End of review-

Reading this almost 10 years later, and so many of my thoughts and opinions about this one have changed. The content warnings on this are lengthy, but I would like to point out that there is an absurd amount of sexual violence inflicted on the characters.

Outlander is adored by numerous people. To be honest, I was one of those individuals nearly 10 years ago. As an undergraduate history major, there were many appealing aspects at first glance. And that's precisely what makes this book such a conflicting read. On one hand, learning more about the Scottish Highlands, the clans, the Jacobite uprising, the relationship between the Scots and English, etc., is truly fascinating. Although I'm certain that Gabaldon takes some liberties with her literary interpretation, it's evident that a great deal of research went into the creation of the novel. I relished the extensive world building and the small yet essential details that enhanced the overall narrative.

Nevertheless, the amount of sexual violence that occurs in this book is cringe-worthy and almost instantly spoiled my reading experience this second time around. While I understand that the role of women during this era is vastly different from where we are today, I feel that Gabaldon could have conveyed this in alternative ways rather than through the incessant amount of rape or attempted rape endured by the female characters. Rape is used to remind women of their place, to demonstrate the dominance of men, and to depict the ill will of a potentially queer character. There is even an issue of consent between Jaimie and Claire at one point. And to be perfectly honest, their relationship is, at best, questionable. I comprehended the conflict that Claire felt when she had to marry and consummate her marriage to Jaime; however, it's a bit odd how quickly she "fell in love" with him, especially after she discovered that she could return to Frank.

The next question is whether I will continue the series or not. Honestly, I'm not sure. The history nerd in me is curious, but the more rational part of me knows that the sexual violence doesn't cease. In fact, from what I've heard, it worsens. To be completely transparent, I'm conflicted. I may attempt the 2nd and 3rd books to see where it leads and then make a decision from there.

Overall, this was an eye-opening disappointment, and I'm truly astonished by my previous enjoyment of the book.

Save your money, folks.

This is a story that is much better experienced through the television than the written word. I know, it's sacrilege for a book reader to admit that they liked the movie/show version better than the book. But in this case, it's an entirely accurate representation of how I felt throughout my reading of this book.

I can't lie; I was completely disappointed by this book. I'm a huge fan of the show and had such high expectations. Instead, I got a watered-down main character in Claire and a shockingly brutish and almost repulsive romantic lead in Jamie. Seriously, the romance in this book is terrible. Diana Gabaldon tried to romanticize a woman having an affair and justified it by making the main villain look like her husband in her own time. Once that's clear, Claire has sex with Jamie every 12 pages or so for a good chunk of the novel, without a care in the world because her conscience is clear. Jamie's treatment of her borders on abusive in several scenes, and it's all a bit of a bummer considering I believed them to be a loving power couple in the show more than here. Here, it feels like Claire is with Jamie out of obligation and lust, not love and respect, which is a huge disappointment.

Speaking of Claire, I hated how watered-down she was in this. I've read many comments on discussion forums for the show where people express their unhappiness with the television version of Claire because of how vocal and boisterous she often is. But that's the Claire I fell in love with. I love that she stands up for herself because she's displaced from her own time and knows she deserves more respect than most men give her in the past. In this book, Claire is so weak as a narrative force that watching paint dry would often be more interesting. She has no passion, no drive. There's no urgency in her narrative to return home through the stones or even to save Jamie when he's in danger. I don't know why Gabaldon chose to write this in the first person if she didn't want to capture the urgency of being in such a situation.

Some other issues I had:

- Claire is a genius with a photographic memory. Seriously, she knows everything and forgets nothing. Even when she was bored listening to Frank and another character discuss history, she remembers every detail months later, down to the smallest detail or the most random date.

- All the laughing. Either Gabaldon thinks her written conversations are much funnier than they are, or laughter is just her go-to dialogue tag. It made many exchanges between characters just plain cringeworthy. The only thing I was laughing at was how stilted the dialogue often was.

- Gabaldon is not as good at writing sex scenes as she thinks. They're just ordinary and boring in this, and considering there are about 50 of them, that's not good. The few times she tries to spice it up, she resorts to spousal abuse and then rape, which is not great either.

I'm giving this a 2/5 mostly because I still love the show.

I have a rather interesting stance when it comes to books and TV shows.

I truly hate the books. There's something about the written words on those pages that just doesn't click with me. Maybe it's the lack of visual stimulation or the slow pace at which the story unfolds.

However, when it comes to the TV show, it's a completely different story. I absolutely adore it! The vivid images, the engaging characters, and the fast-paced action all draw me in and keep me hooked from start to finish.

The TV show brings the story to life in a way that the books simply can't. It allows me to experience the story in a more immersive and exciting way.

I can't get enough of it and will eagerly tune in every time a new episode airs.

So, while I may have a strong aversion to books, my love for the TV show knows no bounds.

For me, the most remarkable aspect of this book was the surprisingly limited amount of actual events that took place within its pages.

There was, of course, a touch of time travel, along with some fighting scenes, a witch trial, an arrest, and a subsequent rescue. These elements were all well and good.

However, in between these points of interest, there were literally hundreds of pages filled with糟糕的性爱描写 and dreadfully long-winded anecdotes. Despite being completely uninteresting, these had the characters laughing and gasping for breath as if they were deranged idiots.

There were numerous anachronisms as well. Wolves and wild boars both made appearances, despite having been extinct long before the 18th century. The Gaelic-speaking Highlanders had no difficulty communicating with the English interloper, and our star-struck lovers managed to travel from the North of Scotland to France in a single day. And yes, I understand that it's a fantasy novel, and perhaps I should cut the author some slack by overlooking these minor plot holes.

But still...

By the way, some of the writing here was truly excellent, so it wasn't a complete loss. But my goodness, it was overly verbose, and those sex scenes were pure, PURE cringe-worthy. As a result, I can only give it two stars.

High expectations are a bitch.

The eighteenth century was far from a lady-friendly place. It was, however, a rather interesting setting for authors who wished to play out their rape fantasies. Narrator and nurse Claire Randall was thrust into this era when she passed through a Stonehenge-like stone. Immediately upon arrival, she was mistaken for a whore by patrolling English soldiers. This misunderstanding set the tone for the rest of "Outlander".

Claire was a "go with the flow" type of girl. Her only notable asset seemed to be her tendency to curse like a sailor when faced with badly wounded patients, which shocked the men around her. Gabaldon repeated this trait so often that it was hard not to compare Claire to that other heroine with a lazily assigned trait meant to give her character "oomph" and make her more likable: "Hi, my name's Bella Swan and I’m so clumsy that I stumble over tree roots on every page!" Yup, that one.

Adding to this, the author ensured that Claire didn't have to make difficult decisions on her own by constantly placing her heroine in "one-way street" situations. For example, Claire was forced to marry a 23-year-old, handsome, virginal guy named Jamie because it was a matter of life and death. She had no other option, and besides, she had traveled back in time and her boring husband Frank wasn't even born yet. One of Jamie's friends even claimed that the marriage had to be consummated or bad things would happen. So, it wasn't that Claire was unfaithful or wanted to have hot sex with Jamie. Nooo...it was fate. Poor Claire! Thank goodness virgin Jamie had learned a thing or two from peeping at his copulating horses, so he was able to perform well in bed.

The plot seemed to be stuck in a loop, revolving around Claire traveling across the country with a group of Scots, sometimes encountering evil English soldiers and their cookie-cutter villain leader Randall, who were on a mission to rape Claire (and incidentally kill off a few kilted hotties). Meanwhile, Claire dutifully longed for her future husband Frank in between various mutually enjoyable scenes. At one point, Claire even halfheartedly attempted to escape and return to that darn time travel stone, apparently deciding that traveling alone in a region infested with rape-loving soldiers was a small risk to take.

With one-fourth of the book left, I skipped pages and bravely held on.

Perhaps things would have been different if I'd had a major kilt fetish?

PS: One extra star for the unexpected sodomy scene. >:)

DNF @ 56%

I have finally given up.

This pandemic lockdown was supposed to give me the patience to endure reading this book, but it seems that nothing can make me continue.

After all, life is far too short to be wasting on a story that romanticizes adultery and abuse.

*However, this does not mean that I will stop watching the series.

Let's face it, Sam Heughan is an absolute snack.

I am well aware that I might seem like a hypocrite, but what can I say?

Sue me if you must!