Outlander is my all-time favorite book series, and it also happens to be one of my favorite shows. This particular resource is truly a treasure trove for fans.

The author, Diana Gabaldon, delves into great detail about her writing process. She shares the inspiration behind each story, the painstaking research she does, and the creative decisions that shape the narrative.

Moreover, her character analysis is simply fascinating. She brings to life the complex personalities of the main characters, Jamie and Claire, as well as the supporting cast. We get to understand their motives, their fears, and their desires.

Reading or listening to Diana Gabaldon speak about Outlander is like being invited into her creative world. It's a truly immersive experience that makes me love the series even more. I can't recommend it enough to fellow fans.

I loved every moment of it and can't wait to see what she has in store for us next.

Learning about how she began (and continued) writing was truly fascinating. Her approach to historical fiction holds great interest as well. However, the outdated explanations of online forums, while perhaps initially charming, soon became tiresome.

I firmly believe that this work has more allure in its physical book form. I read it through the app Libby, which unfortunately mangled the formatting and, although hinting at it, mostly spoiled the aesthetics.

I have perused all the Outlander books, along with the side-stories, and have also watched the show. Nevertheless, I am not an ardent superfan eagerly seeking every obscure detail. For a casual fan like me, skimming was the crucial strategy.

This was a truly excellent companion book to the initial four volumes in the series.

It offers fascinating insights into the author's research methods and her writing process.

The updated edition also includes detailed information about the production of the TV series, commencing from its development stage all the way through to the shooting phase.

Interestingly, the author herself had a minor role in the TV series.

This additional aspect adds an extra layer of authenticity and interest to the book.

Readers who are fans of the series will surely appreciate this in-depth look at the behind-the-scenes work that goes into both the books and the TV adaptation.

It provides a more comprehensive understanding of the entire creative endeavor and enriches the overall reading experience.

Whether you are new to the series or a long-time enthusiast, this companion book is well worth exploring.

Interestingly, Gabaladon writes that many of her historical links are accidental.

For example, Mother Hildegarde was not a researched character but a created one. However, coincidentally, she turned out to have similarities with the previously unknown by Gabaldon, Hildegarde von Bingen. This was astonishing to me as a reader who recognized von Bingen as soon as Mother Hildegarde entered the story.

And it's not the only instance. She does not address the famous pirate Bonnet and his similarities with Stephen Bonnet. Apparently, it's just a coincidence.

This was my main takeaway from this companion. I have no idea what to make of it! It makes me wonder if there are other hidden connections or coincidences in her work that I haven't yet discovered. Maybe these accidental links add an extra layer of depth and mystery to the story. Or perhaps they are just random occurrences that don't really mean anything. Either way, it's an interesting aspect of Gabaladon's writing that keeps me engaged and curious.

This is 100% a book tailor-made for Outlander fans.

The author offers a comprehensive and in-depth look into the characters, their thought processes, and the extensive research that was involved in creating the first four books of this captivating series.

I found the section on frequently asked questions that the author receives about the books to be truly engaging. It provided valuable insights into the minds of the fans and the author's responses were both enlightening and entertaining.

The section on important objects from the books was equally fascinating. It added an extra layer of depth to the story and allowed me to appreciate the significance of these objects on a whole new level.

I alternated between listening to the audiobook and reading the physical copy. The audiobook, which is read by the author herself, is a real treat. It is truly wonderful to hear her thoughts and interpretations in her own voice.

Overall, this is a fun and engaging read that I would highly recommend to any Outlander fan. It offers a unique perspective on the series and is sure to enhance your enjoyment of the books.

If you are new to the Outlander universe, this book is truly a gem worth picking up.

It not only provides detailed summaries of the first books in this remarkable series, but also offers different chapters on various aspects.

The author shares where she got her ideas for the characters, her thought process on writing, information about herbal cures, a list of music that would bring Scotland to mind, frequently asked questions, Jamie and Claire's horoscopes, a listing of other books to read once this series is exhausted, and many other interesting tidbits.

Although I didn't read all of it, the parts I did read were extremely interesting. I skimmed through some of the other sections and found the ones I picked out to be useful.

I highly recommend this book to both new readers and long-time fans of the Outlander series. It offers a wealth of information and insights that enhance the overall reading experience.

Whether you're looking to deepen your understanding of the story, explore the author's creative process, or simply discover new books to read, this book has something for everyone.

So, don't hesitate to pick up this gem and embark on a journey through the wonderful world of Outlander.

The perfect culmination for every follower of the Outlander saga.

There is extra historical information, including details about languages, places, and more that appear throughout the story of Claire and Jamie.

This provides not only highly entertaining content but also proves to be extremely useful.

Readers will be captivated by the in-depth exploration of the historical context, which enriches their understanding of the story.

The inclusion of language and place details adds an extra layer of authenticity, making the world of Claire and Jamie come alive.

Whether you are a die-hard fan of the Outlander series or simply interested in historical fiction, this article offers a wealth of interesting and valuable information.

It is a must-read for anyone looking to enhance their experience of the Outlander saga.

So, dive in and discover the hidden gems within the story of Claire and Jamie.

You won't be disappointed.

This is an interesting book, especially for those who are writers and eager to learn more about the author's writing process.

As a writer, the moderator of a writing group, and a municipal liaison for National Novel Writing Month, I discovered a wealth of information that I can apply to myself, my group, and when inspiring people in Yuma county to embrace the NaNoWriMo challenge.

Even non-writers who have an interest in the author's process can take pleasure in this book. It allows you to get in touch with the first four books through their synopses and then offers selections from the next two books.

It provides a unique opportunity to peek into the minds of the author and gain valuable insights that can enhance one's own writing or simply satisfy the curiosity about the creative process.

Whether you are a seasoned writer or just starting out, this book has something to offer and is definitely worth a read.

Outlander fans will truly appreciate this remarkable book, which serves as the ultimate companion guide to accompany "Outlander," "Dragonfly in Amber," "Voyager," and "Drums of Autumn."

The end papers of this book feature two maps. One page showcases the American colonial coast, while the opposite page displays Scotland.

Part One offers a concise synopsis of the four books, providing a quick recap for readers.

Part Two delves into the depth of the characters and their horoscopes, adding an interesting layer of analysis.

Part Three presents family trees, helping readers to better understand the complex relationships within the story.

Part Four includes a comprehensive glossary and pronunciation guide, which not only contains a brief guide to Gaelic grammar but also a comprehensive glossary of foreign terms, including British slang.

Part Five features a website dedicated to Diana Gabaldon and the Outlander books, providing fans with additional resources and information.

Part Six explores researching historical fiction and offers valuable insights into botanical medicine.

Part Seven addresses the origin of titles and Gabaldon's theory of time travel, adding an element of mystery and intrigue.

Part Eight focuses on Lallybroch, a significant location in the series.

Part Nine presents frequently asked questions, answering some of the most common queries from fans.

Part Ten delves into the controversy surrounding the series, providing a balanced perspective.

Part Eleven showcases works in progress and excerpts from future books, leaving readers eagerly anticipating what's to come.

The book concludes with an annotated bibliography and detailed appendixes, offering a wealth of additional information for those who wish to further explore the world of Outlander.

Reviewed for THC Reviews

\\"4.5 stars\\" The Outlandish Companion is an essential reference guide for all things Outlander. It covers the first four volumes of the series, and while Diana Gabaldon is reportedly working on a second volume for the subsequent books. As a die-hard fan, I devoured this book from start to finish and mostly found it highly enjoyable. Like most books of this kind, some sections were extremely interesting, helpful, and inspiring, while others didn't quite capture my attention. Fortunately, those were few and far between. Reading it straight through made the repetitions more noticeable, but I think the author was just being thorough for readers who might pick and choose sections based on their interests.

Overall, this is an informative book that I believe is a must-have for any true Outlander fan. Below is a detailed overview of each section:

The prologue tells the complete story of how Outlander came to be, from the idea's inception to its publication. I'd read some of this before, but it was nice to have it presented linearly and in detail.

Part One offers comprehensive synopses of the first four books, which would be great for refreshing your memory before starting a new book or watching the TV show. It's especially useful if you don't have time for a full re-read.

Part Two focuses on characters. It begins with Gabaldon's explanation of how she develops and names her characters, including real-life personages. This was fascinating from both a reader's and a writer's perspective. It also includes a complete cast of characters in glossary format, a primer on astrology, and an account of how Claire got her medical background.

Part Three provides detailed genealogical information for the main families. While the narrative genealogy was a bit dry, the family tree charts were helpful in understanding the relationships.

Part Four is a comprehensive glossary and pronunciation guide for all the foreign terms in the first four novels. It includes Gaelic, Scots dialect, and other languages. The only drawback is that the words aren't arranged alphabetically.

Part Five lists outlandish websites and online venues, but unfortunately, most of them are outdated.

Part Six offers an overview on researching historical fiction and an explanation of Gabaldon's research into herbal medicine. It also includes a thread from an online forum where she asked for feedback on her use of penicillin.

Part Seven explores where the titles of the books come from and presents Gabaldon's theory of time travel, which is both detailed and fascinating.

Part Eight, The View from Lallybroch, is a bit of a mystery. It seems to be a collection of random excerpts, anecdotes, and illustrations, but its purpose isn't entirely clear.

Part Nine is a list of frequently asked questions and Gabaldon's answers. It includes questions about the writing craft and character motivations, which can help readers better understand the story.

Part Ten delves into the controversy surrounding some of the elements in the story, such as sex, language, and homosexuality. Gabaldon's responses are articulate and well-reasoned, and I found myself in agreement with her on all points.

Part Eleven includes excerpts from future books, but I skipped most of this section as I prefer to read the full books when they're released. However, I did enjoy The Cannibal's Art, which gave a peek into the life of a best-selling author.

In the back of the book, there's an annotated bibliography, seven appendices covering various topics, and a list of recommended books for readers waiting for the next Outlander installment. This book is packed with information and is a must-have for any Outlander fan. So, pick it up and start exploring!

A brilliant dive into the mind of the author of Outlander.

It was truly an amazing experience, as if one were spending a day in one's big sister's kitchen. She would effortlessly jump from one subject to the next.

For instance, in the middle of a chapter on research, there would suddenly be a recipe for her favourite curry!

This book is a great resource for anyone aspiring to become a novelist. It is filled with lots of valuable advice and a no-holds-barred look into what it truly takes to write a successful novel.

It offers insights into the creative process, the challenges faced, and the strategies to overcome them.

Hopefully, I will be able to get my hands on Volume 2 soon, as I am eager to learn more from this talented author.

I can't wait to see what other gems of wisdom and inspiration she has in store for us in the next volume.

This book has truly whetted my appetite for more and has left me feeling motivated and inspired to pursue my own writing dreams.

I had read the first five Outlander books several years ago. At that time, it was a wonderful reading experience that left a deep impression on me. Recently, I decided to continue reading the series and move on to the next four books. However, due to the passage of time, I had forgotten some of the details and storylines of the previous books. This is where my previous reading came in handy. It was invaluable in getting me back up to speed. By refreshing my memory of the first five books, I was able to better understand and enjoy the subsequent books. I was able to pick up where I left off and follow the adventures of the characters with greater ease. Overall, my previous reading of the first five Outlander books was a great help in my journey to complete the series.