This book is truly an extremely cool companion book to the Outlander series.

It contains a plethora of glossaries, including those for characters, Gaelic pronunciations and meanings, and so on.

Surprisingly, considering its thickness, it can be read much faster than one might expect.

Unless, of course, you wish to read all that detailed information.

If you have been reading the books, you probably already know about most of it, so it serves more as a reference rather than something to be read cover to cover.

However, I do not recommend reading it until after you have completed "Drums of Autumn".

I made the mistake of reading it while I was in the midst of reading "Voyager", and it contains spoilers.

The author wrote it while she was working on "The Fiery Cross", so there is information in there that pertains to up through Book 4.

Overall, it is a useful addition to the Outlander collection, but one must be cautious about when to read it to avoid spoiling the story.

Besides being extremely useful to readers who have taken a long break in the middle of a series and wish to recall the events of the previous books before resuming their reading, \\n  The Outlandish Companion\\n offers a fascinating look into the writer's creative process. It details how the first book came into being and the extensive research that went into further developing the story of Claire Randall Fraser.

I was pleasantly surprised by her practical and down-to-earth perspective on the craft of writing, as well as all the little (self)ironies regarding what it means to be a writer of historical fiction. She humorously remarks, ““I’ve done my research, and now you’re going to pay.” That is, novels that include mind-numbing masses of detail, because the author can’t bear to “waste” any of the effort spent in research.” Although Gabaldon is not the type of writer who inundates her readers with page after page of descriptions and historical facts, she is careful to acknowledge her own missteps and even responds to the criticism her books have received over the years.

I adored the small illustrations that are scattered throughout each chapter. Just by flipping through the book, one can appreciate the significant amount of work that went into the production of this companion.

I eagerly look forward to reading volume 5!

This is an outstanding reference for enthusiasts of the Outlander series.

I was mainly intrigued by the synopses of books 1 - 4. It served as a wonderful refresher for my memory before I resumed the series from where I had left off.

Subsequently, after delving into Volume II to listen to the synopses of books 5 & 6, I circled back to the remaining part of this audiobook and truly relished it.

The synopses are extremely detailed and expertly crafted (narrated by the audiobook narrator of the entire series, Davina Porter). It was an absolute delight to hear the rest of the chapters/essays read by Diana herself.

I also possess the print book, and the genuine reference sections are omitted from the audiobook (primarily the extensive cast of characters, the Gaelic guide, and the annotated bibliography). I'm glad they are available for reference as I persist in reading the series, but I highly doubt they were intended to be read continuously.

Essentially, the audiobook encompassed all the portions of this companion volume that could reasonably be savored as "read" rather than merely referenced, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'll keep this within easy reach for when I inevitably encounter a name or word that I'm hazy about as I progress through the series!

I truly wish I had possessed this book as a valuable reference while I was engrossed in reading the initial four installments of the series.

It commences by presenting a concise synopsis of the first several books, which serves as a useful refresher or introduction for those new to the series. Subsequently, it delves deep into some of the crucial "why" questions regarding character development. This exploration offers profound insights into the minds and motives of the characters, enhancing the reader's understanding and appreciation of the story.

If you have already perused the books and found yourself grappling with the pronunciation of all the Gaelic words, fear not! This book comes to the rescue by elucidating the phonetic rules for Gaelic and demonstrating how the words are utilized in context. Moreover, it reveals some of the subtleties of meaning that might elude a direct translation, adding an extra layer of depth to the language. The words are conveniently arranged by book, enabling you to use it as a sort of concordance as you progress through your reading.

Admittedly, there were certain sections that I chose not to bother reading, such as the astrological charting of the main characters. Frankly, I couldn't care less about that aspect. However, I did thoroughly enjoy the sections that discussed how Diana developed her characters early in the books, laying the groundwork for the intricate details that would come into play in later stories. It was truly a delight to discover the thought and care that went into the creation of these beloved characters.

I listened to this particular audio as a means to rejuvenate my memory regarding the earlier books in the series. Currently, I am engrossed in reading the latest addition, namely "Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone".

The synopses provided for the first four books proved to be extremely helpful. It served as a wonderful refresher, allowing me to recall the important events and storylines. Additionally, the extra material about Diana's writing process was truly fascinating. It gave me an insight into the mind of the author and how she crafts her engaging tales.

Despite the fact that Diana herself, who narrates all except the synopses, is a rather poor reader, I still listened to it all. She reads at an alarmingly fast pace, making it difficult to fully absorb the details. Moreover, her expression lacks depth and emotion, which somewhat detracts from the overall experience. It is evident that some coaching would be highly beneficial for her before she undertakes more narrations of this kind.

Don't get me wrong, Gabaldon is truly one of my all-time favorite authors. In fact, she is among the select few from whom I possess autographed copies of their books.

She has a penchant for writing hefty tomes, and I must admit, I can't resist them.

This particular book serves as an excellent companion to the first four installments of the series. We're all eagerly awaiting the arrival of book number ten, but in the meantime, there are several Lord John books, a graphic novel, and a collection of short stories to keep us occupied. What I truly enjoy about this companion is the fascinating insights it provides into Herself's (as affectionately titled by fans) writing process and research. It also showcases her sharp wit and delightful sense of humor. The synopses of the first four books are incredibly useful when a new book is released, especially if it has been a while since the reader last did a reread (a common occurrence among fans - I've lost count of how many times I've devoured these books. Granted, since I began reading before the fifth book premiered, I've read the earlier books in order more frequently than the later ones. Additionally, I own audio versions of all the books, so I've listened to them just as often as I've read them).

I initially read the print version of this book when it was first released. However, this time around, I listened to a recently acquired audio version, which is apparently from an edited and updated edition, including information about the show based on the books. When the original was published, the idea of a show wasn't even in the works as movie ideas were being tossed around. And let's face it, trying to cram any one of these rich and detailed books into a two-hour movie would be a Herculean task. I found this a bit disconcerting, especially since there is a second Companion based on the later books where this discussion would have more naturally belonged.

A mere 550 pages, but many are devoted to an impressive bibliography, glossary and pronunciation guide, and an intriguing listing of Gaelic quotes & Celtic music sources.

My absolute favorite part is the Prologue. Do not flip by this delight! Gabaldon opens up about herself (education, job history, and what possessed her to begin writing what would become Outlander).

The explanation of the theme (and this summation does not do it justice): "It is about what it takes for two people to STAY together for 50 years or more. She wanted to tell not the story of a courtship but the story of a marriage. She never gets 'tired' about writing about the characters because they grow and change. They get older, and their lives become more complex. They develop new depths and facets, all the while remaining true to their basic personalities."

In the Companion, the author explains many passages (think mini-summary), then offers the actual quote from the particular book she's discussing. In the case of #1 (Outlander), I loved reading again about the scene in the grotto at the abbey in France. Claire tells Jamie she is pregnant: "They lay in a heap of robes and bare legs, giggling helplessly, drunk more with love than wine..... The moon above was a Christmas moon, so large as to almost fill the empty windows. It seems no wonder that the tides of the sea and woman should be subject to the pull of that stately orb, so close and so commanding. But my own tides moved no longer to that chaste and sterile summons, and the knowledge of my freedom raced like danger through my blood. I have a gift for you, Jamie, and slid his hand over the plane of my still-flat stomach." That passage is totally Gabaldon style.... what a classy way to announce a pregnancy!!!

So much of her storytelling requires research (she's frank to explain that). The amazing point is that she does ALL her own research. How many authors today can say that??? Yes, she has a broad base of knowledge regarding science (multiple degrees), but still! An example was in this passage where Claire literally runs down archdemon Jonathan Randall. "The shock was so great that for a moment everything seemed paradoxically normal. My adrenal glands hastened to remedy the situation, dumping such a dose of adrenaline into my bloodstream that my heart contracted like a squeezed fist."

Another factoid I appreciated: Gabaldon explains where she got Claire's medical background. As a graduate student, she took a job teaching the lab portion of a human anatomy and physiology class. To supplement the family income while her hubby was getting his MBA, she actually taught Human Anatomy & Physiology at a Philadelphia community college and parleyed that into teaching A&P to nursing students at Temple University and to science students at Arizona State.

Reading this Companion is a must, but I recommend it after reading the books and watching the TV series. SO helpful and enlightening! I could go on... obviously I am gobsmacked by the storytelling of Ms Gabaldon and am hooked on all things Claire and Jamie.

Moreover, the Companion provides in-depth insights into the characters and their development. It allows readers to understand the thought process behind Gabaldon's writing decisions. For example, when she describes how Jamie and Claire's relationship evolves over time, it gives us a deeper appreciation for the complexity of their bond.

The Companion also offers a behind-the-scenes look at the research that went into creating the rich and detailed world of Outlander. Gabaldon's attention to detail is truly remarkable, and it shows in every page of her books.

In conclusion, if you're a fan of the Outlander series, this Companion is an essential addition to your collection. It will enhance your reading experience and give you a greater understanding and appreciation for the work of Diana Gabaldon.

Outlander is a captivating and engaging series that has taken the world by storm.

The story follows the adventures of Claire Randall, a World War II nurse who mysteriously finds herself transported back in time to 18th century Scotland.

As she navigates this unfamiliar world, she meets the dashing and heroic Jamie Fraser, and the two embark on a passionate and tumultuous romance.

The show is known for its stunning cinematography, rich historical detail, and complex characters.

The chemistry between the lead actors is palpable, and the story keeps viewers on the edge of their seats with its many twists and turns.

Overall, Outlander is a must-see for fans of historical romance, adventure, and drama. It is a beautifully crafted series that will leave you longing for more.

I found this companion truly fascinating.

It was a delight to gain a "behind the scenes" perspective on Gabaldon's writing process.

Not only that, but I also got to learn a smidgen of history along the way.

Admittedly, this sort of book may not be to everyone's taste.

However, I am extremely glad that I read it.

It has given me a newfound appreciation for the Outlander books and Gabaldon's remarkable writing.

The details and insights provided in this companion have enhanced my understanding and enjoyment of the entire series.

It's like having a special key that unlocks a whole new world within the pages of Gabaldon's novels.

I would highly recommend this companion to any die-hard Outlander fan or anyone interested in learning more about the creative process behind such captivating literature.

Updating with review

I don't really have a specific rating for this book, nor do I have a truly in-depth review. This is one of those rather unique types of books that makes it quite challenging to offer a comprehensive assessment.

The Outlandish Companion serves as a reference book (of a particular kind) for the first four Outlander books, namely Outlander - Drums of Autumn. Overall, I discovered that the information presented in this book was both interesting and useful. It is structured in clearly labelled sections, which is extremely beneficial for readers who are seeking specific details rather than desiring to sit down and read the entire book from cover to cover.

I am eagerly looking forward to reading Volume 2, which pertains to the next four books in the series. Additionally, I sincerely hope that Gabaldon will release a third volume for the final books in the series, as it would无疑 provide further valuable insights and enhance the overall reading experience of this captivating series.

My mom is a die-hard Outlander fan, and over the past few days, I've dedicated many hours to reading this book aloud to her.

Spending our time in this manner has been truly enjoyable for both of us. The book has its share of parts that we absolutely adored and others that didn't quite pique our interest but might be fascinating for others, like the details about the herbs and medicine that Claire delves into.

We took great pleasure in uncovering some of the finer nuances of the author's research that contributed to the intricate details of the books. For instance, the existence of a real James Fraser, a Madam Hildegard, and others added an extra layer of authenticity.

We were overjoyed to hear that the author has plans to write a prequel about Jamie's parents. The idea of a novel about Master Raymond also thrilled us. And above all, we loved the fact that she intends to give this massive tale a happy ending.

If you're an Outlander enthusiast, I wholeheartedly recommend this volume. It's as if you have the opportunity to pose all the questions you've ever had about the books directly to the author. So far, she has pretty much answered everything that has crossed my mind and even some things I hadn't considered yet.

We also have the next volume, and we'll see if we're eager to immerse ourselves in that one as well.

Fascinating it is to uncover the backstory of the books that have had me completely hooked ever since Outlander was first published.

The extensive research, profound thought, unwavering determination, arduous hard work, and boundless love that are poured into each and every one of these books vividly demonstrate just how passionate Ms. Gabaldon is about achieving writing excellence. It also reveals how much of her own life she has dedicated to educating and entertaining her millions of fans across the globe.

I have devoured the entire series, along with the "in betweens" and the Lord John books. Moreover, I eagerly watch the TV series every year. I am certain that I will read them over and over again.

While doing so, I often find myself daydreaming about a tall, red-headed lad with a handsome and charming face.

And I am constantly waiting for the next book in the series to grace the shelves.

Hurry up, Ms. Gabaldon - I'm in desperate need of my fix!