THE OUTLANDER by Diana Gabaldon
The Romance Reader, Listopia and Amazon ALL list THE OUTLANDER as their number one romance novel of all time. Because I apparently had nothing to read one night last week *rolls eyes*, I ordered THE OUTLANDER from KOBO and set my mind on everything love and romance. By the time I was finished (2 nights later) 896 ‘real’ pages, I had to agree: The Outlander is probably the number one romance novel *sigh*.
First published in 1991, The Outlander is a novel of love, romance and betrayal set in both the 18th and 20th centuries. So hold on, grab a coffee or glass of wine, read my review. It is almost as long as the book. : )-(Nevermind-edited it down.)
The Outlander is the first book in Diana Gabaldon’s The Outlander series. The Romance Reader, Listopia and Amazon ALL list The Outlander as the number one romance book of all time. So, I dug in my heels, and forged ahead. Almost 900 pages later, I am exhausted. The premise involves the history between Scotland and England, romance, sex, love, betrayal, violence, medicine, witchcraft, spirituality, torture, rape, time travel and family. But above all else, this is a love story that crosses the centuries: an accidental relationship that was forced between two people, to save their lives and the lives of many more.
Outlander ranks Number ONE on many ‘lists’ as the best romance/love story. Jamie’s love for Claire ranks as one of the most purest forms of love. Even with the knowledge that he may one day lose this woman to another time and place, Jamie is willing to risk it all…and he does.
The Outlander is a long novel. The many different storylines of romance, love and torture at the hands of someone claiming to love, is reminiscent of many abusive relationships. But the relationship between Jamie and Claire, is a love match, that anyone would hold close to their heart. Similar to Acheron by Sherrilyn Kenyon, the hero is tortured beyond comprehension, which once again, left me heartbroken and in many spots-in tears. The Outlander is one story,that I will never forget. As the first book in The Outlander series, I can only surmise, that my heart will be heavy, my eyes will be red, and I will not like the idea that at some point, Claire will return to her own time. The lists and top tens may have it correct-this is one of the best romance stories I have read.
Sandy
READING ORDER: The Outlander series
- Outlander
- Dragonfly In Amber
- Voyager
- Drums of Autumn
- The Fiery Cross
- A Breath of Snow and Ashes
- An Echo In The Bone
- Written In My Own Heart’s Blood: Will be released in early 2013.
