Outlander by Diana Gabaldon (1992)

[warriorofworry]

I got this free edition at WisCon, happily, because I'd been hearing about this author and series and wanted to give it a try. I didn’t exactly dislike it, but I'm trying to figure out what the buzz is all about, and why the series started in this book was more popular on NPR's recent SFF poll than any of C. J. Cherryh's series, for example.

The opening chapters introduce us to the main character, Claire. Despite service as a nurse in WWII, she comes across as immature: self-absorbed and often thoughtless. On her honeymoon with Frank in the Scottish Highlands, she is magically transported to the historical era of the Jacobite uprisings (after conveniently learning much about the era from her husband and other sources).

In the past, there are epic journeys. There is romance, and a marriage of convenience. There is conflict, especially with the rakish ancestor of her husband. There are battles. There is learning how to get along without the perks of 1940's civilization. There is more romance, and sex.  And a final flight – to Paris ( a set up for the next volume, obviously). 

It’s readable, and fast paced. Outright funny in places, with a wry tone well suited to its heroine’s character. I will track down the other volumes, probably from the library, but overall didn’t feel the story merits the acclaim it’s gotten. 

As always, I retain the right to change my mind after a re-read, and YMMV.

Comments

[adair]

I'll be interested to hear what you think of it. I read it years ago, because so many people recommended it, but I did not like it. It's been so long ago and I rejected it so completely that I can't really say a lot about it. I probably did not like the romance, and I have vague memories of finding the woman just has too much luck taking her attitudes to that time and place. You responded a bit better than I did, but also have doubts - if you find more to say I'd like to read it.

I am also disturbed that this made it to the NPR list and none of Cherryh's did. I voted for all of them except the Chanur series - I needed to save a vote for other things. I think the only thing I voted for that made the list was LOTR.