28. Outlander
Rating: ☆☆☆☆
Recommended by: Jennifer Laser
Author: Diana Gabaldon
Genre: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Romance
Info: 896 pages, published July 26, 2005
Format: Audio Book
Summary
In 1945 with World War II over, former combat nurse Claire Randall is reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon in Scotland. When she walks through a standing stone in an ancient circle, she is transported back to the year 1743 where she is a Sassenach, i.e. an “Outlander” in a Scotland torn by war and raiding border clans. Claire uses her wits and medical know-how to survive in a land where the British are the enemies. She finds herself hopelessly drawn to James Fraser, a heroic and handsome young Scots warrior, who faithfully loves Claire with an intense desire. Claire is torn between faithfulness to a husband who hasn’t yet been born and longing for the man who embodies masculinity and devotion.
Quotes
“I can bear pain myself, he said softly, but I couldna bear yours. That would take more strength than I have.”
“Ye are Blood of my Blood, and Bone of my Bone, I give ye my Body, that we Two might be One. I give ye my Spirit, ’til our Life shall be Done.”
“Ye werena the first lass I kissed,” he said softly. “But I swear you’ll be the last.”
“Oh, aye, Sassenach. I am your master . . . and you’re mine. Seems I canna possess your soul without losing my own.”
“And if your life is a suitable exchange for my honor, why is my honor not a suitable exchange for your life?”
“Where did you learn to kiss like that?” I said, a little breathless. He grinned and pulled me close again. “I said I was a virgin, not a monk,” he said, kissing me again. “If I find I need guidance, I’ll ask.”
“I had one last try. “Does it bother you that I’m not a virgin?” He hesitated a moment before answering. “Well, no,” he said slowly, “so long as it doesna bother you that I am.” He grinned at my drop-jawed expression, and backed toward the door. “Reckon one of us should know what they’re doing,” he said. The door closed softly behind him; clearly the courtship was over.”
“I was crying for joy, my Sassenach,’ he said softly. He reached out slowly and took my face between his hands. “And thanking God that I have two hands. That I have two hands to hold you with. To serve you with, to love you with. Thanking God that I am a whole man still, because of you.”
“There comes a turning point in intense physical struggle where one abandons oneself to a profligate usage of strength and bodily resource, ignoring the costs until the struggle is over. Women find this point in childbirth; men in battle.”
My Take
I really enjoyed listening to Outlander (the voice work on the audio version is excellent) and found myself transported back to 16th Century Scotland. Historical fiction is my favorite genre of books as I really enjoy learning about another era while being entertained by fictional or semi-fictional characters. Outlander lived up to my expectations. Claire and Jamie are wonderful characters that brought their era to life. The book is a bodice ripper with lots of sex scenes, but they are well done. It has made me much more interested in visiting Scotland, so I’ll have to see about planning a trip there . . .
