#106 Outlander

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon 

I finally reread this absolute tome (800 pages)! Ive been saying for years that i wanted to reread this and carry on with the series and i finally did it *pats myself on the back* Right, so Outlander was first published in 1991 when i was still in the pram and is the story of Claire and Frank who are newly weds in the 1940's just after the war, they go to Scotland for a second honeymoon to try and rekindle their love after spending the first 7 years of their marriage apart. Claire was trained as a combat nurse whilst Frank is a historian and has a keen interest in ancestry. One night the couple come across a stone circle in a field, Claire has a keen interest in herbal medicine and spies some forget me nots. A few days later Claire returns alone to the stone circle to gather the forget me nots and she is magically transported back in time to the 18th century.

Claire is understandably shocked and terrified, she doesn't understand what has happened or where her husband is. She by chance meets Jamie Frazer and doesnt realise just how much her life is about to change. Claire struggles with trying to adapt whilst also trying to find a way back to Frank. The people of 1700's Scotland realise that there is something not quite right about Claire and she is accused of many things including being a witch and an English spy. The book is basically about Claire's journey as she falls for Jamie but still misses her past life with Frank. She is constantly conflicted between wanting to stay with Jamie and fighting to find a way back to Frank.

The world building is gorgeous. The writing style is really descriptive and rich, it really paints a clear picture for the reader. The characters are all so believable and you do fall head over heels for Jamie, well i did at least!

I am so ready to watch the tv show (purely for the actor who plays Jamie...) and read the other 8!! books in the series. Im really hoping for more of an insight into Frank in the next few books as it would be nice to have more of a love triangle scenario with Claire ultimately having to choose between the two men. Ive also read the novella that comes before Outlander called 'Virgins' which is Jamie's story before he meets Claire, its only around 80 pages and well worth a read. I should also mention that im listening to these books on audio and the narrators are really authentic Scottish and the lady who narrates Claire is obviously English. It really adds to the story and helps to break down the thick Scottish brogue that can make the physical book a bit daunting for some.