asolitaryreader's profile picture

asolitaryreader 's review for:

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
4.0
adventurous emotional mysterious reflective tense slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

I read ‘Outlander’ for the first time many years ago, and did not continue reading the series. I am interested in watching the adaptation, and therefore restarted the first book now, intending to continue reading the following books of the series as well. 

I am not sure if I am in the right place for it, because the world building feels so expansive and intense to me at the moment, but I will continue nonetheless. 

I always thought the story was so fascinating; I’d forgotten that Claire’s original timeline was set immediately after the Second World War. As she found herself in 1743, I wished, in the run up to that point, despite knowing ahead what will happen, for it to not come to pass. As a young teenager, I don’t remember wishing for this. The spirit of adventure within me dominated my wishes for the fictional character that had taken hold of me. As an older woman now, I felt pain knowing she would be leaving her husband behind (ahead?) as she traveled through the stones. 

The detailing in the story is incredible, but when not in the right frame of mind, as I am now, it also feels slow at times. I remember enjoying and appreciating this a lot the first time I read, a little lesser so in the second read. My intent for re-reading was also to get familiar with the storyline and plot again, so I believe I also wished to do that as soon as I could, in order to read the following books at a slower pace. I suppose I will be able to evaluate the pace of the plot better for the following books. 

Thank you for reading my thoughts. 🌻