Books: Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon (TT, H, R)
Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series, about a WWII nurse who travels back in time to Scotland in the 1700's, is outstanding. I just finished the newly-released sixth book and was amazed.
In Outlander, the first book, Claire Randall goes back in time and meets Jamie Fraser, a younger Scotsman who marries her to protect their mutual interests. Despite the fact that Claire is also married in her own time, she falls in love with Jamie and they have adventures around the globe. (Of course, if I got transported in time, I'd probably end up in a forced marriage to a toothless man twice my age who beat me more often than he bathed, but that is neither here nor there.)
These characters are compelling, both individually and together. Because Claire is a nurse, she interacts with all kinds of people, and we get to learn about 18th-century medical practices and herbal medicine. She is smart and strong-willed, and Jamie is a perfect match for her: kind and considerate, well-educated, deeply committed to his principles and his family, and stubborn as a brick wall.
The great thing about this series is that time actually passes. Tragedy occurs. Hardships abound. This series is not just about the honeymoon, but the trials and tribulations of married life. In the latest book, Claire is going through menopause; when's the last time you saw THAT in a romance?
These characters face real moral dilemmas and try to keep their marriage together despite the cruelties of war, history, and their own fate. There is some violence, but it is rarely gratuitous. In fact, my biggest problem with the series is the weak justification given for Claire's bigamy, but that situation eventually resolves itself.
If you're at all interested in quality historical fiction or extraordinary romance, RUN to the nearest library or bookstore and get started on this outstanding series! Grade: A
In Outlander, the first book, Claire Randall goes back in time and meets Jamie Fraser, a younger Scotsman who marries her to protect their mutual interests. Despite the fact that Claire is also married in her own time, she falls in love with Jamie and they have adventures around the globe. (Of course, if I got transported in time, I'd probably end up in a forced marriage to a toothless man twice my age who beat me more often than he bathed, but that is neither here nor there.)
These characters are compelling, both individually and together. Because Claire is a nurse, she interacts with all kinds of people, and we get to learn about 18th-century medical practices and herbal medicine. She is smart and strong-willed, and Jamie is a perfect match for her: kind and considerate, well-educated, deeply committed to his principles and his family, and stubborn as a brick wall.
The great thing about this series is that time actually passes. Tragedy occurs. Hardships abound. This series is not just about the honeymoon, but the trials and tribulations of married life. In the latest book, Claire is going through menopause; when's the last time you saw THAT in a romance?
These characters face real moral dilemmas and try to keep their marriage together despite the cruelties of war, history, and their own fate. There is some violence, but it is rarely gratuitous. In fact, my biggest problem with the series is the weak justification given for Claire's bigamy, but that situation eventually resolves itself.
If you're at all interested in quality historical fiction or extraordinary romance, RUN to the nearest library or bookstore and get started on this outstanding series! Grade: A
posted by JJ at 9:37 PM
