Review of Diana Gabaldon's Outlander

Diana Gabaldon has certainly made quite an impact with her very popular Outlander series. The first novel, also titled Outlander and published in 1991, is a profoundly rousing and touching story of an English Nurse, Claire Randall, who finds herself transported to 18^th Century Scotland as a result of a set of standing stones in the Scottish highlands. Once there, she finds herself inexorably drawn to a young highlander named Jaime Fraser, whom she eventually marries. Together, they experience the often brutal life of the Scottish highlands and the brutal plots of the fiendish Jack Randall (the ancestor of Claire's husband in the 20^th Century.)

One of the best things about this novel is that it appeals to so many different audiences, as it contains elements of a number of genres, including historical fiction, romance, and fantasy (since the heroine does, after all, travel back in time.) What's more, she does it all with a deft hand for detail, so such an extent that you feel as if you have been immersed in this turbulent and utterly dangerous time in Scottish history. Although the various rebellions that occurred in the 18^th Century are not as familiar to Americans as they are to those who live in the United Kingdom, Gabaldon brings this period to life with grace and a keen eye for the most poignant and powerful details.

Where Outlander truly exceeds, however, is in capturing the power of romance and love that blossoms between Claire and the young Scottish highlander Jamie. Part of this stems from the fact that the story is told in first person perspective, which allows for Claire to tell of her growing affection, and eventually love for Jamie. Of course, the reader never forgets that she has a husband back in the 20^th Century, and that, prior to her being whisked back in time, Claire actually loved him. However, the power of the narrative is such that one cannot but want her to remain with Jamie, even if that means leaving behind her old life forever.

Interestingly, one of the other most memorable characters in the novel is Jack Randall, a cruel man who delights in torturing both Claire and her eventual husband Jamie. What makes him most interesting, however, is the fact that his cruelty stems from his own stunted and repressed physical desire for Jamie, which he eventually effects in a gruesome game of sexual torture that nearly mentally unhinges the Highlander. Although some might flinch at the novel's portrayal of this sadistic form of homosexuality, it should be borne in mind that one of Gabaldon's other protagonists, Lord John, is openly homosexual and not a sadistic soldier.

All in all, this is quite a phenomenal novel, and a worthy addition to anyone's library. With its attention to detail, its riveting portrayal of both life and the ways in which human beings can fall in love despite their own wishes to the contrary, and its lush prose, Outlander is an excellent piece of literature and well worth a read.