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soph22's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
I’m not gonna put this in spoilers because I think it might be useful for some who haven’t read the book yet, the rape depicted in this book are far too graphic me to feel comfortable. A lot of warning should be taken before reading this. I also think it strayed a little bit into victim shaming, and the ableism is a little bit uncomfortable for my liking.
A good book, but you need to know what you’re getting into.
Graphic: Ableism, Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Chronic illness, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Infertility, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Terminal illness, Torture, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
laura_middlxton's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I know some may find it slow going, and I’ll admit 3-4 hours reading is my mental limit on all the books in this series, but what you gain from that is worth the time it takes to enjoy it.
The characters are witty, brutal, flawed, funny, hopeful, hopeless, and so very human. Some disappoint us, some fill us with joy, others feel like a blight on the page every time they’re mentioned. But they carry the story on their backs and each one is central to the storyline.
Gabaldon’s writing is beautiful and descriptive- there is no feeling left confused, no thought left unshared between her pen and our eyes, and she builds such a complete picture of the setting, plot, and characters that there are no obvious holes in the story at all.
Claire’s voice is cynical, intelligent, witty, sarcastic and mature (!) - a welcome reprieve from the usual female MC trope of young, foolish, and heart sick. She brings a fresh feminist perspective to the 18th century world, and reminds us of the small mercies of the 21st century that are often taken for granted; healthcare, rights for women, access to foods, and warm shelter. Oh, and a nice warm bath!
I look forward to the rest of this series, after a small break to mentally prepare myself, of course 🤣
Graphic: Sexism, Violence, Murder, and War
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual harassment
rmb27's review against another edition
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Infertility, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Murder, Pregnancy, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, War, and Injury/Injury detail
This story goes from being almost a history textbook to graphic sexual assault and back multiple times. It’s just not worth it.chronicallyplotting's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Diana Gabaldon does an amazing job interweaving incredibly accurate historical information into her writings. I have learned so much about various Scottish tribes and have gone on to do my own leisure reading about the different real life clans myself. The author also includes extensive research into medical and livelihood means during this time period which really transport one into the book.
I enjoy the diversity of character's in this book including the every mysterious minor character Master Raymond. Mother Hildegarde and her dog Bouton have a special place in my heart. And Donas the loyal horse.
My only downfall for this novel is the first 350ish pages were slow. It was hard to get into and the characters POV's would occasionally switch without notice and it would take a moment to realize who was narrating. Although the beginning was a slow start, all the information was needed and necessary to understanding everything that was and is to come.
Graphic: Gore, Infertility, Miscarriage, and Medical content
Moderate: Death, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Terminal illness, Torture, Violence, Abortion, Murder, Pregnancy, Sexual harassment, and War
kimveach's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Animal death, Bullying, Chronic illness, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Gore, Gun violence, Homophobia, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Terminal illness, Torture, Violence, Blood, Excrement, Vomit, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
thefriendlymushroom's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.75
Graphic: Death, Miscarriage, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Pregnancy, Sexual harassment, War, and Injury/Injury detail
hannahbailey's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
This was a comfort read as the story and characters were familiar. However I was kept engaged by the high stakes not only of Paris aristocracy but civil war too! There is something quite mesmerising about Gabaldon's writing, despite the smut scenes.
TW: r*pe, SA, misogyny, murder, death, PTSD, miscarriage, violence, kidnapping, torture
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child death, Death, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Medical trauma, Murder, Pregnancy, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Colonisation and Classism
leweylibrary's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
I had forgotten how jarring it is that the 2nd book starts in 1968 😅
Even on a reread, I was impatiently waiting for it to jump to the 1700s because I was eager to get back to Jamie and Claire lol.
A big chunk of the book takes place in Paris as they try to stop the uprising, and some of the politics and society stuff can get a bit trying, but there's also so much WILD shit that goes down too that it's never boring.
The lead-up to Culloden happens so quickly--well, compared to the rest of the book lol. I somehow had forgotten about the part where
Ugh. The part when Claire goes back into the stones?? Ugly tears.
The jump back to 1968 is much less jarring than starting there, and by then you're excited to see how Brianna reacts. I can't even imagine what reading that last bit might've felt like back when the book was newly published. Like
Graphic: Death, Miscarriage, Violence, Medical content, Grief, Murder, Pregnancy, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Torture and Alcohol
Minor: Misogyny, Sexism, and Terminal illness
jillianseibert's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Graphic: Death, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Murder, Pregnancy, Sexual harassment, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Cursing, Infertility, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Rape, Grief, and Classism
Minor: Domestic abuse
linnylionheart's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Chronic illness, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Eating disorder, Gore, Gun violence, Infidelity, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Terminal illness, Torture, Violence, Blood, Excrement, Vomit, Medical content, Grief, Abortion, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Addiction, Infertility, and Xenophobia
Minor: Animal death, Racism, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Dementia