A review by fantasytravelerxv
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

4.0

I read it as Crosstitch, the original title of the first book in the Outlander series. I loved this book, but also felt conflicted about parts within it. I liked that it made me think. A story can be fictitious, with real world influences and still be relevant despite obvious fantasies. The story is well written and remarkably easy to follow considering it is historical fiction. After Claire and her husband goes on a second honeymoon to Scotland in 1945, she is accidentally transported back in time to 1743 where she is nearly assaulted by a man who remarkably resembles her husband from the future, Frank. She is saved by a roughish band of highlanders who then take her prisoner. Embroiled in the political machinations of the time, she becomes married to a young Scottish outlaw, living life under suspicion from both the Scots and the english. Should she find her way back to the future or choose this new life that proves remarkably fulfilling yet dangerous. I don't usually read a lot of romances, because I am rather cynical in that regard. Overly passionate often comes across as cringey and untrue to me. I liked it, but only up to a point. I did enjoy the book overall, but it also felt a bit long. This could be more to do with my lack in patience then the books ability to grab attention though. I did have a serious issue with the part were Jamie gets violent towards Claire as if a husband is meant to discipline his wife like a child. I understand its historical relevance, but something about this part simply bothered me as wrong. I talked to my boyfriend about it, but as someone who doesn't appreciate fantasy like I do, he just laughed that I could find this part unbelievable but had no problem with the time travel. Thing is to me there is a fine line between obvious fantasy and the real world issue of gender roles and norms. I like certain aspects of a traditional relationship, but also am wary of its pitfalls to abuse and stereotype. I also appreciate how religion is brought up. Peace, comfort and guidance isn't always within us, but can be found in troubled times as we try to make sense of the world with the guidance of a higher power. Though this is entirely subjective. Religion is not something I believe should be forced on anyone. But from personal experience I have found this part in the book relevant to me and true. I hope when anyone else's own conscience proves insufficient as a guide in troubled times, that they too might find the same relief in a higher power outside themselves as I have and this book proposes. There are contradictions in my beliefs and in this book, I know. But humans are contradictory. We are complex and this book shows that although it doesn't all make sense, it is a journey towards that.