The "Outlander" series by Diana Gabaldon are, without a doubt the best books that I have read in the last ten years.

I know, sounds quite, well, gushy, doesn't it. I can't help it.

I devour anywhere from 3 to 10 books in a week, especially when I'm traveling, and Outlander is the first book I've read where I read the last page and immediately turned back to the first page and started over.

And I've read it many times since. Oh, don't get me wrong, I've read the rest of the series, too (and I wait in line at the bookstore when they get released!), but Outlander remains number one on my list.

Ok, while I completely understand that Jamie Fraser is a fictional character - nonetheless, if he ever knocked on my door, my husband would be out of the picture so fast that he'd leave skid marks on the floor.

Well, maybe not - considering that my dear husband is a 6'4" redhead who has consented, on occasion, to wear a kilt. Now, if I could only get him to work on the accent...

This enthralling story of a 20th century woman transported through time to 18th century Scotland is incredibly well crafted. The characters are believable and oh, so real - you literally start to talk about them as if they are real people. Every discussion I've had with fellow Outlander readers has been a conversation about real people, about old friends we might invite over for tea. Everyone I've run into who reads these books responds the same way:

[person one] "Oh, I have this wonderful book for you to read..."
[person two] "Yeah, me too"
[both] "Outlander!" [lots of laughter]

You think I'm kidding, don't you? My husband simply refers to it as "The Book".

These are available as audiobooks, as well -- one set is abridged, and the other is not. I definitely recommend the unabridged versions. Davinia Porter does a phenominal job of characterization and her reading is completely true to the feel of the books. The abridged versions are about 1/6 the length and, frankly, not worth the money. I was particularly put off by Jamie's "voice" in the abridged versions. The unabridged versions are available from Recorded Books.

Book list

Jamie and Claire

• Outlander
• Dragonfly in Amber
• Voyager
• Drums of Autumn
• The Fiery Cross

forthcoming...

• A Breath of Snow and Ashes
• [no title], possibly King, Farewell

Lord John Grey

• Hellfire Club (short story)
• Lord John and the Private Matter

There is also a prequel in the works, but no details have surfaced. An Outlandish companion to the series, with histories, FAQs, and other assorted information is also available.

Diana Gabaldon is also working on a mystery series.

Links

• Official Diana Gabaldon Site
  Here you'll find excerpts, chronologies, maps, and news of upcoming book tours and signings.
• Craigh na Dun
• Diana Gabaldon Reviews
• Timeline
  A fabulous chronology of the Outlander series.

• Notes on short stories by Diana Gabaldon.
• An Interview from 1995.
• Novice author helped by web A newspaper column about Diana's start on the internet and how it affects her writing.

Fan fiction

Please, mail me with any information or interest! I don't want to go into the void alone!

Web Rings

• Jamie and Claire Ring
• Through the Stones

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