Outlander
discussion
Should I read the Outlander series?
I am not sure who you have been talking to but firstly the hero doesn't hit and rape the heroine. the hero does get raped but by a bad guy and the heroine helps him through it. The hero (lets just call him Jamie because he isn't a "hero" just an ordinary 18th century guy), so Jamie does not cheat of Claire (heroine) but there is a long period where they are apart and think the other dead and they do end up having 'relations' with one or two other people. Jamie does not ogle other women in the 2nd book or in any book. He LOVES Claire and would die for her without a moments hesitation or regret. Now as to calling it Romance. It is I guess but it isn't just about the romance between Jamie and Claire. It is about their lives and experiences and the wars raging on around them.
This series is truly amazing. And to give you a taste of the first novel Outlander below is an excerpt that Diana Gabaldon has posted on Facebook/Twitter
#DailyLines #OUTLANDER #Book1 #horsemanship102
“Jesus God, Sassenach,” he said at last, snorting with mirth, “don’t ye know what’s the first thing you do when you’re getting acquainted with a new horse?”
“No,” I said, completely baffled.
He raised one arm, displaying a soft tuft of cinnamon-colored hair. “You rub your oxter over the beast’s nose a few times, to give him your scent and get him accustomed to you, so he won’t be nervous of ye.” He raised himself on his elbows, peering up over the slope of belly and breast.
“That’s what you should have done wi’ me, Sassenach. You should ha’ rubbed my face between your legs first thing. Then I wouldn’t have been skittish.”
“Skittish!”
He lowered his face and rubbed it deliberately back and forth, snorting and blowing in imitation of a nuzzling horse. I writhed and kicked him in the ribs, with exactly as much effect as kicking a brick wall. Finally he pressed my thighs flat again and looked up.
“Now,” he said, in a tone that brooked no opposition, “lie still.”
I felt exposed, invaded, helpless—and as though I were about to disintegrate. Jamie’s breath was alternately warm and cool on my skin.
“Please,” I said, not knowing whether I meant “please stop” or “please go on.” It didn’t matter; he didn’t mean to stop.
Consciousness fragmented into a number of small separate sensations: the roughness of the linen pillow, nubbled with embroidered flowers; the oily reek of the lamp, mingled with the fainter scent of roast beef and ale and the still fainter wisps of freshness from the wilting flowers in the glass; the cool timber of the wall against my left foot, the firm hands on my hips. The sensations swirled and coalesced behind my closed eyelids into a glowing sun that swelled and shrank and finally exploded with a soundless _pop_ that left me in a warm and pulsing darkness.
Dimly, from a long way away, I heard Jamie sit up.
“Well, that’s a bit better,” said a voice, gasping between words. “Take a bit of effort to make _you_ properly submissive, doesn’t it?” The bed creaked with a shifting of weight and I felt my knees being nudged further apart.
“Not as dead as you look, I hope?” said the voice, coming nearer. I arched upward with an inarticulate sound as exquisitely sensitive tissues were firmly parted in a fresh assault.
“Jesus Christ,” I said. There was a faint chuckle near my ear.
“I only said I _felt_ like God, Sassenach,” he murmured, “I never said I _was_.”
And later, as the rising sun began to dim the glow of the lamp, I roused from a drifting sleep to hear Jamie murmur once more, “Does it ever stop, Claire? The wanting?”
My head fell back onto his shoulder. “I don’t know, Jamie. I really don’t.”
also check out more excerpts at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDianaG... and https://twitter.com/Writer_DG
Jessica wrote: "I am not sure who you have been talking to but firstly the hero doesn't hit and rape the heroine. the hero does get raped but by a bad guy and the heroine helps him through it. The hero (lets just ..."Thank you so much for the clarifications! It does seems a much better read now. I will definitely read the books :)
Omg yes o.o I have no idea who told you those things but they either didn't read the novels or are reading it VERY wrong.. I've read five so far, to be honest I'm making myself space them out a bit so I still have the other books to read, otherwise I'd have read them all xD It is amazing, I came across is by a suggestion and at first I wasn't going to read it, but I'm SO glad I changed my mind: I got addicted and now I love it so much.. It's amazing!Plus, Jamie is a sweetheart, everyone adores him :3
So, Jamie is a sweetheart? I don't know why but I pictured him as a caveman or something (Not that it bothers me.) I'm just curious on what type of Hero he is? Kind, sweet, gentle, patient, cold, sarcastic, funny, moody...?
He is a strong character but he is very kind, caring, loving, a faithful family man who protects those around him and would fight for what is right. Also if you look up Outlander you can enter to win a free copy of Outlander. Please let me know what you think of it after having read it. Also I recommend when you start reading Outlanderthat you have Dragonfly in Amber nearby because you will very likely want to start right on to the next one. Enjoy discovering Jamie and Clarie!
I can't participate in the giveaway, since I live in Canada and it's only for those who live in the US. There's the series at my local library though, so I'll go as soon as possible. I'll let you know what I think of the books once I have read them :)
It makes sense here to say that the series involves some instances of time travel! I read all the books at least once, and I think I'll go back to read them again to catch up on nuances that might need refreshment in my brain before the new book comes out. I don't know how many thousands of pages I'm going to have to read to complete this project, but it is lots and lots of pages. My only complaint is about the huge detour to the Lord John series, which has left us Jamie & Claire fans waiting too long to be able to remember between books what's happened.
I'm also waiting to see if our author can write her way back to explaining the man in the kilt from the first book -- or has she painted herself into a time travel corner?
Charlene wrote: "It makes sense here to say that the series involves some instances of time travel! I read all the books at least once, and I think I'll go back to read them again to catch up on nuances that might..."I thought she hinted once in one of the five first books that it was Jamie waiting for her when she came back to the present.. He didn't mind waiting for her, no matter how long it would take for them to be together again
You're right -- somewhere she did say that it was Jamie, but it will be a curious thing to see how he gets back to where the first story begins without the knowledge of having traveled through time when he was still a young man [at least I'm assuming he was young then]. In all the stories so far, no one has gone back to a time before the previous trip(s), and I don't recall Jamie time traveling at all. Did I miss something?
No I don't think you missed anything, I think we'll have to see how she works it out ^^ And you're right, Jamie can't time travel, he just doesn't have it in him, unlike Briana (presumably some "genetic heritage" from Claire) and Roger (maybe some "genetic heritage" from Geilles?).
I think the hero/heroine are the most real, amazing characters I ever met. This is not only a love story, in fact it is way more this. It is the grandest adventure I've ever taken. Epic, is such a small word to describe this series. You just have to read it to be hooked!
No one has mentioned listening to these novels -- the reader is absolutely awesome. Her voice for each character is perfect. Her Scottish accent and English accent helped make you feel you where there! I started listening to the series while I was exercising on the eliptical machine and found myself exercising for longer and longer periods of time each day and then listening while I did errands then while I was cooking and then before I went to bed each night...the most wonderful year of listening ever!
Gordon wrote: "No one has mentioned listening to these novels -- the reader is absolutely awesome. Her voice for each character is perfect. Her Scottish accent and English accent helped make you feel you where ..."I agree with you completely. I have a long drive to work and so I listen to the audiobooks of the Outlander Series. Davina Porter, the narrator, is truly incredible and adds something to the series that brings it to life even more.
Jessica wrote: "Gordon wrote: "No one has mentioned listening to these novels -- the reader is absolutely awesome. Her voice for each character is perfect. Her Scottish accent and English accent helped make you ..."I've listened to all of the audio books twice, and The Scottish Prisoner twice. I loved them, even though I would not even try to read them for years, since the idea of mixing time travel (sci fi) with historical fiction seemed inappropriate to me. But I was wrong. Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa!
Jamie does spank Claire. He did it when she was with a pseudo-military group and she disobeyed orders. Rescuing her from the resulting trouble required Jaime to not only risk his life, but kill a guard in the process. Any of the men who had done such a thing would have been flogged or worse. Not that I think that justifies a man spanking his wife, but at that time men could do just about anything to their wives short of killing them and not face any major consequences. I didn't think it was a big enough deal to overshadow the rest of the book, let alone the series. There are instances of rape but they are never condoned and Jamie never rapes anyone.
It is, IMO, a good series. One of my top five, in fact but it could be very triggery to a person who has been a victim of physical or sexual assault.
Edit: And I agree that the audio books are wonderful.
My husband and I loved the entire series. The historical information is interesting along with well developed characters.
True disclosure here - I thought I was on my goodreads page when I wrote the comment about listening to the series but when I posted it, my husband's name appeared - so good readers, Gordon did not post the bit about loving listening to Davina Porter give life to all of the characters! For the record, Gordon did listen to the first book and I continued on because he just didn't fall in love with Jamie.....
Gordon wrote: "True disclosure here - I thought I was on my goodreads page when I wrote the comment about listening to the series but when I posted it, my husband's name appeared - so good readers, Gordon did not..."LOL. I'm not sure Jamie would have wanted Gordon to fall in love with him.
I'm not usually into "romance" novels, but I would recommend Outlander.It brings in elements of time travel, historical fiction, adventure, and so much above and beyond the more "standard" romances I've read—everything from Harlequins to Nora Roberts. Not that there's anything wrong with those.
Outlander, I think, just has a broader appeal due to other elements that it brings in. Gabaldon also does a nice job balancing those elements and not just making them window dressing to a core romance tale.
As to the OP's concerns, it's been awhile but I don't remember anything too offensive, especially from the main protagonists. Sometimes Jamie's attitudes are period
Haven't got around to the rest of the series, but Outlander and Dragonfly in Amber were quite good.
Joana wrote: "No I don't think you missed anything, I think we'll have to see how she works it out ^^ And you're right, Jamie can't time travel, he just doesn't have it in him, unlike Briana (presumably some "g..."
Something is in the back of my mind that Jamie had a very vivid dream about watching Claire through a window. I can't remember if it was in the most recent published book or from an excerpt from the next. I'm not even sure i didn't make it up lol but Diana has confirmed that it is Jamie who is the "ghost" that Frank saw.
Many women I know who have read the Outlander series have fallen in love with the hero, Jamie.
Diane wrote: "Joana wrote: "No I don't think you missed anything, I think we'll have to see how she works it out ^^ And you're right, Jamie can't time travel, he just doesn't have it in him, unlike Briana (pres..."
Yeah I think that would be the only thing that makes sense (Jamie being the ghost), but as to the rest, I have no idea since my last read book was The Fiery Cross.. can't wait to read the next one though!
Elaine wrote: "Many women I know who have read the Outlander series have fallen in love with the hero, Jamie."He's just so dreamy!
Joana wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Many women I know who have read the Outlander series have fallen in love with the hero, Jamie."He's just so dreamy!"
AGREED!! And so is Sam Heughan. Yum-my!
Gordon wrote: "No one has mentioned listening to these novels -- the reader is absolutely awesome. Her voice for each character is perfect. Her Scottish accent and English accent helped make you feel you where ..."Love, love, love Davina Porter's narration of the Outlander books on audio! Geraldine James does a nice job, but I go out of my way to find the versions by Davina. I highly recommend listening to these books.
I loved the first book but have so many books on my list that I didn't get any farther than number one. I will have to reread number one before I can pick up the next book in the series.
It seems to me that everyone likes something different, and it's your right. I love the Outlander series. It is and probably always will be my number one.I go back often to different parts of this book and I can not get enough.I'm incurably addicted on this book.I love every aspect of this book, the stories of places and people, characteristic heroes, love, everything .....:)
Should you read it? Hell yes - these are some of the best books I have ever read, do yourself a favour and start now. You wont be sorryCheers
Maureen
The Scribbly Bark Poet
Maureen aka The Scribbly Bark Poet wrote: "Should you read it? Hell yes - these are some of the best books I have ever read, do yourself a favour and start now. You wont be sorryCheers
Maureen
The Scribbly Bark Poet"
The sooner the better, do not waste time. :)
Maureen aka The Scribbly Bark Poet wrote: "Should you read it? Hell yes - these are some of the best books I have ever read, do yourself a favour and start now. You wont be sorryCheers
Maureen
The Scribbly Bark Poet"
I concur
i'm jealous of everyone discovering Outlander for the first time...i've had a 16 year love affair with Jamie - i was 15 when my mom handed it to me (was whining about having nothing to read...)
Dee wrote: "i'm jealous of everyone discovering Outlander for the first time...i've had a 16 year love affair with Jamie - i was 15 when my mom handed it to me (was whining about having nothing to read...)"I was thinking the same thing. I loved first meeting Claire and falling in love with Jamie and then later Young Ian and William. It is a bit like magic the first time you read it. Now I live vicariously. I love to hear what people think as they are reading it for the first time. It is quiet fun, though I have to be careful not to give spoilers.
Dee wrote: "i'm jealous of everyone discovering Outlander for the first time...i've had a 16 year love affair with Jamie - i was 15 when my mom handed it to me (was whining about having nothing to read...)"My memories, feelings are similar to yours. I often return to this book. :) Regards
You have a treat in store for you. I started reading these not too long after she started so I was able to read them as they came out. You will want to keep reading so be prepared for the long haul.
Jessica wrote: "Joana wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Many women I know who have read the Outlander series have fallen in love with the hero, Jamie."He's just so dreamy!"
AGREED!! And so is Sam Heughan. Yum-my!"
Is he playing Jamie in the series? I'm not informed at all I'm afraid, because I truly dread the idea of turning Outlander into a series :/
I love a nice Scotish brogue.
Joana wrote: "Jessica wrote: "Joana wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Many women I know who have read the Outlander series have fallen in love with the hero, Jamie."He's just so dreamy!"
AGREED!! And so is Sam Heughan. ..."
yep - Outlander was optioned by Starz and will premiere March next year - DG has been reading the script and likes it so far
It is a MUST read. I can't wait for the next volume. I will be heartbroken when Diana is done with this series. I'll just have to start reading it all over again. I'd also like to read more of the Lord John Grey series. Diana is my favorite author.
The Outlander series will not disappoint. Jamie is a strong loyal character. I think that is what everone loves about him. I started reading the series when each book came out and always waited impatiently for the next one until I took a long time to read Fiery Cross as I had too much going on in my life at the time. I have just finished #7 "An Echo in the Bone" and must admit that Diana Gabaldon is one of my favourite authors. Is #8 out yet?
not yet. March 25thSOoooooo far away :(
Linda wrote: "The Outlander series will not disappoint. Jamie is a strong loyal character. I think that is what everone loves about him. I started reading the series when each book came out and always waited ..."From what I have heard, the next book won't be out until next year. Amazon has it listed for December this year, but Diana has said she has no idea where they got that date from since she is not finished yet. She has said that she is planning at least to get to #9.
i think originally her publisher was aiming for that december date, because other places had that as well...but now its being released in conjunction with the show
Hi!I would just like to say the outlander series are my favourite books of all time!!!Well written, extraordinary story line with one of the best romances I think since Romeo and Juliet!!
I simply cannot recommend it highly enough. If you haven't read them, give the first one a go....you may be surprised!
Mel
Remember when you refer to the series as a romance that it has that classification primarily as a selling point. As I recall DG was stunned when she was first told it was going to be marketed as a romance. She warmed to the idea considerably when the size of that market was revealed! And, though I think the romances she writes are staggeringly good, they are not what one typically encounters in the romance genre. If I had to pick a genre I would go with historical fiction, even over time travel.
As I recall, the first date for release that DG ever confirmed was March 2014. Amazon is famous for putting up release dates to generate pre-sales. I think if the series is released by March it will simply be serendipitous timing, not good planning!
gertt wrote: "Dee wrote: "i think originally her publisher was aiming for that december date, because other places had that as well...but now its being released in conjunction with the show"Why coincide with t..."
its all about hype - and potential hype...ppl who have never read the books, but subscribe the STARZ may find the books for the first time and then read them; those that are fans, may subscribe the STARZ to watch; good advertising for both
Enirak65 wrote: "So, Jamie is a sweetheart? I don't know why but I pictured him as a caveman or something (Not that it bothers me.) I'm just curious on what type of Hero he is? Kind, sweet, gentle, patient, cold, s..."He is not a caveman but he is an 18th century man and as to what type of hero is he....... He is all of the above.
I have read the whole series and am reading Outlander again. Until this book, I never read the same book more than once.
Yes! We read this in our book group and many of the people didn't think they would like this book and ALL of them finished it and enjoyed it so much.
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I've read that the Outlander series is amazing and one of the best romance books out there, but I've also read that the hero hits and rapes the heroine, which makes me reluctant to read it... I don't think there's anything that could truly excuse abuse or rape, but for people who read the book(s), how did you not end up hating the hero? What did he do to redeem himself? Should I still give the series a try?
Oh, and also, does the Hero cheats on the heroine throughout the series? Because I've also read that in the second book, he keeps ogling other women (which seems kind of disrespectful and which I really don't appreciate).... And don't worry about spoiling too much. I'm not the kind of readers who cares much for them (unless the genre is crime or mystery)