Outlander question

borrowing from what?

By today's writing standards the beginning is slower, but it's totally worth getting the background. If you get to the wedding scene and still don't like it, I'd have to agree it's probably not your thing. I adore Outlander, and I like the description and way Diana writes, but no book is one size fits all.

I love big reads & getting caught up in a series, but this falls flat. It starts off really beautifully, but gets so predictable. Spent the last few hundred pages frustrated with Claire & bored with her clichéd romance with Jamie.

I love a good read but I found this book slow and boring. I started to watch the series thinking it might be easier to get through, I found the series just as slow but not quite as boring, still I did not finish either one.

This is a brilliantly written book and not for the feint of heart (or vocabulary). Diana Gabaldon writes true prose, full of metaphors, simile and other types of symbolic tropes. She writes with $8 words (not the typical $5 words of most genre novels.) She builds character slowly and paints a mood and a vivid picture of the scenery. This is an excellent book. That's my 2 cents.

I loved every one of them. almost done with Written in my own hearts blood and I just can't say enough good things about. It is my favorite series of books.

I really struggled with this. I gave up on the brick of a paperback twice and ended up getting the audiobook. That was the only way I could finish it. I was determined to get to the end because so many people likened it to the bronze horseman (my all time fave) in its epic romance style but on that score I was bitterly disappointed. I love the essence of this book and some sections were really moving but overall I just found her writing style so overly drawn out that large parts bored me senseless. Not a chance if me reading the others.

Keep reading! It will get better. Part of it is adjusting to Diana's writing style. She really writes in a manner in which you are meant to soak up the setting, characters, etc. Her books are plot driven, but in a slower manner, to savor all the details. Don't read for what is happening but think about what you see.

This series has held the #1 spot of my all time fav list for a few years. It is a series that is not for the faint of heart. You have to like books that glory in the details and weave a story that will carry to the next book.

Ms. Gabaldon takes years to write just one of her books; they are, painstakingly, researched and so, thoroughly, thought out. I am devastated when I finish a book knowing I'm going to have to wait years for the next.

These books will become classics.

I will say, if you are having a difficult time with "Outlander" "Dragonfly in Amber" will do you in; it is very slow, but the story is fabulous; an EPIC love story.

I agree with Chelsea up there^^ My feminist leanings really took a lot out of this book for me. I was thrilled about the concept; I love going back in time, loved the idea of the mysterious standing stones. But a lot of things about this book bothered me.

I wasn't really bored by the beginning. I enjoyed the old lady who read the tea leaves and the feel of the town. Even the fact that the writer is a bit wordy didn't bother me though I'm sometimes sensitive to that. And I knew that we'd be heading back in time shortly, so I was excited to get into it. It was just everything else that bugged me.

I know it's a series, but I keenly felt the missing arc. It wasn't so much that "nothing happened," since clearly there's a fair amount of action. But it felt like it didn't GO anywhere. I really like books that follow an arc, even as part of a series. Where you really feel as though the characters have changed and developed over the course of the story, and I really felt this book lacked that.

I did not, in any way, fall in love with the main characters. I love ask things Celtic, being an Irish descendent myself, but I found Jamie boorish and Claire much too... docile for my preferences. Some of the side characters were likeable - Jamie's sister, for instance - but I personally didn't get the allure of a man whose hair is dirty and matted most of the time and who honestly believes men to be superior, no matter how much he loves a woman. "I'm the boss, I own you." I just couldn't handle it.

Of course there was the beating scene. I was appalled. Not because he actually beat her. That was totally in- character for him (and one of the reasons I'm not falling all over him), but because she was SO FURIOUS and then just rolled over. I would have been spitting mad; he would have had to rape me every time after that because I would not have gotten over it. And that's another thing. The next time they have sex, it's pretty much rape. I simply can't understand why a woman would want to write "love stories" for other women where the females in the storyare treated as objects. When a woman says, "no, stop, it hurts," and the man continues, that's rape. I hate the way Gabaldon glorifies this scene by claiming Claire eventually enjoyed the encounter. NO WONDER men are so confused and rape culture so prolific in this world.

Additionally, I got over my "romance novel" phase shortly after high school so ALL the freaking love (sex) scenes, which really seem to drive the book more than anything else, bored me to tears. It's just too much sex and not enough adventure for me. If I want erotica, I'll pick up something in that genre.

I'm not saying the whole book was horrible. Some parts were downright nail-biting. And I personally believe you SHOULDN'T always like the main characters. All main characters should be complex and layered enough that sometimes they do things you don't like. But I just didn't like either Claire or Jamie that much at all. And I've seen no complexity to Randall, either, who I think could be an interesting, if savage, character.

I actually really loved the part with the wolves. I felt like, "finally! Look at her kick ass!" But then the lavender scene kind of ruined it for me again.

I dunno. Lots of mixed feelings about it. It was ok. I think I gave it like 3 stars.

I think that not every detail has to be described to such depth. One could cut about a quarter of the book & still have the same story. DG also likes to bring in very minor characters, describe them, their motives, etc. & then a few chapters later do away with them. However, her writing does compel you to keep reading. I've read the entire series including the Lord John books.

I felt the same way. The 1940's part is a little boring with the husband and the town people. Once she goes back... it speeds up. It's an amazing book with a slow build and a great story. However, if you're only interested in the romance aspect then it won't be for you. It leans a little bit more towards a "classic" in that sense...
Once you get past the marriage, the romance actually begins, since they don't marry for love.

Have you tried the audio version?

When I read the 1st chapter I was concerned it might be but once I got into it I couldn't put it down. Now I just get the audiobook versions as the narrator is excellent, and I enjoy her reading of parts that might be slower if I was reading it to myself. I'm through 3 books of the series and have plans to listen to the rest. I love the characters of Claire and Jamie. When they are not together, I long for their characters return.

I listened to the series on audiobook and Davina Porter was wonderful. I just want to comment that in the 1940's and in the 1700's women would not be feminist so I found the story very true to what historically would have been happening. I do think that had I lived in that time I would have probably been burned at the stake! Remember that women did not get the right to vote here in US until the 20th century, some countries they still don't have that right. In 1974 I could not get my tubes tied without my husband's consent. We have come a long way, most of it in recent history.

In answer to the original question I loved that it was slow because it kept me excited about what was coming next and I never like a book to end that I am enjoying. I love the detailed way she writes. I like to enjoy the journey in life and in reading!

I tried starting with Dragonfly in Amber, (Book #2), and just couldn't get through it. So I went back and read Outlander (Book #1), and loved it! I'm now reading Voyager (Book #3) and cannot wait for the tv series next month!

I keep reading how a lot of ppl thot this book was hard to get into. I tried reading it last yr & found the language to be tough to get & enjoy. It wsnt smooth for me. I struggled so much I ddnt bother getting past the 5th chpt. But a lot of ppl went back and reread it & enjoyed it. Is there a trick to reading this book comfortably? It seems very difficult to read.

These books are a world unto themselves. You get to know the characters in a way you don't see in other books. I've "read" them all. I've book-read the first three a couple of times but I got hung up after that. Time became an issue so I listened to them all on audio and they were a.maz.ing! Davina Porter is a wonder and brings every character to life. Now that the show is about to debut, I'm wondering if I can accept Sam Heughan's voice as Jamie. Okay, just kidding. But seriously, Davina is that good and the story is THAT GOOD. Of all of the books I liked Outlander, Dragonfly in Amber and Breath of Snow and Ashes the best. Find a way to dip into this deeply moving and adventurous world. You won't be disappointed.

I thought she was a little bit wordy which is why the book moves slowly at times. However, once you're through the first half it moves relatively fast until the end. I did not desire to pick up the next book, though.

I listened to all the outlander books on audio which really adds so much cause the narrator is amazing!!! That said I did read the books as well and I think they are in a league of their own. Diana creates this world that just sucks you in and I literally need to detox after each book. I can not even explain how excited I am that they are making it a T.V. series!!!! August ninth can't get here soon enough!

I found it a little hard but after finishing it ill admit I'm debating reading the second book. Regardless, I can't wait for the show. The commercials look good. What do you all think of the show?

I tries reading it & did not like it, i think it was mainly her writing style.....

I think if it had of been written by Judith McNaught or Johanna Lindsay then i would have been able to get right into it & enjoy.

Kiki wrote: "I'm currently reading Outlander but I must admit this is my third time at an attempt to read this book, because I prematurely bought the first three books of this series .. I will definitely finish..."

Kiki wrote: "I'm currently reading Outlander but I must admit this is my third time at an attempt to read this book, because I prematurely bought the first three books of this series .. I will definitely finish..."

I felt the same way. I got up to about 500 pages and just stopped. The writing is really slow and I just got bored of it.

I cannot believe how many people love this book! Seriously? I didn't find the beginning boring at all, so I guess I can't relate to that part. In fact, I was intrigued and delighted that I had found a new author to love. I couldn't put it down. And that is unfortunate because by the time I got to the end, I hated this author. I would recommend reading it about half-way through and then burning it. She starts off well, and her characters are interesting, though it does take on the feel of a romance novel after awhile. Toward the end, the story becomes twisted, the characters are inconsistent and the author gets lost in a twisted-porno-feminist fantasy world, or maybe she was just bored and started masterbating and came up with this man rape scenario...seriously, am I the only one who thought it was inconsistent that Jamie would be so angry that his sister might have violated her honor to save his life, and yet he is going to save Clairer by getting down on all fours and take it, because after all, he has to keep his promise to the evil bad-guy? Again and again, over and over, for days on end....please....give me a flipping break. I can't take this author seriously after that, which is too bad, she has potential, but she also has serious man-hatred issues if that is what gets her off.

I thought so all those years ago when I read it, and although I am enjoying the tv series, your comment is exactly that of my husband--"slow and boring," he says, so I guess I'll have to finish the rest of it On Demand, if I can find a spare hour or two to sit in front of the tube.

I just finished this book about a week or 2 ago. I had mixed feelings about this book. It was interesting enough. Loved Jamie. Was ok with Claire. Liked the story well enough. But I agree with some, this book did not need to be so long. I can appreciate Gabaldon's artistic ways and descriptions; there is something beautiful and deep about them. But they are not for me. Which makes me a little sad because I would love to know what happens but cannot bring myself to read the rest of the series for that reason. I barely got through the first book because of all the long long passages and wordiness and I wouldn't say I am one that needs action, who does not have patience, or doesn't enjoy a challenging read. I just think she went a bit too far. But I know there are a lot of ppl who loved it just the way it is. And to them I say kudos. But I will be wikipedia-ing this series and watching the series on tv to see what happens next.

I have just started reading the 5th book in this series(The Fiery Cross) and I have to say, I really do enjoy the story. It is very in depth, but honestly, it could have been shortened considerably. It takes sooo much time to read. I find myself in some parts wanting to put the book down and not pick it up again because so many trivial interactions are happening between some characters. Yeah, it gets boring. I start flipping the pages that I know don't really matter that much. It takes forever to get to any exciting parts or answers given about plot outcomes. This could just be DG's tension building technique. I am not saying that as a bad thing, it's just that this style of writing is for someone that has all week to read a very detailed story. I still read it because I am invested now with the characters(want to know how this ends!), and DG has wonderful prose. Over all, it has really boring parts, just watch the show, they are staying pretty true to the novels. 👍🏻

You aren't alone. I picked up the audiobook on audible for Voyager after watching part of the series on Starz. I kind of enjoyed the pulpy time-travel-romance angle a bit. I thought it would be interesting to find out what happened to the characters after the big battle scene. That is what I thought, anyway. Then I started listening to Voyager. Frankly, the book is long, plodding, guilty of purple prose and basically just old lady porn for old ladies too bashful to pick up on the Fifty Shades series. I found the books tedious, sexist, racist and generally grating on every possible level. I wish I could get my Audible credit back.

I'm surprised how many people don't feel this is a good series. Her very last book in the series (so far) was a disappointment because she just seemed to have forgotten Brianna & Roger and the kids, and they were left in some Netherland that seemed as if she didn't know what to do with them... I have read each book in the series twice. (I'm a speed reader.) I also enjoy the film series because they are true to the book.

So, for me, this is a good series, and her detailed descriptions add to the story.

I am definitely not a fan of the John Grey books, though. She seems to really like him as a character, but I don't, personally, get it.

I prefer the Classics, although I also divert into other areas. And I do like historical fiction, and I only recently found this series, so I was lucky to get all the books, and read them one after the other so that the story line did not break.

And, I DO love huge books. Being a speed reader, I get through books pretty quickly, so I often (if I really like them) read them twice or three times.

I think it's a fun series.

This is one of the books in my life that I wish I could read for the first time all over again. Please don't give up. The beginning is slow, but the rest…epic!

This may not be the book for you. I found it slow and boring up to the point that Claire went back in time. From that point on I was hooked.

For some reason this third time I can't put it down, maybe I like it a lot more than I think....

normally i tell people to stick it out until the wedding, that is where it starts picking up

The first part is boring but once Claire goes back in time, it is awesome. Just keep going, you won't be sorry.

If you are in the part where Claire and Jamie are married, believe me, is definitely gets much better ;)

It took me forever to get through the first 100 pages, but by the time I hit 250 (which might be around the wedding) I was hooked.

i was hooked from the first chapeter

Nope, just the opposite and I think the later books get better and better.

This book is wonderful. Have read it twice. It really gets interesting after the first hundred pages. The series is fantastic!

I think the very first part, pre-stones, is told at a slower pace to purposely contrast with the action in the rest of the book.

It is a slow starter which they say is a bad omen however I just paid good money for it so I plugged along. After that I searched for all her books, paid for them and eagerly read them. The author has away of slowing the pace and only then revals a new conflict. I love her wordy style.

:-) They have just got married?? Well, it only gets better from there. Hang in there during "beating" scene, and you'll be hooked. I know I was.

I certainly have struggled a little bit. Jamie and Claire have just gotten married. It's interesting I guess, but really I'd like a little more supernatural, a little more grit. I used the term "bodice ripper" to describe it to a friend the other day, and I think that's a fairly accurate term.

Kiki wrote: "I'm currently reading Outlander but I must admit this is my third time at an attempt to read this book, because I prematurely bought the first three books of this series .. I will definitely finish..."

The part I found boring was in the beginning before she went back in time.
I am enjoying Outlander very much and looking forward to the rest of the series

I've read up until no 6 and I can't seem to get through that one, not sure why. I read no 1 twice and listened to it once on audio book and loved all the rest, perhaps I need to get it on audible as well. How many books in the series now?

I wish they'd hurry with the film/ TV series, they've been promising it for soooooo long. But it is being filmed now for sure isn't it?

I also felt the first portion of the book was slow and hard to get into. It had been highly recommended by a number of people and I remember thinking they had missed the mark on this one, but I continued and ended up loving the book and loving the series. I have recommended the book to numerous people. I make sure to always tell them that it is slow to start but to keep with it because it ends up being amazing.

I'm the odd one out - It took me 3 times to read the first 3 pages. The 4th time was actually a lazy day and I just went with it, and then tore through the book. I've read the entire series 3 times and I love it. Book two was actually the slow one for me, but I still liked it :)

I found the entire book an ordeal to get through. It was way too long. This is not the great American novel. This is a bloody romance novel. It does NOT need to be 700 pages long. I took a look at the 2nd one and it has over 1000 pages. That is ludicrous. I wouldn't even say any of the characters are all that special or likeable. So many pages of them just left me disenchanted with everyone, especially Jamie and Claire. The further I got into the book, the less I liked either of them.

I'm sorry you are bored with it. Sometimes it depends on the time in your life when you read a book whether or not you enjoy it. I've read Outlander atleast 4 times and through the series 3 times. Its a lovely read. Maybe it's just not what you need at this time. Save it for a future date, it will be worth it.

Thank you all for the nice comments. Since I posted my question, I continued to read Outlander and actually love it.