Diana Gabaldon
Diana Gabaldon holds a M.S. in Marine Biology and a Ph.D. in Quantitative Behavioral Ecology, taught at Arizona State University for 12 years, freelane wrote comic books for Walt Disney in the 1970’s, and started and ran a scholarly journal called Science Software, which is still in print today. With all of this in mind, it is rather surprising that her first novel isn’t about any of her recorded “interests.” But, if Diana Gabaldon shows us anything, it’s that she’s highly capable in anything she does, and that includes fiction writing about time travel in the Scottish Highlands.
The Beginning of Outlander
It begins in 1945. World War II is officially over and Claire Randall is on vacation with her husband of 10 years, Frank Randall, noted historical scholar of the Jacobite uprising in the 18th century. They’re staying at a quaint bed and breakfast in Inverness, Scotland, near the chapel where they were married. The War tore them apart as newlyweds and the best place to rekindle their relationship would be where they got married.
Craigh na Dunh
Claire explores a cluster of standing stones called Craigh na Dunh and finds herself transported back to 1743, and straight into the arms of her husband’s twisted ancestor, Jonathan Wolverton Randall, a dangerous, volatile English Captain in the middle of hunting a group of Scotsman.
Claire and Jamie
Claire is saved by a rogue band of MacKenzie warriors, where she meets Jamie MacKenzie, a/k/a Jamie Fraser. He’s wanted for murder and outlawed from his own lands. What happens next is a love story for all the ages. Claire and Jamie, forced to wed, develop a burning passion for one another that keeps Claire from returning to Frank when she has the chance.
Outlander is stunningly lyrical and passionate, making readers fall in love with Claire and Jamie as each page is turned. This isn’t just a romance story, it’s a story about Scotland and the intricate clan system that rules the Highlands. It’s a story about the conflict between England and Scotland. It’s also the story of Claire, and the internal conflict between her husband of the future, Frank, and the love of her life in the past, Jamie. Fidelity is important to Claire, but she can’t deny the passion and love she feels for heroic, dashing Jamie. Most of all, though, Claire knows what the future holds for the Highlanders of Scotland. Does she dare try and change it? What will happen if she does?
Love Without Genre
Outlander, Gabaldon’s first of a seven book series, is a page turner for anyone wanting an atypical romance novel. There is more plot and story than love scenes, but don’t let that deter you if you are looking for a good romance novel. There are plenty of quality, well written love scenes to make even the veterans of the genre blush.
Overall, Diana Gabaldon makes Outlander a novel impossible to put inside a genre. Regardless of genre, though, she's created millions of fans who eagerly await the next installments of Claire and Jamie's story. It is highly recommended for anyone looking for magic between the covers of a book.
