Tag: Diana Gabaldon

What’s Ashley Reading?: Outlander

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

First line: People disappear all the time.

Summary: Claire Randall is a combat nurse.  The Second World War has just ended.  With her husband, Frank, they travel to Inverness, Scotland for a belated honeymoon.  But while there both of their lives and time will change.  While visiting the standing stones she is transported in time back to the year 1743.  Not knowing how she got there or if she can even get back to her own time, she is taken captive by a group of Highlanders.  As her life gets intertwined with the politics and intrigue of the local laird she finds herself caught between her love for her husband and a young Highland warrior, Jamie Fraser.

My Thoughts: Now I know that this sounds like a typical bodice ripper.  And that is what I thought originally too.  But then I watched the first season of the show and was absolutely hooked on these books.  There is lots of history included in with the romance.  There are some naughty bits but that is to be expected in most books now but that is not the central part of the story.  I love the characters.  It was hard to lose many of them over the course of the book and in the sequels.  But there is action, politics, intrigue and like I said, HISTORY!

I had never heard of the Battle of Culloden before this.  I knew barely nothing about Scottish history outside of Mary, Queen of Scots.  I think Gabaldon has done a great job giving us a thrilling story but also bringing this important piece of history to millions of readers.

As I am writing this I am working on reading book six, A Breath of Snow and Ashes, in anticipation of season six debuting on Starz on March 6.  I always have a little get together with friends where I make drinks and snacks while we watch a new episode every week.  It is always a highlight of my week to spend time in the Outlander world with friends for an hour each week.

FYI: Lots of violence.  Some sexually disturbing scenes.

What’s Ashley Reading?: Clanlands

Clanlands by Sam Heughan & Graham McTavish

First line: Well, in The Beginning…there was a man in a kilt.

Summary: Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish, stars of the widely popular TV show Outlander set out on a trip around the Highlands of Scotland exploring the history, culture and landscape of this beautiful countryside. In their camper van they traverse the roads, lochs and pubs while sampling whiskey and traditional foods of the Highlanders.

My Thoughts: I highly recommend checking out the audiobook on CloudLibrary because I feel that this is what made the book much more interesting. Sam and Graham narrate the book. They recount times on set and with fellow cast members. They goof around and make fun of each other. I could tell that they really enjoy each other’s company and are good friends.

I learned a lot about the history of Scotland while reading this. As I listened I looked up the locations and people mentioned. It is astounding that there are homes older than our country. I could tell how proud they are to be Scottish.

I have always wanted to visit Scotland but I want to go even more after reading/watching Outlander. The land is beautiful and wild. The culture is rich and enduring. Much of my genealogy comes from Scotland. I want to experience the world my ancestors knew.

FYI: Find the audio book on CloudLibrary.