Outlander by Diana Gabaldon (1994, Audio Cassette)

If you're looking for nothing but a bodice ripping, sexual novel...read something else. This one is for the type of reader who wants a little of it all: adventure, good character development, well researched topics and historical accuracy with romance thrown in for good measure.

My normal preference is to read non-fiction but friends knew my research and interest in Scotland and recommended it. I've been there and spent a lot of time in the Highlands and on the battlefield at Culloden so I began reading Outlander with a pre-existing knowledge of the times, customs and troubles of that period.

As a hobby, I collect publications of the time before, during & after Culloden and part of my collection is a number of actual magazine publications printed in 1745 which portray the situation leading up to & during the events she writes about. I was astonished to see how much effort was given to research and accuracy in her books and was greatly pleased to see it. Granted, I began reading with a good bit of knowledge of the times already and perhaps that allowed me to enjoy the immense amount of detail that many found tedious.

Trust me, if you are interested in Scottish history/culture as I am and want an accurate portrayal of the troubles/customs/emotions of that period, the Outlander details will give you an historical lesson combined with characters you will love or hate, adventure & romance then this book/series is for you.

If you ever get the opportunity to wander in the Highlands, you will instantly recognize the emotions her characters describe and you will hear the Scots Gaelic sound and legends...the Celtic spirit. An intelligent, well written and researched novel/series. If you have the time to spend on a long book and enjoy this genre, then I truly do recommend that you take the plunge with Outlander and imagine living in Lallybroch as have thousands around the world.