Outlander: Cross Stitch By Diana Gabaldon

Warning:

I discovered this series is most definitely not for most teens. I would like to start this review by saying, this book should not be read by anyone under the age of 16, and that is stretching it. This book should really only be picked up by an extremely mature person.

Although Outlander isn’t for all age groups it still has a wonderful storyline with a diverse range of characters one of which is a powerful, smart, brave, strong female lead.

Review:

Claire Beauchamp (Beecham) Randall is an English woman on her second honeymoon with her husband, Frank in 1946. After spending the past few years of their marriage at war in WW2 it will take more than a trip to Inverness to reunite the couple.

Frank has a new found thirst for knowing his family heritage and Claire was a field nurse in the war but now is a budding Herbologist, after a few days of tripping they discover a beautiful set of standing stones called Craigh na Dun, a set of faerie stones, and here is where the story really kicks off.

Claire, after returning to Craigh na Dun to collect a plant sample, Claire touches the middle stone and is plunged, head first into 1743. Without knowing whats happening she runs from the circles, only to run straight into Black Jack Randall, Franks ancestor, who also happens to be an extremely horrible person. Claire is then taken from the English, and deposited, safely with a group of Scotish highland men, one who is extremely injured. Claire, being a physician, quickly gets put to the test under these new conditions.

Claire becomes a part of the functioning life of Castle Leoch and quickly takes up the position of healer for the inhabitants. Making many friends including Jamie (the injured Scot).

Claire meets many interesting people, who all seem to get her in some sort of danger.

When collecting rent and a little money for Bonny Prince Charlie, young pretender to the throne, Claire has an unfortunate encounter with none other than Black Jack Randall and so, to save her life, she is pushed into an arranged marriage with Jamie. But is it really that bad being married to a handsome Highlander?

Claire has a fabulous wit and a feisty tongue, which, in the 18th century tends to get her into a world of trouble.

It is a brilliant story but do not pick it up unless you have a strong gut and mind or some scenes could overwhelm you. I recommend it to most adults, including men because there are a lot of fight scenes. One of the most interesting parts of this book is the history side as it is, as far as I know, historically accurate.

I strongly suggest no young people read it.

This book series is a big commitment with 8 books (so far) with all over 800 pages each (ish possibly one with less). So please, if you aren’t prepared to put in the hard yards, then don’t try and read it.

Also, the Netflix series should not be watched unless over the age of 15. There are some scenes that are not for younger audiences.

All things considered, I did really enjoy this book and can’t wait to start the next one!