I like a romance novel and even, occasionally, a trashy romance novel. “Outlander” by Diana Gabaldon, doesn’t fit well into either category. It is possibly the most romantic novel I’ve ever read and one of the most impressive pieces of historical fiction that you’ll have the pleasure of reading.

While I’m guessing that “Outlander” is more popular with women than with men, the few men that I’ve recommended it to who’ve read it have all loved it.

The story has a fantastical aspect. Claire, the main character, is a nurse in WWII. While in Scotland, she stumbles upon a group of standing stones and finds herself transported back in time. If you can get past that, which you quickly will, you will love this book. Claire and Jamie are two of the best written characters ever. This is a book where you feel as if you KNOW these characters. I believe that if I met them on the street, I would know them instantly. Gabaldon intimately shares her characters and their strengths and shortcomings with you.

For guys there are bloody battles, tons of history and fascinating medical facts. For women, there’s the romance, occasionally steamy scenes and a main character with a Scottish accent who wears a kilt.

Trust me, you’re going to love it. My only warning is that it is a long book. You’re not going to read it in a day, maybe not even in a week. No worries, it’s totally worth it. 

It’s also the first in a series. I can’t say that all the books in the series are as strong as “Outlander”, so feel free to just read the first one and be satisfied. That said, most of you who read the first one will have to keep going, you won’t be able to resist.

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