Outlander

Article written by Emma Baldwin

B.A. in English, B.F.A. in Fine Art, and B.A. in Art Histories from East Carolina University.

The first novel introduces readers to the main characters—Claire, a strong female protagonist who walks through standing stones into 18th-century Scotland, and James, or Jamie, Fraser, with whom she falls in love.

The novels fall into three different genres: romance, historical fiction, and fantasy. The relationship between Claire and Jamie is the heart of all the books, but their adventures also take place in historically significant locations, like the Battle of Culloden, and feature time travel. The books appeal to a wide variety of readers depending on what one is interested in. There is as much romance as there are violent historical battles and feuding 18th-century families.

Key Facts about Outlander

• Title: Outlander
• Published: 1991
• Literary Period: Contemporary
• Genre: Historical fiction, romance, fantasy
• Point-of-View: First person
• Setting: Scotland in the 18th and 20th centuries
• Climax: Claire’s decision at the stones
• Antagonist: Jack Randall

Diana Gabaldon and Outlander

Diana Gabaldon is an American author best known for her ‘Outlander‘ series. This series of novels tells the story of a time-traveling twentieth-century nurse, Claire Randall, and her eighteenth-century Scottish warrior husband, Jamie Fraser. The first book in the series, ‘Outlander,’ was published in 1991 and quickly became a literary phenomenon.

Gabaldon drew inspiration from many sources when creating the world of ‘Outlander.’ Interestingly, in a recent interview, she cited one of her primary sources of inspiration as a classic 1960s episode of the British TV series ‘Doctor Who.’

Gabaldon also drew influence from Scottish folklore and the works of historical fiction authors like Mary Stewart. The author described researching the novel and finding inspiration in the history of the Jacobite rebellion and Bonnie Prince Charlie, one of the major parts of the first novel.

Gabaldon used her knowledge of history and Scotland to craft a story that captivated readers worldwide. It was praised for its nuanced character development and ability to transport readers back in time. Since its publication, it has spawned a television series, several spinoff novels, and multiple adaptations.

Books Related to Outlander

Diana Gabaldon’s ‘Outlander‘ series is an exciting and beloved series of books that follows the lives of Jamie Fraser and Claire Randall as the latter travels from the 20th century to the 18th century in Scotland. While the books are full of adventure and romance, readers looking for more stories in the same vein can explore a range of books inspired by, or similar to, the ‘Outlander‘ series.

A few popular options include ‘Where the Forest Meets the Stars‘ by Glendy Vanderah and ‘The Sisters of the Winter Wood‘ by Rena Rossner. Readers might also be interested in ‘A Knight in Shining Armor‘ by Jude Deveraux and ‘Rebellion‘ by Nora Roberts.

‘Time and Time Again‘ by Ben Elton is a great choice for those looking for something with a bit more science fiction. The book follows the story of a man who has the ability to travel back in time and how he uses this ability to try and save humanity from destruction.

Finally, ‘The Mists of Avalon‘ by Marion Zimmer Bradley is another excellent choice for ‘Outlander‘ fans. This book focuses on the lives of several women from the Arthurian legends and how they fight to shape the future of their world.

Legacy of Outlander