Escape Pod – Outlander TV and Book Series – Jamie, Claire, and Scotland

Are you looking for an “escape” from everyday life for a while?  Would you like to spend some time in Scotland?  Whether you read the “Outlander” book series or watch the excellent TV series, look no further for the perfect escape to another time and place.

I discovered “Outlander” many years ago and fell in love with the characters of James Fraser and Claire Randall.  Little did I know I would still be a fan 25 years later.  I might even be a bigger fan today as the”Outlander” TV Series has more than lived up to my expectations.  If you are not familiar with either the books or the TV series, let me fill you in.

Five Reasons to Check Out the “Outlander” Series – Books or TV

James Alexander Malcolm Mackenzie Fraser (Jamie)

Whether you are reading about him or watching Sam Heughan play him on TV, there is nothing wrong with a tall, handsome, kilt-wearing Scot who loves one woman and “loves her well”.  What I love most about his character is how even though he may have been born in the 1800’s, he is more forward thinking than some people today.  He deeply respects his wife, Claire and her abilities.  Yet, he also watches out for her and strives to protect her always.

Claire Beauchamp Randall Fraser

Caitrionia Balfe,  plays Claire, and she does a fantastic job.  A thinking woman’s heroine, Claire is courageous, strong, and feminine.  And, she is never one to take a back seat to any male just “because”.  She is also incredibly intelligent and this comes through in everything she does.  Claire also loves Jamie with all of her heart and sometimes against her will.

Scotland

The setting of the beginning book and much of the TV series is filmed there as well.  Scotland and its history become the third most important element in the series in my opinion.  There is something about the beautiful locations shown on “Outlander” that makes you believe in the ability to walk through stones to another time.

Time travel

This unexpected twist keeps the reader and viewer guessing as to where the story is going to go next.  The books are heavy tomes of almost 1,000 pages each.  However, they are superbly researched and filled with historical details.  The fantasy element of time travel becomes more believable when grounded in the historical time period.

All the remaining and much beloved characters

Specifically, Brianna and Roger, Jenny and Ian, Fergus and Marsali, Collum and Dougal, and of course – Murtagh, make you love the whole Fraser/Mackenzie clans and loathe even more the arch enemy of Jamie – Black Jack Randall.  Each character is lovingly created and crafted not just as supporting members to Jamie and Claire but for their own individual stories.

However, the most memorable and believable aspect of the books and the TV series is the decades long love affair of Jamie and Claire.  They have considerable ups and downs from fate as a couple but they always approach their difficulties as a team and with deep love and respect for one another.

Please comment below if you have seen the TV series or read the books.  I’m curious how many others have stumbled upon the series.  If this isn’t your cup of tea, no worries as I have other “Escape Pods” in the works.  Sign up for my newsletter and you will be the first to know when they are published. 

Happy reading or watching!

Chronological List of Author – Diana Gabaldon’s “Outlander” Book Series and Corresponding TV Series:

1 – Outlander – Outlander Season One – Released on DVD

2 – Dragonfly in Amber – Outlander Season Two – Released on DVD

3 – Voyager – Outlander Season Three – Released on DVD

4 – Drums of Autumn – Outlander Season Four – Released on DVD

5 – The Fiery Cross – Outlander Season Five – Current Season

6 – A Breath of Snow and Ashes

7 – An Echo in the Bone

8 – Written in My Own Hearts Blood  – Last book that was released in 2014.

9 – Go Tell the Bees That I’m Gone – This book has not been released yet.

*Warning – This series (book and TV) is for mature adults.  The TV series has graphically violent scenes and nudity – it is rated Mature.  I’d recommend reading the book first (also so you can see Diana’s genius at work) and if you like those, then move to the TV series.

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