Dragonfly in Amber

While the core of the story is about a love that transcends time, it would be a disservice to label it a romance, as it is much more than that. It is a wonderful adventure story interspersed with actual historical events and authentic period detail. It is this attention to such matters by the skillful pen of the author that renders these books three dimensional and so enjoyable. They are positively addictive!

The love of the ages that binds these books is the love that twentieth century Claire Randall has for the eighteenth century Scottish highland warrior, James Fraser. Those of you who read the first book in the series, "Outlander", know that in 1945, Claire, an Englishwoman and combat nurse during World War II, is reunited with her husband, Frank, after the war. While on a second honeymoon in Scotland, she visits a strange, flat topped hill in the highlands of Scotland, where a forbidding stone circle draws her. Touching one of the stones, she is hurled through a vortex in time and finds herself in eighteenth century Scotland, where she meets a brave and brawny, red headed Scot, James Fraser, with whom she falls completely in love, body and soul. Finding herself thrust into the midst of clan warfare and intrigue, she and her beloved 'Jamie' have enough adventures to last a lifetime, which makes for a riveting story.

This book is a continuation of that story. It is told from the perspective of the twentieth century where Claire, who is now a doctor, has lived for the past twenty years. Upon the death of her twentieth century husband, Frank, Claire returns to Scotland with her grown, red headed daughter, Brianna. There, she discloses to Brianna the events of her secret past, as well as the truth of who Brianna's biological father actually is and of the love that Claire bore him.

While in Scotland, however, Claire discovers something that will forever change her future, as well as her past. You see, for the past twenty years, Claire has believed that her beloved 'Jamie' died in the historic battle of Culloden. It was there that the Scottish highlanders bravely fought the English in a misguided attempt to restore Charles Stuart, their bonny Prince Charlie, to the English throne, only to be decimated and branded as Jacobite traitors. It was this very event that she and James Fraser had conspired to change only to fail. It was this failure that brought Claire and 'Jamie' to a crossroad that would force them to part and have Brianna become a denizen of the twentieth century.

This book continues the saga so deftly begun in "Outlander". It tells the story of what happened in the eighteenth century that ultimately caused Claire to leave the love of her life and return to the twentieth century. It recounts the plight of two star crossed lovers who make a desperate and valiant attempt to change the course of history. It regales the reader with the adventures they encounter along the way. It is a story that transports the reader from the turmoil of the Scottish highlands to the intrigue of the French Court.

Readers will be captivated by this amazing and compelling time travel saga.


Gabaldon excells with the continuing saga of Claire & Jamie   August 28, 2001
13 out of 13 found this review helpful

For anyone who has read 'Cross stich', there will be hardly any persuasion necessary to encourage you to buy this second book in the series. And now as an audio cassette you can even hear the real scottish burr of Jamie and how on earth to pronounce 'mmmppph' !

Gabaldon's characters are vivid, real and funny. Claire Fraser is as unconventional a heroine as any normal woman could wish for: big bottomed, strong, intelligent and obstinate.... and Jamie is probably the most beddable Scot other than Ewan McGregor this side of fantasy.

Dragonfly in Amber finds the pair in 18th Century France, taking part in the intrigue and espionage of Versailles.

These books will appeal to anyone who loves history, humour, 18th Century medicine & escaping with a good read. Truely the best stories I have discovered in a long time. Go out and buy them -- it will be the best money you've spent in a long time.


She's done it again! Amazing   June 9, 2005
13 out of 13 found this review helpful

Yet another absolute gem from Diana Gabaldon. Whatever other mistakes you might make in this life, do NOT be put off by the slightly "Mills & Boony" covers of these books!

I am quite a fussy reader and like books to be well written. This and the other 4 books in this series are without doubt the best I have ever come across and nothing else has quite hit the spot ever since I read them. My copies have been lent to virtually every female friend and relative I have, and they have all bought their own set to read them again.

The characters, especially Claire, Jamie and Lord John are well rounded, interesting, likeable with little quirks and flaws which makes them more human. Jamie, well what can I say. I never thought I would get wobbly-kneed over a ginger, long-haired totally fictitious man in a skirt, but... Afraid to admit my baby son is now called Jamie!

Brianna and Roger are a little disappointing in comparison, but I think this is only because the others are so great.

And to top it all, the epic is set against a wealth of historical events, in various places throughout the world which keeps it fascinating even without the characters.

I cannot recommend this series enough. Only problem is that anything else you ever read afterward will disappoint you.


great story, historical fantasy   March 15, 2006
L. mckay (scotland)
9 out of 9 found this review helpful

I am truly loving this series of books. You just get swept along with them. A real page turner.
Although complete fantasy, I love the historical aspects of the story, my one HUGE issue with this book, is the fantasy attached to the geography, this may sound weird, but Gabaldon has been a little lazy in researching this aspect of the book, She states the English army is considering marching North from Perth, when Edinburgh is due south of Perth!, and she seems to be confused with Prestonpans in Scotland (the site of the first battle) and Preston in North England, interchanging the names (i live in central Scotland so know the places she mentions, and it is annoying), I can cope with the liberties taken in history, Gaelic and the Scottish Dialect, but the geography bit annoys me.
Sorry for moaning on, all in all a good story and I cannot wait to read the next instalment in Jamie and Claires saga.


An enthralling concept.   August 19, 2001
12 out of 14 found this review helpful

After reading Cross Stitch I could not wait to read this book. The characters seemed so real and I fell head over heels for Jamie. I found the concept of time travel, geneology and medicine captivating and would urge anyone to give these books a go.