Voyager

The love that spans time is that which twentieth century Englishwoman, Claire Randall, has for eighteenth century Scottish highlands warrior, James Fraser. Those readers who have read the first book in the series, "Outlander", know that in 1945, Claire, a 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, 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 head over heels in love. Finding herself thrust into the midst of clan warfare and intrigue, she and her beloved 'Jamie' have enough adventures to last a lifetime.

The second book, "Dragonfly in Amber", is a continuation of that story, told from the perspective of the twentieth century where Claire, 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 truly 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 mistakenly 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 bonnie Prince Charlie, to the throne of England, only to be decimated on the battlefield. Those few who survived were branded as Jacobite traitors and imprisoned, and their families disenfranchised. It is this very event that Claire and 'Jamie' had conspired to change, only to fail.

Their story transports the reader from the turmoil of the Scottish highlands to the intrigue of the French Court and regales the reader with the adventures of the two lovers, as they conspire to change the very course of history. It was this valiant attempt that ultimately brought Claire and 'Jamie' to the crossroad that would compel them to part and have Brianna become a denizen of the twentieth century.

In "Voyager", Claire, now realizing that the love of her life and soulmate survived the battle of Culloden, makes the decision to go back in time and find James Fraser, as for the past twenty years her love for him has remained constant. Leaving her daughter, Brianna, she once more hurls herself into the vortex of time to eighteenth century Scotland to begin her search for James Fraser, in hope of being reunited with her 'Jamie'.

This book tells the story of what happened to Claire Randall and James Fraser in those intervening twenty years. It tells of their ultimate reunion and rediscovery. With historical events as a backdrop and an unforgettable cast of characters, it regales the reader with their new adventures, as Claire returns to a still divided, turmoil ridden Scotland. Reunited with James Fraser, none the worse for wear, they seek to make a life for themselves. As their love comes full circle, they take to the high seas, and their adventures continue. This compelling time travel saga is sure to captivate the reader.


Diana Does It Again!   October 18, 2004
Kathy Lewis (Maine, United States of America)
13 out of 13 found this review helpful

The 3rd in the series, and still I can't get enough! My heart beat with Claire's as she's walking into Carfax Close, my tears fall with hers and Jamie's as they look-together-at Bree's pictures, my heart and my body ache as they reunite... and as much as 20 years can change a person, it seems at least for these 2 characters, they are still the same. I cried tears of joy when Fergus drops to his knees, and she realizes who it is, and how , even though he's 20 years older, he is still the same to her. Travel, more adventure than I thought possible, Great Joy and Deep Sadness... what can I say? Diana, you did it again! A definite must have for Gabaldon fans. Thanks for letting me share my opinion.


an epic delight   July 26, 2004
12 out of 12 found this review helpful

When I picked up this book, I was somewhat daunted by it's size-1059 pages, to be exact. However, within the first ten pages, I was totally hooked. I shan't say too much about the plot, as other reviews here have done that admirably, but it tells the story of two people from different times-twentieth century surgeon Claire, and eighteenth century Jamie, Laird of Lallybroch, against the background of the failed uprising that ended in blood and tears at Culloden.Diana Gabaldon manages to convey with both realism and sensitivity the consuming love that has shaped both their lives, through twenty years of seperation and oppression. It is not the fantasy love of mills and Boon, it is real, warts and all,with all the constraints and disappointments of real life, and so powerful that neither is complete without the other. Throughout all the twists and turns of the plot, the reader is left in no doubt of the overwhelming rightness of their being together throughout their trials and tribulations.

This is one of the most beautifully written and well researched historicals I have ever read-Diana Gabaldon is educated to Phd level, and it shows in the clear narrative,the wealth of period detail, her evocative love scenes and mastery of a complex story line. You won't, as I too often find in sloppy regencies, find Jamie saying 'gotten' or 'atop' or any of the other lapses to be found time and again in so many historical romances. Her characterisation is excellent;she manages to convey a range of complex characters with all the cultural references and the spirit of their time.This book is both a painstaking, well researched historical novel, and a wonderful, moving love story. Definitely a keeper for me.


I love this book and the series   April 25, 2004
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

I can't wait to read the next two books. I didn't think they were to my"taste" but after having been recommended by a friend, I read Cross Stitchand thereafter bought the remaining four books of the series. Yes, thereare times in the books when I feel it is bordering on some irrelevance,but the author immediately brings you back to the present with a new plottwist and you are once again hooked. I feel as though I am experiencingClaire's adventures and I am always thinking beyond the next page. Greatseries, can't wait for the sixth book!


Far from a failure!   September 10, 2001
bernicegibbins@aol.com (England)
11 out of 12 found this review helpful

After a friend who has known me for many years, asked me to read Crossstitch, I bought the rest of the series that was available (she brought me the american version over), I couldnt possibly imagine that a sequel could live on its own, and as a fantastic part of a series. "Voyager" is a unique journey, a tour of times, and a lesson in love. The forthright nature of this book, teaches emotion, morals, and how to love fully.

An absolutely fantastic world, which enthrawls you, shocks you and makes you cry along with each person in the book. Jamie Fraser, I want you as my husband, Claire Fraser, I want you as my best friend, Roger, I want you to be my Son-In_law, and Brianna, the love for you spans across every page. Diana Gabaldan and absolute modern day miracle, what I wouldn't do to have half your skills!

Thankyou for bringing me to Clare's world, thank you for giving me the most enjoyable series, and most of all thank you for allowing me the chance to share this with the whole world.

A love lost and missed, takes Clare back to her love, in the 1700's Scotland, a need to be loved and be a part of his life, takes its pull, and drags Clare back. Watch as the wish to see Jamie pulls her back from 1968 to 1768 and the trials and tribulations of this time. Although part of a series, each book stands on its own as a masterpiece.

FANTASTIC!