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Book Reviews of The Outlandish Companion

The Outlandish Companion
The Outlandish Companion
Author: Diana Gabaldon
ISBN-13: 9780385324144
ISBN-10: 0385324146
Publication Date: 12/1/2001
Rating:
  • Currently 4.7/5 Stars.
 9

4.7 stars, based on 9 ratings
Publisher: Bantam Doubleday Dell Pub (P)
Book Type: Paperback
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

9 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

barbsis avatar reviewed The Outlandish Companion on + 1076 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
I was rather disappointed in this companion book. After reading J.R. Ward's Blackdagger Brotherhood Insiders Guide, I kinda expected this companion to be similar with inside insight into the characters and little tidbits of information not presented in the books. It read more like a dictionary. There are synopses of each book (through book 4 [book:Drums of Autumn|10988]). She actually broke down each novel into roughly 15 pages or so. No insight just straight text giving the highlights of each novel. I expected more information here.

The chapter on characters was rather interesting but again no new information except the horoscope charts for Jamie and Claire which I were impressive but irrelevant IMHO. Sections on Family Trees, glossary/pronunciation guides and websites/online venues, I found pointless and a waste of space (I did not read but quickly skimmed). The chapter on Lallybroch was interesting but again nothing new just bits and pieces pulled from each of the four novels. The frequently asked question section was really interesting. The nerve of some people (readers) is absolutely amazing. Then there are 100 pages of bibliographies - boring and other than an historian, who would read these pages?

Regardless of the amount of work that went into this publication by Diana Gabaldon, definitely not worth the $40 price ticket.
LisaRx avatar reviewed The Outlandish Companion on
Helpful Score: 5
I adore this book! It illuminates the entire Outlander series-- all of its characters, backstories, synopses, time travel theories, and personal anecdotes by the author. In addition, it is a beautiful book. It contains wonderful pen and ink drawings, quirky little sketches, and many black and white photos of relevant buildings, landscapes, and items.
I would not recommend for the "casual" reader, but for anyone who wants to be immersed in Outlander lore.
goddesslovingbookworm avatar reviewed The Outlandish Companion on + 170 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
This covers much of the extensive Scottish and European background of the enduring saga of Jamie and Claire Fraser, but only goes through the first four books, leaving out much of the material Ms. Gabaldon used to make life in the Americas so very convincing in The Fiery Cross and A Breath of Snow and Ashes. I for one hopes that she will eventually add a second volume to this one...
reviewed The Outlandish Companion on
Helpful Score: 3
Just so everyone knows, according to the latest update 2/2009 on the official Diana Gabaldon's website:http://www.dianagabaldon.com/:
"The Outlandish Companion...there is NO paperback edition of this book; its NEVER been printed in anything other than the hardcover edition."
reviewed The Outlandish Companion on + 55 more book reviews
A wonderful overview of Diana Gabaldon's incredible Outlandish Companion series. They are books you can not put down.
MKSbooklady avatar reviewed The Outlandish Companion on + 983 more book reviews
This book helps a lot with the first four of the Outlander series, though some sections are not as helpful as others. It's good for figuring out who is who, and what those Scottish phrases really mean. I don't know if there is another one for the rest of the series or not.
reviewed The Outlandish Companion on + 10 more book reviews
Excellent. A great companion resource for all things Diana Gabaldon. Makes reading her series, Outlander, even more enjoyable.
sharrona avatar reviewed The Outlandish Companion on + 207 more book reviews
Interesting look "behind the scenes" at the Outlander series.
reviewed The Outlandish Companion on + 4 more book reviews
Gave many answers to questions about the first few books. I liked the part on pronunciation of the Gaelic language.