Tag Archive: historical-fiction



The Fiery Cross (Outlander, #5)The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Obviously, this is my third read of Fiery Cross. I still love the author, narrator, story, and television series. This third rereading is due to the new series, Blood of My Blood.

The new season on television prompted me to reread what I hoped was the equivalent of the book series. Except for a couple of scenes, this book felt more like the previous season. Still, this read raised my rating from four stars to five.

The narrator, Davina Porter, is terrific as she reads Diana Gabaldon’s outstanding writing. In fact, I have decided that Ms. Gabaldon is one of my favorite authors. And Ms. Porter may be my favorite narrator. I love living in the Outlander world. I not only read at night before sleep, which is hard to put down, but also while doing Diamond Painting or knitting.

I found it easier to figure out when the voice is Claire’s, Bree’s, Jamie’s, or Roger’s this time, knowing the story from the TV show and having read this before. I have already picked up the next book, A Breath of Snow and Ash. Now I am nearly caught up with the television series. I just wanted to see how the Revolution progressed in the books.

I highly recommend this series and its TV counterpart.

Below is my earlier review.

These are such great books. The story continues. And now I can watch the current series on TV. But…

Until this book, Divina Porter, the narrator of all the Outlander books, was able to change the voices of most characters enough that a listener could tell who was speaking. With Bree, Roger, and Ian grown, they all sound like Clair and Jamie. If my eyes could handle the tracking, I would try to have the book or Kindle version open to track who is speaking. Instead, I have to back up a bit to see if I can find out. Or I keep listening, and finally, context will indicate who had just been the speaker. That throws me out of the story.

Is it me, or is this book a little less exciting? I know with COVID-19 all around and the stress that has caused us all, it may be playing a part in my attention levels. I may have to reread the series later when life returns us to quieter minds. So I will try not to let this issue affect my rating. I still loved it and have already downloaded the next book. I can’t wait to see how Jamie and his men adjust to the American Revolution. What if you were on the wrong side of history, knew it, but couldn’t do much about it because only you had access to future history? Yeah. What a conundrum! Excellent writing, Diana Gabaldon!

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Drums of Autumn (Outlander, #4)Drums of Autumn by Diana Gabaldon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Blood of My Blood has prompted me to read the series once again. I’m finding the series as good as I did the first time, maybe now with more depth than I had before. But this is a fantastic series in books and on television. Blood of My Blood is moving a bit slow, but maybe there’s a reason. I trust Diana Gabaldon and the writers of the television series to write another great watch.
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I just finished this second read of the fourth book. I wanted to be ready for the new season on television. I didn’t need to read the whole series, although I watched the entire show from season 1. I really love the music by Bear McCreary. I just wanted to refresh my memory of what happens to the Frasers and the rest once they are in America.

I loved the story written, narrated, or acted. Though a little different in each case, it is a fun ride.

Davina Porter narrates with such a varied voice that one always knows whose viewpoint we are hearing. Every now and then, I get confused between Bree and Clair or Roger and Jamie. But it doesn’t take long before a person can know who they are hearing.

I have already started book five, as it has more about the American Revolution through the Frasers’ eyes. I can’t wait to see how they do it on the show. I love all the time travel. I love visiting other countries and hearing the histories brought to life by Diana Gabaldon, whose research and knowledge are portrayed in the books and the show.
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The following was from my first reading/listening from March 2020.

Oops! I nearly forgot to review this one. I just moved into the next read (a library book).

I really wish I had read this before the series on television. I liked the rhythm of the story better. I like the viewpoints presented here, as Clair’s rather than Bree’s, as the television series has it. It is different not having the information about the daughter making the voyage back in time and back to America.

I think we got into Roger’s head a little more, too. It doesn’t take away from the show. Interestingly, the directors and actors adapted the storyline without losing its essence.

No spoilers here. Just glad I read (listened to the Audible) it and can’t wait to get into the next one!

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Voyager (Outlander, #3)Voyager by Diana Gabaldon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Because of Blood of My Blood (BOMB), the newest addition to the television series of Outlander, I decided to re-listen to the Outlander books. This one seemed the longest yet. I didn’t want to take forever reading it, so I listened during the days as well as the long hours at night. I carried my Fire around while doing chores, knitted, or played easy games while living in the Outlander world. I highly recommend these books and the show. Below is my previous review.

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Whew! These books are long. But good. This review is for the Audible version. After you get used to her, Davina Porter, the narrator, you will find her voice versatile and natural for this story. One of my reasons for using this method to read these books is pronunciation. There are words in Gaelic or French and a couple of other languages that I wouldn’t know how to say, and text-to-speech would garble.

I don’t usually like to read a book after watching the show. I like to form my ideas of the characters before I see a director’s point of view. But so far, this series translates nearly directly. It makes me proud of the show and the author of the book. It seems each of the scenes in the show was in the books. The only difference in this one is Gilly (not sure of the spelling–Audible doesn’t have written word.) I won’t spoil it for you. I actually like the book version over the show. But both work.

I can’t wait to listen to book four. And I’m looking forward to the next season of the show.

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Dragonfly in Amber (Outlander, #2)Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The review below was from my first reading of the books. Now, because of the new series, Bone of My Bone (BOMB), I am reading and rewatching everything again. I am still so excited about the series. I finished this a couple of days ago and am already onto Voyager. I am still amazed at these books and shows.
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If my mind has not been very focused. This book may be the cause. Lack of sleep. Not because of worries. Nope, I just couldn’t stop reading/listening to the book.

I had the Audible Whispersynched with the Kindle version. Davina Porter did a marvelous job of narrating the story. Hers is not the sweet voice of the actress who played Claire Randall, Caitriona Balfe, of the TV series. But Ms. Porter has the versatility to act all the characters perfectly.

The show did a good job following the books. The only thing I miss in the reading is the music.
That’s okay. I can Sing Me A Song of a Lass That Has Gone…

This story is captivating either way. I love getting involved in the history presented. I wish I were better versed in world history, especially France and the British Isles. I know the next book will bring me into the founding of the United States of America. So that gives me a timeline,000 00I know, somewhat.

Since I read the book after watching the show, I wish I could have read it first. Not that the show is missing anything. I just like visualizing the story for myself. Now the people and places are fixed by the show.

At any rate, it is a good read, even if you’ve seen the show. It will keep you engaged in the story. I can’t wait until I can afford book three.

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Outlander (Outlander, #1)Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The following is the review of Outlander Kindle, Audible, and the show. Since Blood of My Blood started on Hulu, we began rewatching Outlander from the beginning, and I decided to re-read the series. I finished the first book a few days ago. And Drgonfly in Amber. I’m well into Voyager now. I stand by my original review.
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It has been several days since I finished book one. I still feel caught in the afterglow of it.. While I was reading it, I binge-watched the show. First with my son and brother. Then with my friend. Then with my husband. So this review includes the book, the Audible version, and the show.

I borrowed the book from the local e-library. I noticed it came with text-to-speech. But the show was full of Gaelic, so I didn’t want to hear the TTS mispronouncing those words. So I used my credit to pick up the Audible version to whispersynch.

Narrated by Davina Porter, made the story come alive. Her voice isn’t like that of the actress, Caitriona Balfe, from the show, which was a bit of a surprise, but Davina did a great job acting out the different characters from the book.

I must admit that I will often recommend the book over the show. The explicit rape scenes may trigger those who watch the show. The book leaves more to the imagination. It spent more time on the story itself than details of the acts.

My only complaint about the book was that it was so long I didn’t finish before it was due back. Who knew that the email saying a book is due on Monday means you only have part of Monday to finish it? They took the book back Sunday night at midnight. I was forced to buy the book with only 10% left to read. Oh, well, now I can share it with my husband and read it again someday.

With the trigger warning for the show, I highly recommend the book, audio, and show for everyone. Those days spent back in history, especially in Scotland, were dreamy! I wish I could actually go and experience the whole of the UK.

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CatalinaCatalina by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another book I only sort of liked. Maybe I’m not the target audience? I’m not a young person pursuing college or flirting or in need of convincing against the deportation of dreamers or anyone working hard and trying to earn their right to be citizens and paying taxes as they go.

Still, the author managed to get inside the head of this young woman and provided the reader with valuable insights into another life. I admired that Karla Corneho Villavicencio narrated her book.

It was worth the read. I was happy it was available on Libby.

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I'll Be Right Here: A NovelI’ll Be Right Here: A Novel by Amy Bloom
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I didn’t finish this book. I found it confusing and dry. I didn’t feel connected to the characters and especially when it started hopping in time.

Mozhan Navabi (Narrator), didn’t help make me feel I knew who’s point of view I was listening to.

I’m sorry. I really wanted to like this book. But don’t take my word for it. The comments show quite a few people loved it. I was glad I could pick this up on Libby.

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The House of the SpiritsThe House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

There is so much to this book, I am having a hard time pinning it all down. But I found a review on GoodReads that says it all. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show…

This is a book about three generations of a family in Chile. All the characters are well-developed and complex, with both strengths and flaws. Ultimately, there may be a cautionary note for all of us.

Ana Navarro recommended this book on The View during the “Ladies Got Lit” segment. It is worth jumping into.

As I was browsing through the reviews, I realized this is actually book three, so I put book one on hold, Daughter of Fortune. I may have to read this book again after a deep dive into the first two. It held up well as a stand-alone for me. The writing is great, with enough Spanish to make me pay attention. Javiera Gazitua (Narrator) and Senén Arancibia (Narrator) brought the book alive. I found this on Libby,

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I Am YouI Am You by Victoria Redel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was a surprise. It seemed a little self-indulgent or preachy at times, but much of the story was intriguing. I loved the aspect of history and painting. I found the story of the ‘boy’ suddenly needing to be herself an interesting concept, as well as how one adjusts to that change in self-perception.

The historic, Dutch aspect gives the story depth.

There are times when I don’t like the main character or the others who appear, but that could be a reflection of the coldness of the social structure in that time and place.

I’m not sure how I obtained this book, but it is a giveaway right now on GoodReads. I think you might like it.

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ConclaveConclave by Robert Harris
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Pope died. It’s time for a new one. We’ve lived through a few of these. It is an interesting concept.

I’m not Catholic, but I have friends and family who are or have been. So I’ve always been curious. How does this work? How do they choose, especially since the church has a range of awesome and sinful? So when I saw the author on a talk show, I put the book on hold with Libby.

It was okay. For me, it was falling into a past of reading about men by men. Quite boring. But I’m glad I read it. Tiny bits of progress of thought seem to thread through this story. But I wonder if women are anything less than barefoot, pregnant witches to these self-important men. Sorry. Not sorry.

Still, these are my opinions that are changeable like the wind. Read it yourself and enjoy.

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