Goodness, it was hard to rate this book! I wanted to give it a full-on five and a hug, that's how much I enjoyed it. My mother recommended the Outlander television series to me because I'm a huge fan of Game of Thrones, and because of our Scottish heritage. There's something about the opening theme of the television program that quickens my blood - and I absolutely adore it. The show is fantastic - graphic, and there was one scene that I thought was in bad taste, but still the show is satisfying and moreish, and full of excellent acting. When I discovered that it was an adaptation of a novel - a whole series of novels, no less - I was determined to read them, for comparison if nothing else. My aunt urged me to get into them, as she's a huge fan herself, and so I delved in, and I will not be looking back. 
 Outlander is a rich and beautifully written book. Diana Gabaldon writes of Scotland and the Scottish culture from the 1700s as though she has breathed it. Not only is the setting wonderfully translated to the page, but her characters seem to come alive in her prose. Claire Beachamp/Randall/Fraser is a brilliant protagonist. She's a strong-willed woman, intelligent and capable, but certainly not without her faults (which makes her an excellent 'strong female character', as far too many stray into Mary Sue territory regardless of the quality of the writing or story), and she is written so realistically. Jamie Fraser is also a fantastic character, compelling and believable, and while there are definite flaws in his character, he is earnest and honest, and far more interesting than most of the romantic interests in adult romance novels that I've read. Not that I've read very many, mind you. 
 I mentioned that it was hard for me to rate this book, and it was. I want to give it five stars, I really do. I just have a problem with how Gabaldon has used rape as a plot device, and while I believe that she's handled the subject respectfully, it's a pity that it comes up so often in the story. You can say that she was trying to be accurate to history with her portrayal of rape, and I would agree, but she is the writer. She chooses what goes into her story and what doesn't. And while there are a few moments of rape/attempted rape that I think are integral to the story and characters, there are definitely a few that I think are unnecessary. And so I would give this book four and a half stars, but as I'm unable to do so, it'll have to be four. Outlander is definitely worth the read if you're into historical novels, or romance novels, or Scotland, or just compelling fiction, but do be warned. There are triggers here if you've experience domestic abuse or sexual violence, and they are strong ones. Still, it's a great book, and I can't wait to begin the next one.