'Outstanding' novel is 'best historical fiction book' - readers say its 'life-changing'

A period drama novel has been voted as the "very best historical fiction book" and fans have hailed it "life-changing". Outlander is a series of historical fantasy novels written by American author Diana Gabaldon. Gabaldon began the first volume of the series, Outlander, in the late 1980s, and it was then published in 1991. Since then, she has published nine out of a planned 10 volumes.

Book reviewer site, She's Becoming Bookish, listed Outlander at the top of its ranking of "The Very Best Historical Fiction Books". She's Becoming Bookish stated: "If you love fantasy romance, Outlander should be at the top of your TBR-immediately. This is one of my all-time favourite series, and for good reason.

"It tells the sweeping tale of Jamie Fraser, an 18th-century Scottish Highlander, and Claire Beauchamp, a bold, no-nonsense British time traveller from the 20th century. Built on the forced proximity trope, their romance is fiery, intense, and unforgettable. Expect animalistic passion, unforgettable characters, and a fiercely strong female lead. This story has everything: history, heartache, heat-and a love that transcends time itself. Don't waste your time husband hunting with Bridgerton... Jamie Fraser is the real deal. (Just be sure to check trigger warnings before diving in!)"

The book's synopsis reads: "The year is 1945. Claire Randall, a former combat nurse, is just back from the war and reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon when she walks through a standing stone in one of the ancient circles that dot the British Isles. Suddenly she is a Sassenach-an "outlander"-in a Scotland torn by war and raiding border clans in the year of Our Lord...1743."

"Hurled back in time by forces she cannot understand, Claire is catapulted into the intrigues of lairds and spies that may threaten her life, and shatter her heart. For here James Fraser, a gallant young Scots warrior, shows her a love so absolute that Claire becomes a woman torn between fidelity and desire-and between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives."

Fans have hailed the book as "outstanding", with one adding: "This series changed my life. I cannot even begin to go into the details of how much I fell in love with the main characters: Claire Beauchamp and Jamie Fraser. The love story between these two beautifully written characters actually transcends time and logic."

Outlander is available to purchase online and at all major bookstores.