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brookljn's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
3.75
brodydollywood's review against another edition
4.0
I wanted to dislike this book, as I usually end up bored by long paragraphs of descriptions. But this novel was engaging and unique, keeping my attention hooked with the adventures of the widow. I felt as if I truly knew each character, even the smaller bit parts. As satisfying of a novel as a good meal enjoyed after you’ve been starved and wandering the woods for days.
megan_prairierose's review against another edition
4.0
Loved this book! What a crazy cast of characters. Looking forward to discussing this with the CBC book club.
beedew's review against another edition
3.0
Upon opening it, I was delighted to enter a world written with the depth and beauty of early Cormac McCarthy. The lyricism of the writing never fails. The story itself was the problem for me. It started out fine and tense, but I began to feel like Adamson was afraid she'd never have a chance to write another novel. She seemed to cram every idea she's ever had into this one. As a result the reading got tedious. This was a case of too much of a good thing. The characters were good and plenty, but they slowed down the plot rather than enhanced it. I was ready to quit between 1/2 and 2/3s of the way through. Instead I skimmed. I'm glad I did. The ending resembled a bright, puffy bow too much for my liking. This would have been a near perfect novel if Adamson had kept to the simple and tense plot she started with. She certainly has the writing chops to accomplish this.
freeyyyah's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
sambellis's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Read for The Bookstore Podcast Challenge: Feb 2023 / Western
I had heard a podcast interview with Gil Adamson and bought a copy of The Outlander almost immediately. It only took me probably 3 years to get around to reading this very fine novel and what the heck was I waiting for!
Historical fiction isn't always my cup of tea but when it's done well, it really is my jam. This story is not only heart-wrenching, but it is told lyrically and with such beautiful prose. Mary Boulton is fleeing her homestead after killing her husband, but the outside world is harsh for a girl brought up with servants and money. Throughout the struggle to evade her hunters she encounters several people who help her to survive, thrive, and even live on the hope of never being found out. Taking place at the turn of the 20th century in the rough wilderness of the Midwest, this story brings to light the plight of women during this time, their "requirements" to society, and the truth that women deserve to be seen and have a fulfilling life. I loved that the author gave the widow a powerful voice, giving us peeks into her past and her journey to the murder of her husband. She was a fully flushed out character, alongside a cast of supporting men who had their own turn in the spotlight.
I had heard a podcast interview with Gil Adamson and bought a copy of The Outlander almost immediately. It only took me probably 3 years to get around to reading this very fine novel and what the heck was I waiting for!
Historical fiction isn't always my cup of tea but when it's done well, it really is my jam. This story is not only heart-wrenching, but it is told lyrically and with such beautiful prose. Mary Boulton is fleeing her homestead after killing her husband, but the outside world is harsh for a girl brought up with servants and money. Throughout the struggle to evade her hunters she encounters several people who help her to survive, thrive, and even live on the hope of never being found out. Taking place at the turn of the 20th century in the rough wilderness of the Midwest, this story brings to light the plight of women during this time, their "requirements" to society, and the truth that women deserve to be seen and have a fulfilling life. I loved that the author gave the widow a powerful voice, giving us peeks into her past and her journey to the murder of her husband. She was a fully flushed out character, alongside a cast of supporting men who had their own turn in the spotlight.
mikhaylovam's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
lizabuzz's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0