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A review by sambellis
The Outlander by Gil Adamson
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.