Comments on: FILM/TV COMMENTARY, Part I: Adaptation, Logistics, and Testicles

By: Jenny Bonds

Jenny Bonds — Sun, 05 Apr 2020 15:53:28 +0000

For me, the series on STARZ has greatly enhanced my envisioning of the story as I read the book series. Coming to the books late in the game, the STARZ series actually were what alerted me to the book series. I was so interested in how long the books have been published…how did I ever miss them? Being an avid reader, and <> wishing always to be a writer, though <> have never tried, you inspire me Diana.
Your story lines are so wonderful and incredibly researched. My favorite books (before starting yours, Diana), were Gone With the Wind, Winds of War, and War and Remembrance. You have knocked them all of their respective pedestals, and amazingly the genres seem to compare. My taste runs to historical novels based on real people and events with romance and characters built into the history, rounding out the story and making it more interesting. History is a love of mine, and before I chose my career, which is nursing (how very Claire of me!) I had seriously considered Literature and History. Now one of my new passions is Scotland, which I visited at the age of 14 on one of those 30 day tours (if it’s Tuesday this must be Belgium). I remember Edinburgh and the castle, buying a tartan (although I am allergic to wool) and how chilly it was even though it was in summer. I look forward to your next book and the last book (wish they would never end) and hope you are doing well, Diana. One day I would love to meet you in person.

By: Phyllis M. Pancake

Phyllis M. Pancake — Sat, 12 Mar 2016 18:13:01 +0000

Goodness, I just typed all my comment and then because the email address was not complete I’ve got to try and remember all I said. One new comment, I hate computer keyboards!

I have read all of the Outlander series and enjoyed them immensely. I have shared them verbally with my husband. He is a slower reader and the very size of the books put him off. Now however, having seen the first two seasons of the TV series, he might be more amiable to reading them. So glad we discovered the disc at the Family Video store. Hopefully, we haven’t missed any of the new season.

Please keep writing and we will continue to enjoy.

By: DCC

DCC — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 22:57:31 +0000

Hi Diana,
I don’t know where else to look for the info about the TV series. I’ve checked all of your info & went through all of STARZ website for it. Season One was incredible. Ron & his team did such an outstanding job following the book. I’m now afraid I’m going to miss Season 2. I know you’ve said you don’t have “inside information” but I was hoping you might have heard something?!
Can you help a fan out? If I watch the DVDs any more I’m afraid they’ll wear out…

DCC

By: Diana

Diana — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 18:48:59 +0000

Dear Liz–

Because Sam Heughan is right-handed. They tried having him “act” lefty for the first few episodes, but it quickly became clear that it wouldn’t work long-term; he has to do very active things like sword-fighting too often. So they quietly dropped that. Given that there’s no background about Jamie’s left-handedness in the show, I can’t see that it should make the slightest difference.

Best,

–Diana

By: Liz Fraser

Liz Fraser — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 02:19:40 +0000

Hi Diana

I’ve just finished reading WIMOHB, and am already biting my nails waiting for the next book! Your writing is incredible, and I am loving the TV series too. One question which has probably been asked of you many times before ~ why does BJR break Jamie’s left hand in the series, when it was his right hand in the book?

Many thanks
Liz

By: Diana

Diana — Wed, 13 May 2015 10:14:42 +0000

Dear Susan–

Really? I think the scenes of married love are entirely tasteful and beautiful, myself–but tastes differ, of course.

No, I’d not come across Dr. Nibley–I’ll certainly go and find his book, though; thanks for the recommendation!

Best,

–Diana

By: Susan Horne

Susan Horne — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 20:10:19 +0000

I’m wondering if Diana Gabaldon has read any of the writings of Dr. Hugh Nibley, an expert on ancient temples and languages. Dr. Nibley claimed that stone circles were ancient temples where observations of the cosmos were also made. His research showed that the ancients believed the rituals in the temples transcended time. In his book “Temples and the Cosmos” published in 1976, he even uses the word ‘Outland’ to describe the way the temple were perceived. In fact, I see a lot of religious symbolism in the Outlander series beginning with the opening scene with animal blood on the door lentils.

Outlander is a beautiful story of how a marriage can survive every adversity. It’s everyone’s journey through life, and that also has it’s own set of symbols. Or am I reading too much into it?

I just wish the STARZ version wasn’t so sexually graphic. It destroys the sacred nature of marriage and leaves nothing to the imagination. I find myself feeling sorry for the actors and what they’ve been asked to do. I hope they are paying them well!

By: JGALE

JGALE — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 14:42:54 +0000

Oh no…. I swear it was an innocent mistake. I am NOT a writer, only an avid reader. I did not provide the source of the information I shared in my previous post. Apologies…! And I hope that I haven’t broken some rule or regulation happily unknown to me.

So in way of background… I am retired Navy and (please don’t faint) an NRA member. In the May 2015 issue of the NRA’s “American Rifleman” there is, on page 38, an article entitled, “The Most Famous Rifle of D-Day…Wasn’t There?” It was in this article that I found the information related to Simon Fraser that I shared in my earlier posting. I merely thought folks would like to hear this interesting tidbit but clearly forgot to provide appropriate attribution. Again, my apologies…! Regards, Jgale

By: JGALE

JGALE — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 13:00:11 +0000

Did you know…? Lord Lovat Fraser…. Simon Fraser, the 15th Lord Lovat and 25th Chief of Clan Fraser of Lovat was one of the first volunteers for the commando units formed in 1940. June 6, 1944, D-Day – Brigadier Lord Lovat commanded the First Special Service Brigade and landed on Sword Beach. With him was “Piper” Bill Millin who struck up “Blue Bonnets” keeping the pipes going as the commando unit moved up the beach. Lord Lovat Fraser as wounded in the attack on Breville on June 12, 1944 thus ending his combat service. Sadly he passed in 1995. Finally, Lord Lovat Fraser was played by Peter Lawford in the movie, “The Longest Day.” Regards, Jgale

By: Barbara

Barbara — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 20:36:04 +0000

Dear Diana – I’m one of the people who’ve read the entire series more times than I can count. Thanks for making it clearer regarding the making of the series. I guess we (my dear friend Patricia, who is losing her sight so I’m reading the entire series to her – we’re on book three!) can deal with it. We simply can’t agree with the ‘ring deal’. I have the original ring purchased from your website when they were first offered. Sorry Diana – we LOVE you and the books. The ‘key ring’ makes NO sense to us when the original is so beautiful.

Barbara & Patricia