Comments on: The Books Are the Books, and The Show Is The Show

By: Makaila

Makaila — Thu, 21 May 2026 16:17:02 +0000

Many variations of my sentiment have already been expressed as far as being slightly dissatisfied with the large story changes they made in the last season of the show. But I digress seeing as tv will always be different than a book. That being said, I mainly wanted to fangirl a little and tell you how much I love every single book. I have read the entire main series as well as all the novellas at least 5 times (You found a gem in Davina Porter for narration). Since I found this series I don’t want to leave the Outlander universe. I’ve tried picking up other books for a little variety, but I inevitably end up putting it down unfinished and going back to Outlander. No one else holds a candle to your story telling abilities and the fact that this series follows a lifetime. I admire your dedication to research; anytime something has sparked my interest I go to see if it’s a real thing or made up for the book, lo and behold, it’s accurate every time. I recently found out I have Scottish lineage through dna, so all of the cultural details being accurate is so special to me. It has sparked a huge curiosity in me and now I’ve learned even more about my heritage using your references as a jumping off point. I am anxiously awaiting the next book even though I’m sad to see the story close. And a question, do you see any possibility of a continuation possibly following Jem and Mandy? I would be very interested to see Mandy’s abilities develop as she grows older and what their lives might look like.

By: Arlene Simoneaux

Arlene Simoneaux — Tue, 05 May 2026 21:18:23 +0000

Thank you for your wonderful books. I have read all of them. Some of them were read a few times. Your ability to research and describe the scene has delighted me over the years. Repeatedly, I’ve checked to see if you’ve come out with a new book, and am very happy to see that another Big Book will appear at some time in the future.

When I first saw the show, I was disappointed because the characters did not look as I had envisioned them, e.g., Jamie isn’t tall enough. After a while, I came to love the show for itself. That was until Faith was resurrected. That was followed by Henri Christian not dying, and Fergus dying. This resulted in a bit of cognitive dissonance.

If they had decided to continue the series, I’m sure I would have adjusted, and decided that I still love the show. After all, the Show is the Show and the Book is the Book.

As it is, I will look forward to your tenth book. And, if I need an Outlander fix, I will pick up one of your other books and reread it. That will suffice.

By: Alex

Alex — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 23:24:32 +0000

What I think (even though it’s obvious an immens amount of work and committment go into the show and always have admiration for people doing things I can’t), is that there are some real life magical qualities of the books that you convey like the communities and how word travels amongst people in those communities that are really lost in the show. I’m re-reading again and the way Jamie gets word out in DOA about ‘Yon Wakefield’ while Bree is waiting for him – everyone in the bloody state knows and has their ear out – and that’s a new colony! After watching last weeks show episode, with Jane telling the reporter that story about Lady Broch Tuarach. Ah I don’t know it’s just such a huge plot hole for me. This French Lady asked at one house about Lady Broch Tuarach and just what never found out Broch Tuarach was in Scotland? Never got word out with travellers to the Highlands she was looking for her? Faith never turned up at Lallybroch as a teenager looking? They just gave up looking so easily and yet went to America to find them all that time later? > Insert exasperation. Everyone would know and word would travel even if it took a year and Jenny and Ian found out and took her in once Claire was gone and Jamie in the cave or in prison. Too much melodrama for shock effect that doesn’t make sense. Don’t get me started on Fergus. Henri-Christian’s death was a huge book moment and had so many effects on so many characters. I agree if they were too chicken to do it just burn the print shop.
Side note I am so thankful for your brain and story writing ability. These books have carried me through so much of my own life stress and trauma in such a real way it’s always the place I love most to escape too when my own life get’s too much for my little introverted soul. Thankyou so much Diana all the way from Australia. I’m 38 so a younger age than some of your readership but it is no less impactful because of it. xx