I-LIKE-BIG-BOOKS..and I can not lie

****WARNING: INCOMING RECOMMENDATIONS ****

When not fully engrossed in one of the excellent SBC books, I've found myself drifting towards historical fiction of the rather LARGE kind. These books that were recommended to me are know fast favourites. For example; 'The Bronze Horseman' series by Paulina Simons set in Stalin's Russia was my first foray into the world of history through fiction. What an [cough] eye opener that series was...I was hooked.

I'd discovered the Whitcoulls Top 100 list and thought (naively) that I'd like to try reading my way through it. This lead to more BIG BOOKS and further delectable historical treasures such as 'Into The Wilderness' by Sara Donati set in 18th century North Carolina. Never before had history come alive in such a morish and entertaining way. But then I read.....'Cross Stitch' (also known as 'Outlander') by Diana Gabaldon.

The author has written 7 books so far in the series and each one takes you on a journey (literally). Set in the 18th century with brief excursions back to the 20th, we are in Scotland, England, the West Indies, France, America and back again. Although the author has done a phenomal job at bringing the pages of history alive, it is the story of Jamie and Claire that has kept me intrigued 8,000 pages later. Diana Gabaldon is a wonderful story teller with a witty sense of humour. 'Cross Stitch', 'Dragonfly In Amber', 'Voyager', 'Drums Of Autumn', 'The Fiery Cross', 'A Breath Of Snow And Ashes' and the last book 'An Echo In The Bone' are full of adventure, intrigue, love, heart break, humour, HISTORY, Scottish pride and rich morish entertainment. If you are looking for all of the above in a series to immerse yourself in and are not daunted by big books then I highly recommend the Outlander series. If you stick with it then the rewards are bountiful. You will not be disappointed and (like me) you will be eagerly anticipating the 8th book's arrival. Apparently the books take 2-3 years each to write -with the detail and scope I can believe it !! I can't wait to see what happens next with the red-haired Scottish laird Jamie and his time travelling wife Claire.

If anyone else is a Diana Gabaldon fan I would love to swap (fan-fanatical) notes with you....

Megan :)