The Outlandish Companion (Revised and Updated) (The Outlandish Companions, #1) (Outlander)

by Diana Gabaldon

[Kait ✨]

Really enjoyed this - perhaps more than Outlander. I loved hearing about Diana's writing process - that, as a subject, is something I find very interesting - and it satisfied many burning questions. I am looking forward to starting book two even more now!

Some sections I didn't love: the synopses (especially as I've only read Outlander),

However, I really enjoyed the rest. The section on characters (how she created them, horoscope readings, etc.) was really interesting. The family trees and genealogical information was useful and something I can see myself referencing in the future, as was the guide to Gaelic grammar and the glossary of foreign terms. I personally - particularly as a wannabe writer - enjoyed the bits about web sites, methods of research, titling, time travel, etc.

I particularly love the bibliographies and appendices. She includes annotated bibliographies on the Eighteenth Century, Scotland, Medicine & Herbals, African Cultures, Ghosts and Ghost Stories, Literature, Language Resources, Magic, Natural History Guides, North Carolina, Food and Cookery, Native American Cultures, Odd Books, and Miscellany. Her appendices include Gaelic resources, poems and quotations, a primer on geneaologic research (want to implement this myself!), a discography of Celtic music, and her Methadone List.

All in all - a lovely wealth of information!