Little did I know many years ago, when my aunt told me about a book she had read and liked, that it would turn into such a fantastic journey! The book was Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. My aunt, who is more of a reader than even I am, had purchased and read the trade paperback size, and now offered it to me to read. Those first few lines captured me and drew me in immediately!
” People disappear all the time. Ask any policeman. Better yet, ask a journalist. Disappearances are bread-and-butter to journalists. Young girls run away from home. Young children stray from their parents and are never seen again. Housewives reach the end of their tether and take the grocery money and a taxi to the station. International financiers change their names and vanish into the smoke of imported cigars. Many of the lost will be found, eventually, dead or alive. Disappearances, after all, have explanations. Usually. ” ~ Outlander Prologue
Those first few words captivated millions of readers, the world over. For those who haven’t read it, it’s set in beautiful Scotland, my own homeland. It’s about time travel and adventure, but most of all, it’s an incredible love story. Chapter after chapter the story developed, and we readers found ourselves wanting to disappear thought the standing stones to arrive in the past to find our own Jamie Fraser!
Many more books followed, as well as companion books and shorter novels and novellas based on other characters from the main story. And Diana did not disappoint. I haven’t even gotten through all the books yet. But I think the pièce de résistance was when they (finally) turned Outlander into a hit TV series. I remember being glued to the television every Sunday night during the first airing of Season One. And the show is as good as the books! I remember seeing Diana at a book signing event at our local book store. She was answering questions from the crowd. Someone asked her what the attraction was to a man in a kilt, and she replied, and I quote, “I think it’s the idea of having that man up against a wall.” The audience went absolutely wild! And why not? I mean, it sounds lie a good idea to me! I apologize if these past remarks offend anyone who are not “into” men in kilts, but for those who are (I don’t care what sexual orientation you may be..), I bet you just had an image emblazoned in your head!
The one thing that may take a little getting used to in the books and TV series, is the language. Sure, it’s in English and for the most part, that is the language spoken. But it is interspersed with some “broad Scots”, which uses words many are not accustomed to (unless you grew up in Scotland, or had Scottish family). Also mixed in is some Scottish Gaelic. Did you know you can learn Scottish Gaelic online, for free?
Anyways, just for fun I thought I’d finish up with a few Scottish phrases. Starting with the one in the title. Dinnae fash means don’t be troubled. Here are a few more for you to try out:
- Dreich. Dree…and that phlegmy “gh” sound at the end. That’s the best way I can describe it! Means wet, as in rainy & gloomy.
- Ah dinnae ken = I don’t know. (ken = know).
- Sassenach. It’s a derogatory term, referring to the English people. However, in the book, it becomes a term of endearment that Jamie calls Claire.
I hope you enjoyed today’s blog. If you haven’t read Outlander or seen the show, maybe it’s time for a binge! Now, Gabh mo leisgeul (excuse me, in Scottish Gaelic) while I go and fantasize about men in kilts!
Tioraidh! ~ Pronounced “Chee-ree (Goodbye!)
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