First Sentence: I met Jamie
Fraser when I was nineteen years old.
Emma Sheridan has had a series of less-than-auspicious jobs
and relationships, a fact that her sister is happy to point
out. In frustration and depression, she decides to sell everything
and travel to Scotland in search of a man who represents her
idea—Jamie Fraser from the book “Outlander”—writing
a blog along the way.
In Emma, Dyer has created a character whose aspects can
be recognized by each of us, at some point of our lives. Many
of can us also sympathize with her relationship with her sister.
However, what is particularly nice, however, is that the character
grows and develops with the story.
Emma has some help along with way from wonderful secondary
characters, such Morag with the sheep farm, Katy the librarian
and Ashwin from the café in which Emma worked, and
others. There is a lovely cameo/homage to Diana Gabaldon,
Herself, which is delightful. And, it’s nice to know
that the real Diana Gabaldon approves of this book
The book does have shades of “Julie and Julia,”
but that’s okay. One can appreciate that the blog segments
are printed in courier; a nice touch, and it’s delightful
to see her following grow. It also becomes a lesson in distinguishing
those are fans, and those who are truly supportive fans. There
is even a bit of a mystery to the plot.
An exceptional aspect to the story is Ms. Dyers ability
to convey the beauty, power and history of Scotland, along
with descriptions of Edinburgh Castle, and references to Braveheart
and Canterbury Tales. Dyers genuinely makes one feel her love
for the country and its people.
“Finding Fraser” is an absolutely delightful
read, particularly for those of us who love the series “Outlander.”
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