Their verbal barbs and shenanigans against the backdrop of Scotland really works well. It definitely functions more as an accompaniment to Starz’s Men in Kilts. I am writing this after seeing the show’s first episode and it’s really enjoyable.
This book works better as a TV show which–surprise surprise–they have! If there was no Droughtlander and pandemic I wonder if this book would even be necessary other than fulfilling their itch (and ego) to be authors. Additionally, author of the book series Diana Gabaldon gives her seal of approval by writing the foreword (of course she would) but I think that’s where the book ends. If you’re looking for a thorough and vetted history book then you’ll have to find it elsewhere.īecause Outlander is the springboard of how these two Scottish friends formed a relationship that then inspired them to take a road trip through a country in which the story is based, fans enjoy their discoveries and banter. You get the gist of the clan feuds (there are a lot of feuds) and what happened at the Battle of Culloden (again outside of Scotland only Outlander fans will know that reference) among other anecdotes. Graham is mostly the arbiter of historical information only based on his avid interest in Scottish history and that’s ok.
Aside from all of the references to the show, the history is more interesting albeit this is not supposed to be a thorough academic treatise.
All of the “behind the scenes” of filming the show, how these two cads met, and the inside jokes that weave themselves throughout the book make it very clear that the only people who could appreciate, understand, and maybe laugh at the jokes…are Outlander fans. “Clanlands” was definitely written (and maybe only) for the Outlander fan. The book is in both of their voices - all the banter, wit, snide comments - creating a feeling that you are stuck in the van between the both of them Grumpy Graham on one side and Impish Sam on the other. Turns out he was! Kinda.Īlong with Graham McTavish (aka Dougal McKenzie), these two go on an adventure in a camper van, along with a few other unique modes of transport, exploring Scotland’s land, history, and culture. When I first heard I thought oh god I hope he’s not becoming that celebrity who thinks they should write a memoir. Not even a pandemic could slow him down! While the rest of us were noshing on chips watching Netflix and becoming a permanent fixture on our couch this guy was writing a book.
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