The Outlander

The Outlander is a gripping historical fiction novel set in the Canadian Rockies.

The story follows Mary Boulton, a young woman on the run from her dangerous husband. As Mary navigates the rugged wilderness, she encounters a cast of memorable characters and faces numerous trials.

I loved its evocative and atmospheric writing, transporting me to the untamed Rocky Mountains in the early 20th century. Adamson's portrayal of Mary as a strong and resourceful protagonist captivated me. The land is brutal and beautiful at one, as are the characters she encounters.

The Outlander is a compelling tale of survival, filled with… show more.

This evocative historical novel, set in 1903 in the Western Canadian wilderness, is one of my favorite novels. Mary Boulton, newly made a widow by her own hand, flees her vengeful brothers-in-law. This is the story of the hunted, and the ability of a woman to disappear as needed into the vast wild and survive on her own. A soft thriller, with lyrical prose. And one of the most memorable characters I’ve come across in this genre.

An astonishing book whose main character is known only as “the widow” until far into the narrative, and whose flight across the western wilderness, in 1903, is as lyrical, brutal, and visceral as a reader could want. This is a book whose writing stops you dead, even while you can’t wait to turn the page.