Outlander

Outlander, Book 1

By: Diana Gabaldon

Narrated by: Davina Porter

Length: 32 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

This stunning blend of historical romance and time traveling adventure has captured the hearts of millions of readers around the world and catapulted author Diana Gabaldon to the top of the New York Times best seller list. Outlander introduces an exhilarating world of heroism and breathtaking thrills as one woman is torn between past and present, passion and love.

In 1945, former combat nurse Claire Randall returns from World War II and joins her husband for a second honeymoon. Their blissful reunion is shattered when she touches a boulder in an ancient stone ruin and is instantly transported to 1743 Scotland, a place torn by war and raiding border clans. Will Claire find her way back to her own time, or is her destiny forever linked with Clan MacKenzie and the gallant James Fraser?

©1991 Diana Gabaldon (P)1997 Recorded Books, LLC.

Critic reviews

"Davina Porter maintains the distinct voices she creates for each character throughout the lengthy narration. Her delivery of 18th-century language sounds authentic and is easily understandable." (AudioFile)

Outlander is Outstanding

Outlander is not only a superb book to read, the audio book brought everything to life in a way that has now made me an audio book junkie. Davina Porter is an amazing talent. I loved every minute of this book.

Needs a 2nd and 3rd read

I was looking for a long book to listen too while doing gardening and driving. This book was the ticket. I am so glad there is a series. What a wonderful story. I was so wrapped up in this tale. I had to go back and listen to it a second time.

Hurt myself trying to finish

This is a roller coaster ride for adults. It is not just another romance. It is a well told story with romance in it. Romance novels are sex scenes with plot to bridge the gap between them. This is a good story. There are things that happen in this book that are incredible and tragic. They feel more than love or sexual attraction. They feel bliss, fear, shame and indecision.
Fiction is supposed to entertain us and this one is invigorating and refreshing. I lost a lot of sleep trying to finish this book. I have no regrets.

My Favorite Book Ever

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes - and I have, several times.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Outlander?

When Jamie tells Claire the main reason why he married her when they're at his home in the Highlands.

Have you listened to any of Davina Porter’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I've listened to her perform all of Gabaldon's books in this series, but I have not heard her read another series.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Not any one particular moment, but a collection of all the times both Jamie and Claire go above and beyond to be there for each other and to protect one another.

Not my normal cup of tea, and now I'm addicted

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, absolutely. It was not what I normally listen to (business books) - or read (crime/mystery thrillers) but this book was so well written, and stunningly well-performed, that it transformed my daily commute in to a pleasure. Now I can't wait to listen to the whole series.

This is my #1 most favorite book of all !!

Where does Outlander rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is my most favorite book ranks #1

What did you like best about this story?

Intriguing story, interesting and well developed characters,accurate medical and biological information, fantastic narration

Have you listened to any of Davina Porter’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

She is unbelievably gifted and this is one of her superb performances

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

What would it really be like to go back in time?

OMG. So so good!

I really think that Diana Gabaldon wants to crush all the hopes and dreams of her readers/listeners. That being said, she makes you fall in love with every single character and she subjects them (and subsequently you too) to any and everything. You can never predict what will happen. This book is so good! First, you are laughing out loud the next you are crying your face off. I definitely got sucked in and was way too invested. I had to stop listening at one point because I was too scared of what was going to happen to my characters!

Davina Porter is so amazing! She is one of my very favorites! Every accent/dialect/language she performs is perfect. I wish she would just narrate everything!!!

Diana, Davina, & Outlander deserve a 10!

Would you listen to Outlander again? Why?

I already have! I love this story, the narrator, and the characters.

What other book might you compare Outlander to and why?

No comparisons...it stands alone.

What does Davina Porter bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She is amazing! The characters come to life through her wonderful voice.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

YES!

Any additional comments?

I will never tire of listening to Outlander...my Favorite!

Love it!!

This is my second time listening to this series and I suspect it will not be my last!! The blending of history with fiction and the added bonus of some beautifully evocative prose is irresistible!

A good book in an EXCELLENT series

Where does Outlander rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

The outlander series is the most memorable, addictive and gripping I've experienced in my listening career. The first book left me with a mixed impression of the book's themes and preoccupations, yet I forged ahead -- slightly baffled by the impulse to do so -- and grew increasingly impressed, entranced and hooked as the series continued. That's not to say the first book isn't good, it's just that the intricate and thrilling narrative (which is never confusing despite its' intricacy -- a tribute to both narrator and author) gets better and better as the reader's understanding of the world of the story and the characters who populate it grows deeper. Each book also represents a lusty, adventurous page-turner. Make no mistake, I learned a lot about the past reading these well-researched books but they are a far cry from homework. At least not the kind I remember doing.

I'm now officially a huge Gabaldon geek, routinely checking her website for the date of the next installment.

I viscerally miss the protagonists, as if they're old friends, in-between books. Just as I miss the crucial contribution of Davina Porter, who brings character and life to every character -- distinction without caricature. She's outstanding.

And to think I believed I didn't 'like this genre.' I was a fool! A fool I tell you!

Enjoy.

What about Davina Porter’s performance did you like?

Davina Porter brings depth to every character -- distinction without caricature. She's outstanding.