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)

I couldn't stop listening.

If you could sum up Outlander in three words, what would they be?

Historical Mystery Excitement

What was one of the most memorable moments of Outlander?

When Jamie took Claire back to the stones to let her go.

Which scene was your favorite?

When Claire was being attacked and she turned to look into Jaime's face as he peered in the window to rescue her.

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

The way Jamie had to tell Claire about is time in prison. It was so heart wrenching. Then she had to reenact parts of it to make him fight for his life.

Any additional comments?

The book is amazing from cover to cover.

Excellent

The story itself, the PERFORMANCE, every single bit of it was excellent! I'm looking forward with great anticipation to hearing the next book in the series. What a ride!

great place to start

loved it! left me wanting more, in a good way! I bought the physical book, the printed computer copy, and this audible copy. I travel for work and thus is the best medium.

Thrilling Book!

I really enjoyed the journey back in time and am amazed at how seamlessly the narrator, Davina Porter seems to be in character. An excellent novel and great narration.

Excellent

Gabaldon is a wonderful writer and this is a great story. Brilliant reader and a great listen.

Almost a 5 Star

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

I rank it very high and it would have been a 5 star except for some of the demented actions of the main villain. He could have been just as evil without some of the vile actions near the end of the book.

What other book might you compare Outlander to and why?

It rivals Pride and Prejudice for me even though the two books are so different.

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

No

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

H-m-m-mm...I liked so much of the book - to pinpoint a particular moment is hard. The Gathering chapter with the injured man - Dougal and Claire's interaction with him. Gruff men have more depth than we tend to realize. :)

Any additional comments?

I enjoyed the love story and the intrigue...perfect blend.

I'm moving onto Book 2, BUT if it has some of the same demented unnecessary evil and vile actions - I don't know that I'll continue the series.

Wonderful!

What did you love best about Outlander?

I love the timeless romance between Jamie and claire. Their love knows no bounds.

What other book might you compare Outlander to and why?

Outlander is a unique book in and of itself. There aren't many other books like it.

Which scene was your favorite?

There were too many to count.

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

The part where they said the vows in gaelic.

Any additional comments?

Some portions of this book may be hard to read. There is gratuitous sex, violence, rape, alcohol, torture, and lot of cursing. Younger listeners should tread carefully with this book.

like spending time with longtime friends

I am listening to this series again for the fourth or fifth time and each time I learn something that I didn't hear the previous times. The stories are amazing. Full of history and emotion that takes the reader right into the story. I can't wait to someday go to Scotland and see the many geographical sites that are sprinkled throughout the story. I can see, in my minds eye, the characters so clearly as described by Diana Gabaldon. Davina Porter is wonderful as the narrator. She has a way of doing the voices of the different characters that makes them feel so real. Her accents are great!
I have listened to well over a thousand books and would have to say that this series is by far, my very very favorite. If I could only have had history teachers that could have brought history alive like these books I would have never found history boring. Do yourself a favor and listen to these books, in order.

Everything I heard it would be

Would you listen to Outlander again? Why?

Yup! Well written, with entertaining narration, made the lengthy novel quite pleasurable.

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

Davina Porter’s performance was nothing less of exceptional. She brought wit and life to the characters with outstanding finesse.

An Audiobook Series that I Keep Coming Back To

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

This is in my top five of all time.

What about Davina Porter’s performance did you like?

She is astounding ... consistent and entertaining throughout every book in this series. I am a fan.