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)

Fantastic Story!

The most interesting book series I have ever read. Each book keeps you captivated throughout. The story is long which is great because you never wanted to end! You couldn't have a better person reading the book because Davina Porter is amazing!

Absolutely love this book!

The Outlander series has become one of my very favorites. The first book in the series is so successful at setting up the characters, the setting, the conflict, and the love story that continues through the next 7 (soon to be 8!) books. I have already listened to Outlander twice, and I imagine it will become a standby “read” whenever I want to be taken back to the beautiful story of Jamie and Claire, set in the rugged Scottish country. I would recommend this book to anyone. Some scenes are a bit explicit, be prepared. But the story is in no way a raunchy romance. It is a beautifully told sorry, and worth every minute.

Well done on all accounts

Narration was spot-on. My only reason for 4 stars vs 5 is that this didn't evoke strong feelings in me and it was a tad slow paced. However, I feel it set up future installments to alleviate either of these "complaints" for lack of a better word. I did enjoy it very much and would recommend it, and I will read the next in the series. I really liked learning some of the general history regarding every day things, such as the manner in which crimes were punished, and which herbs were used for what ailments.

Vivid imagery!

What a story - brought to life by the author and the narrator! I felt like I was THERE!!!

Excellently written and read.

Loved it, great narration. The author's descriptions are vivid. Character development is solid. A story you can listen to again and again.

Highly recommend this story and the narrator!!

Diana Galbadon is an artist at creating characters and drawing the reader into their lives. Outlander adds in the layers of well-researched history; medicine, both modern of the early 20th century and herbal medicines, then adventure, war, crime/intrigue, fantasy/time travel/folklore, etc. I tell friends that Outlander offers a little something for everyone.

I actually debated about buying this audible book because there was only a single female narrator. I knew the story was written from Claire’s point of view, but I could not help but wonder how the story could be spoken adequately without make Scottish brogue. I was pleasantly surprised and thoroughly enjoyed Ms Davina Portor’s portrayal of every character. She brought each to life in spoken word. I’m looking forward to listening to the next book in the series.

I feel I need to mention that I have already read the book series 3 times and made a purposeful choice to listen to the series this time. I’m so glad I made this decision. It is giving me a chance to experience yet another nuance of my beloved friends Claire, Jaime, Murtaugh, etc.

Wonderful

What made the experience of listening to Outlander the most enjoyable?

You feel like you are there. The reader takes you right into the story and you experience the emotions and action of the story.

What did you like best about this story?

By listening to the story. You experience the Scottish life up close and can almost put yourself into the story itself.

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

She brings Jamie to life!

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

I had to force myself to turn it off.

Any additional comments?

This is the best way to do this particular series.

Wonderful book

this is the second time I have enjoyed Outlander. it was even better the second time. the whole series is wonderful. Diana Gabaldon writes her charactso that as you read the books the characters become friends that you need to hear about. As I await the ninth book I have only to remind myself of the story
and my friends to become embroiled in t heir lives once again.

Scot rates a Scottish based book

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

It was my 1st or 2nd audio book. I have read about 5 books in this series (at about 5 pounds each) and have switched to audio. Amendment: I had read audio books form the library, buy I had to rush to get them back without a fine. The best choice then: A Caged Bird Sings, because I had tried to read printed copy and would just put it down.

What did you like best about this story?

I listened to the story again as I have this in print too. Addidionally, I watched the Outlander series on STRZ when it was there.

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

Don't know. Don't keep track of narrator usually

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

I didn't listen in one sitting. Going to sleep, doing work, etc

This book was fantastic! I could not stop listenin

What a strange wonderful story! Something original and captivating! A very long story that I did not want to end! I can't wait to start the next book.