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)

A captivating love story

Wonderful storytelling. I felt like I was right there with the characters. A captivating love story!

Better every time

I first read this back in the late 90's. This was my first time to listen. It really is crafted quite excellently. The story is very intricate, and when you've read the whole set, it's great to go back to the beginning and realize how much foreshadowing there is. It is a very complete and complex series.

All inclusive story

Need war, drama, love, passion? This story has it all. And I do mean 'All'.

Wonderful story, a little corny at times.

I loved the story. The sex scenes were often a little ridiculous while listening to the narrators attempt at a Scottish man's accent.

I recommend this book to others and hope to read more from this author.

Love, love, love it!!!

She really pulled me into this story!
I can't wait for the next one! Amazing!

Absolutely excellent book!

This story was so well narrated I had to remind myself that one person was speaking all the parts.

Stunning, Enthralling Captivating - and much more

What did you love best about Outlander?

The way it's written: The author weaves the story and the characters in such an artful and enthralling manner that you can't help but get swept up. I couldn't help but be swept emotionally into the story and into the characters. I fell in love with Jamie right along with Claire. The author takes the time to paint the scene in a way that you to experience it along with the characters. She doesn't tell you why a character struggles with something - the knowledge unfolds in the character and the story. It's like the difference between writing the obvious: "the sunset was beautiful" and writing a description of the sunset so vivid and compelling that not only do you see it in your minds eye, you catch yourself sighing as in response to seeing it yourself.

This is MUCH more than your typical cookie cutter template romance. Don't let the romance aspect put you off. (and it is romance, not erotica)

Which character – as performed by Davina Porter – was your favorite?

Jamie, of course. She does an amazing job not just with voices and accents, but capturing the nuances and personality of the characters. Intonations and cadence was spot-on. Likely the best narration I've ever heard,

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

Don't know, but I definately wish somone would make one

Any additional comments?

Best credit I've ever spent. I can't imagine how this book could get anything negative reviews. If you love good descriptive writing, and an enthalling story with many facets to offer - romance, adventure, adversity, stuggle ... it's a wonderful ride.

Good Story, Great Narration!

I love the story line. Felt that the author threw few too many obstacles and disasters... I got tired of wondering what could possibly happen next.

however, the story is great ... well written, enjoyable, with well rounded characters.

LONG and glad for it.

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

I watched the first season of Outlander TV series on Starz and had to know what was going to happen. The 1st season TV series ends about half way through the first book. The story sure does explode from there. Oh my oh my, you thought the hot parts were steamy on TV, the book is blazing! I lack the normal amount of attention and usually can not sit still with books that go on and on with description. In the case of Outlander I could NOT stop listening. I finished this book (33 hours) in a few days. I was able to get a lot of work done, very clean house, canned a bushel of tomatoes, sorted and clipped coupons...ect. I like books written in 3rd person much better but I found the one sided story left me feeling more connected to Clair. I don't think it would have worked any other way. I am wondering if there will be a ripple effect in time that could threaten history and Clairs existence. Dragonfly in Amber is downloading....So EXCITED!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Outlander?

Jamie asking what Fu@k meant

Which scene was your favorite?

The wedding, slightly different then the TV show but grand just the same.

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

YES, if I didn't need sleep I would have.

Any additional comments?

I would love to know what Diana Gabaldons minds eye of Jamie and Clair were when she wrote it.

This book is great!

I seriously could not stop listening to this book. great read, great story. It kept me on the edge of my seat.