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)

This book and performance made me swoon.

I had bought the book series a year ago, didn't finish the first book untill now. It was wonderful, I got lost in the story and it felt like I was there, witnessing all the events. I'm regretting not having finished sooner.

Amazing!

Outlander is a masterpiece. Gabaldon weaves a story with deep characters, rich history, and intricate plot. Porter's performance does the book justice, giving each character a unique voice. It is phenomenal.

if you enjoy time traveling

Historical Romance this is the book/series for you! I just couldn't get into it myself. Basically Boy chases Girl into standing Stones where she is sent back through time and then falls for his Grandfather? (Little unclear on that) then somehow Boy shows up. I wouldn't fault the author or reader just because it wasn't my cup of tea. The settings were well done but the pace seemed slow at time.

definitely going to listen again!

I loved the whole story. kept me interested the entire time. the narrator was also excellent. one thing to take note of is that it's more of a book for the ladies.

Enter a fast paced 18th century world

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

Fabulous writing event

What was one of the most memorable moments of Outlander?

Memorable moments:Many.

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

I have read this book, and Davina Porter is the perfect voice to these characters, bringing them alive with character and personality. Her reading is supurb,utilizing accents that clarify class, and she does it in English, Scots, French and American besides. I have given this book as a gift and I have given away the audio version as well. I found that people enjoy the audio even better as all of the characters become more real with such a competent reader.

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

The author is a marvelous storyteller, and weaves an intense physicality into the story through capturing all of the senses of smell, touch, feel, sight and sound.The book moves fast .Claire has accidentally been thrown from one husband in the 20th century into a second marriage of necessity in the 18th century.The somewhat redoubtable nurse Claire is pulled from one world into another, as her relationship with the world of Jamie Fraser deepens. Is she a bigamist?Is she a murderer? Is she a nurse and healer? She is capable of much. Between the ongoing preparations for the Jacobite wars, and the lesser infighting of the clans and their blood oaths, the action is continuous, the characters complex and interesting.The wedding night remains one of my favorite well done scenes,as does the imagery of clan MacKenzie working out their proscribed roles of the day, with many smaller character roles becoming real. The action scenes are fast and continuous, and all ties together in one long storyline, with multiple threads being woven together. A most satisfying read and listen.

Any additional comments?

Gosh I loved this book, each time I have read it, and those that followed. This of all, however, is the best.

A riveting read!

Would you listen to Outlander again? Why?

Davina Porter was excellent as a reader and I would definitely listen to this one again. She helped the words come alive with a perfect accent. I read this book years ago and found it more pleasurable to listen to it.

Any additional comments?

My absolute favorite book of all time. Would recommend to anyone.

A must read series!

This book leaves you wanting more and you get it if you continue books! One of the better put stories and love the tv show too. Just enough adventure, love, actions, betrayal, romance for anyone and everyone to enjoy.

Loved it, great story and voices

Loved the story after watching the tv show and had to see how the original books compared - enjoying more of a background to these characters that I’ve grown to love so much! Love Davina Porter’s choice of tones and stylings for each voice she selects and carries throughout the title - it adds to the title and brings the story the story to life.

Couldn’t put it down!

After seeing the popularity of the series, I decided to dig in and listen to the audiobook instead. It’s fantastic! What a beautiful story! On to the next book!

Great story, lousy recording

I love these books and have read them several times so was pleased when an affordable recorded copy was offered. However, the recording is scratchy like a vinyl album that has been played too many times, but the most disconcerting aspect was hearing an undercurrent of people talking, coughing and other intrusive sounds. I have never heard such on any other recorded book, even from the cheap, discounted ones. I would have imagined that with such excellent material, great popularity and even a hit series of same, that a bit more care would have gone into the production of such a loved series. Definitely disappointed.