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)

Well developed characters <3

The narration of this book was amazing. I attempted to read it but the depth of the Gaelic and British accents were missing in my own head.
The author obviously did research to tie this story together and it shows. A friend of mine and I were discussing how she felt the main character was too accommodating towards the demands upon her. Putting yourself in the frame of mind that this character is pre-suffarage movement and even in her own time women don't have many rights. She is still a strong female character for the time presented. she already ruffles the feathers of the males around her. But understands the life and death consequences of going further into insubordination. They are a product if their times and it just adds to the story.
Oh! and the small social observations she makes about mob mentality and rule my majority, right or wrong, is all valid even in today's social settings.
I am so excited to start the next book and see where the author takes.

I'm Hooked

What did you love best about Outlander?

really enjoyed this....took me a bit to get into it, but then couldn't put it down...hope there are more in the series.

A Smashing Historical Romance

Several friends had mentioned the Outlander books to me, but I just didn't quite get the concept. A time-traveling 20th century nurse who got zapped to 18th century Scotland?? Hmmm. Didn't sound like the most interesting subject matter to me as it seemed a little too science fiction-y.

Ah, was I wrong. Outlander is a delightful tale, full of rollicking action, menacing characters, spinetingling scares, and a few horrors. I enjoyed the book immensely, as the author's writing flows so easily. Best of all, though, is the incredible narration by Davina Porter. She voices a myriad of characters and all are easily distinguishable.

I am anxious to start the second book in the series now!

A Beautifully Riveting Story of Courage & Love

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

Davina Porter was wonderful in her role as narrator. Although someone can describe how they felt or thought about a situation on paper, the human voice with its tones and inflections can express so much more. Ms. Gabaldon's riveting story of immense courage, passionate love and the finding of that love in the most mind blowing circumstances is so GOOOD it was hard to turn off the audio book whenever my attention was called elsewhere.

Beautifully written and heart warming story of love

This was a wonderful book to listen to. The story was enticing, enthralling and had you for rooting for the heart of the heroine. A right mixture of fantasy, history and love. Creativity at its best. I definitely will purchase another book by this author, and the performance by The narrator was superb.

Fantastic

First of all, I started out watching the show so while some might say that may have clouded my judgement - trust me it didn't. I found the book an absolute delight to both listen to, and read when I couldn't listen to it (yes I bought both versions). I do enjoy the show immensely for it's own reasons and feel like it keeps fairly well to the book insofar as it doesn't miss the main plot points that are necessary to the heart of the story (which sooo many script writers miss, so thank goodness for that). I do wish some of the more humorous points could have made it into the show, but you know you take what you can get. The book itself though, absolutely amazing. I loved it from beginning to end. I do wish the narrator would have gotten some of the words a little more on point with the show as you hear her say one thing and the actors say another so it's a bit confusing. Other than that small bit which really doesn't have anything to do with anything other than a personal preference, she did an amazing job with the story. Absolutely wonderful. I can't wait to listen to the rest - and of course watch the next season when it airs. *grins*

love the series!

I have all her books but to listen with the native accents is even better.

Fantastic narrator

I loved her accents and dynamic narration. It really drew me into the book. Highly recommend as it is one of the best narration I have heard.

A Most Compelling Story

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

One of the best books I've ever listened to. I can get lost in Claire's world.

Excellent!!!

The performance was bloody well done!
The storyline was well conceived and truly engages the imagination; While at the same time providing historical accuracy.