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)

ALREADY MISS THEM

I finished this book this morning and I'm so sad - I guess I'll have to start over.... The story is very engrossing, there were very few times in the 30+ hours of listening that I felt "get on with it" - every word was a pleasure. The reader is absolutely superb - what a great fit. Highly recommended.

Can't believe this is a must read!!!

Would you try another book from Diana Gabaldon and/or Davina Porter?

Absolutely not.

What do you think your next listen will be?

Not sure

What about Davina Porter’s performance did you like?

Very little.

What character would you cut from Outlander?

The main character

Any additional comments?

When this was recommended as a must read I thought it would be a great listen. However, the story line was extremely slow and the author is a lady who is extremely dissatisfied with her current love life and fantasizes about making love to large highlanders. I only say this because half of the book is devoted to her discribing love makng to a historical highlander from 200 years ago when the main charecter is already maried. Basically the plot sucks, so unless you are looking for a romance novel find another book.

Love love love this book

I read this book the first time in Italy, so listening to it brings back memories of my grand adventure in a far off land.

This story adequately describes what life was like in post ww2 Scotland, and even better yet what life would've like in 16th century Scotland. The fantasy being what would happen to a penniless woman wearing only a light cotton dress in such circumstances that Clair finds herself in. If the story was real, a woman who found herself alone on the highlands picked up by a rogue band of Scotsmen would probably not have been treated so nicely.

Never gets old...

Outlander series is an all time favorite audiobook. Davina Porter is a master at narration - switching accents & tone to keep pace with the characters in the book. The storyline never gets old no matter how many times I listen to it - a must for long car rides.

Wow!!

This might just be my favorite book ever!
I was even better the second time I listened to it.

The book I mark all others against

This series, for if you read this first book, you will read the entire series, is the bar I set all other characters against. I feel I know Claire and Jamie. I miss them when the book ends. Diana makes me feel so many emotions when I read her books the scenes are so very real. This is not a "standard" happy ending romance - it is so much more. The characters have happiness but also tremendous sadness and trials.
I must admit the first maybe 2 chapters I was not committed but once I got past that - wow! It is truly a gift Diana Gabaldon has to transform words into emotions and memories. I have listened to each of her books 2x and still havenot listened to an Echo in the Bone - the last book - which I purchased the day it was released. WHY??? because I don't want to lose Claire and Jamie.

Three times read and all well worth it

What did you love best about Outlander?

All the charters are well developed and felt necessary to the story. There is enough true history to give one a desire to believe in the story. Oh and the narrator! Davina Porter has a beautiful voice and has enough diversity to give voice to each of the different charters.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Outlander?

Clair and Jamie's wedding night was quite memorable. In fact there are many well placed romantic and very sexy sections in the book and all seem like they should be there for the story to be full and well rounded. I don't always feel sex scenes in books and movies belong that sometimes they are just there for sex appeal and not to further develop a charter or story. Here, as in the entire series, all are necessary and well written!

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

I am sure I have but this series is my favorite with her as the narrator. What a talent she has. The narrator is as important to a good digital book as the story it's self. There are some voices I love to listen to and Davina Porter's is certainly one of them!

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

There are so many moments in the book I cannot choose one to stand out over the others. All I can say is I am quite glad I have the books both physical and digitally because I am sure I will read and listen to them many times. In fact I am in need of a new paper set of the series now.

Any additional comments?

I am glad to see the movie come out. I have seen the first pilot/episode and feel the books have been justly represented. I suppose I may have to purchase those too.

The best!

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

I loved the story, the characters, the feel of the book. It really takes you away on a journey. Diana is the reason I joined audible. I listened to her stories numerous times. The first 3 books are my favorites.

Awesome Sci-fi Romance women will love

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I've read this book in paperback twice. When reading a book I find myself speed reading if interested in the story because I want to find out what happens in the end and therefore I miss many of the small details. Listening to this audio book brought this story to life and I heard all the little details I missed before. Davina Porter's reading is so powerful and her voices, accents and inflections truly bring the characters to life. This audio recording is one of the best I've heard and is truly theatre of the mind. A great audio reading for both men and women, but in particular if for women who like sci-fi and romance.
I'm not going into details of the story. You'll have to find out for yourself. You won't be disappointed!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Outlander?

There were many to mention here. It's one after another that keeps me captivated and wanting more.

Which scene was your favorite?

Again there were so many it's hard to say which one was my favorite.

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

Absolutly. I had difficulty during the work day because all I wanted to do was listen and the thought of having to turn it off to do to the office was devistating. Couldn't wait for the weekend and listened for hours and hours while doing my gardening and house cleaning chores. I find myself foregoing watching television to listen in the evenings. Who needs all the commericals and mindless "I'm so bored with all the tv programs" I'm changing the channel constantly when I have this book playing. Already started the second one in the series and don't know what I'll do when I've finished the very last one.This book series is a definate must read!!!!!!

Love love love!

I could listen to this audiobook again just to hear her accent. The story is one that seems to take on a life of its own. I find myself thinking about the characters like they're family or friends. I can't wait to start the next book in the series!