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)

How did I end up here?

"Outlander" was the start of an unexpected addiction. I originated as a Sci fi/ Fantasy reader, and admittedly was mislead by the category placement of this book. It is NOT really a SCI FI/Fantasy novel. However it is AMAZING! I was interested right away.

Dianna Gaboldon has the ability to paint such a vivid picture of history you can feel it. Sex IS a big part of this story, and not mild in any form. I found myself slightly embarrassed (having been so anti romance novels) that I liked it. It has some pretty dark scenes, so faint of heart be warned!!!
I loved this book, having now read the whole series I would say the author has grown leaps and bounds since writing Outlander. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone, provided they were open minded. You can't enjoy this story if you can't relate to the characters in some way. "Prudes" will hate it!! The villain is a sadist, and there is torture and rape in they story, but not to be reveled in, but over come. I would classify OUTLANDER as a romance first, historical fiction second. The rest of the series is more historically rich and calms down with the sex, but still its a romance!

I'm really torn on the "performance"

Would you consider the audio edition of Outlander to be better than the print version?

n/a

What was one of the most memorable moments of Outlander?

the plot twists

Would you listen to another book narrated by Davina Porter?

Absolutely!

Any additional comments?

The "studio" quality of this recording was horrible. I'm on the second portion, and I've heard someone coughing in the background at least three times. There are also portions of the recording where you can hear a faint recording in the background. Sigh. So distracting.

Best read by far

Would you consider the audio edition of Outlander to be better than the print version?

Without question the audio book is by far better than the written version.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Outlander?

I have been watching the series as well as listening to the audio book. I can't believe how close the two are in interpretation. The audio book though allows your imagination run away with you. By far this is THE best audio book I have ever listened to.

What about Davina Porter’s performance did you like?

Davina Porter's performance is unbelievable. Her ability to read in different accents allows me to completely get lost in the storyline. She is captivating.

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

Her narration of the intimacy between Jamie & Claire makes it totally believable.

Any additional comments?

Not only has the story captivated me but the narrator has an amazing ability to switch accents & her intonation of the characters is amazing. You get completely lost in the storyline, and your imagination runs wild. It quite literally allows you to be transported back in time yourself.

Entrancing and satisfying

I became hooked on Outlander when it came to Netflix, so I thought it would be logical to try reading the books on which the show is based. This was my first Audible book and had to adjust a bit to the narrator. The TV show is narrated by Catriona Balfe, so I was expecting the same tone and accent when I first listened to the book. I know how backwards this sounds since the books have been around for decades.

I have to say that the narrator is brilliant! She really captures each character and accent brilliantly!

Move over Jon Snow, there’s a new sheriff in town!

How am I so late to the Outlander party??? I made a 1600 mile road trip and decided this book would be a good choice. And I was right! I adore Davina Porter-she has narrated some of my other books in the historical fiction genre, and is wonderful! She is superb in her narration and glides seamlessly from English to Gaelic. The storyline is exciting and has kept my attention from start to finish. The characters are multifaceted, deep, and well developed. Brava to Ms. Gabaldon and Ms. Porter. On to the next book!

Obsessed!!!

Such a great story! That's even better than the TV show. Total must read to everyone!

Outlander

I loved the TV series, but the book was even better. So glad I took the time to listen.

From a novice reader. Now in love with Audible.

I saw the outlander series on Starz first and decided to read the books afterwards because I was definitely hooked, I bought the first two books and started to try to read them… I have difficulty reading without falling asleep or my mind wondering while I’m reading the pages… So that didn’t work. I decided to give audible a try, what a difference that makes for me!… I can do laundry, dishes, chores and cooking and still be enveloped in the book!…The reader has a great voice, with slight differences for the different characters and a good flow on the words, making it quite enjoyable to listen to and kept my focus most of the time :) occasionally I would have to rewind it for 30 seconds or so when I lost my focus, but that is still way better than trying to sit and read the book. I was glad to see that there was small enlightenments and details in the book that was different or in addition to the TV series definitely making using Audible books a new hobby of mine.

Wonderful!

The story is mesmerizing! The narration by Davina Porter is Exquisite! could listen to her for ever.

Reason for book’s popularity

What Henry Miller’s “Tropic of Cancer” was to those who grew up in the last mid-century,this book appears to be popular for those who enjoy romantic adventures in this century.