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)

Superb narrator

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

Yes. The story is great and intriguing, though I have some criticisms. The narrator makes the sheer length of it continuously engaging. How she manages all the voices and accents and moods is amazing.

What about Davina Porter’s performance did you like?

IMO, up to the best of the best British actors.

Well balanced historical fiction.

Would you listen to Outlander again? Why?

I love details but after a while I could not bear it. Diana Gabaldon is a great writer but there were quite a few moments when I had to jump ahead past some of the details. At times I spent 2-3 minutes hearing about snow fall or the specific colors in a scene. Although the details seem to place me right in the characters mind, there is a specific moment when one needs to move on.

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

no need to see the film... the audio book is better and leaves your own mind to work.

Any additional comments?

great series. I am loosing track of whick books Ive read. I need to look into my library

Amazing!!

Great love story infused with laughter and passion. The only thing that caught me off guard is the narrators voice, she sounds much older than the main character. At first I had a hard time with it but it soon disappeared.

Engaging

A little too smutty at times for my taste but still a good story line

Absolutely Fabulous!

Any additional comments?

I don't know why I waited so long to buy this book! I am glad that I bought it before the tv series came out, the tv series is great, but nothing compares to the real thing. Davina Porter does a great job of bringing the characters to life, I would put her along the lines of JIm Dale in the Harry Potter series. Diana Gabaldon is nothing short of pure genius! I am a hug fan of historical fiction anyways, but I would say her writing and characters paint an incredible picture, nothing is left unimagined. I know I am way behind the game on this one but am looking forward to diving into the next chapter for Claire and Jaime!

One of my favorites

I loved this book from beginning to end. Normally long books fail to keep my interest all the way through, but with this one, I never found myself bored of the story. The performance of the narrator was fantastic as well. Her voices and accents were always spot on. I can't wait to listen to the next book.

It's That Good

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

The combination of time travel romance and historical
Settings is irresistable

What other book might you compare Outlander to and why?

Time Traveller's wife. Similar theme

Which scene was your favorite?

When Clare first meets Jamie.

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

Clare's decision to go back to present day.

Any additional comments?

Superbly written

Excellent in Every Way

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

This book held my attention as well as any that I have listened to. Diana Gabaldon weaves an intriguing tale, and Davina Porter really brings it to life. Davina does a great job with changing her voice for characters - male or female, child or adult.

What other book might you compare Outlander to and why?

It held my attention the way Game of Thrones does. I will definitely continue with the series.

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

This is my first time hearing Davina Porter's performance. She is very skillful.

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

I just can't come up with a film tag line that seems original. Some what like Alice falling through the rabbit hole, but characters are real people - not the fantasy type that Alice met.

I'm definitely in the LOVE group!

Love it or hate it they say.....I am thrilled to have given it a chance, and loved every single minute! I can't wait to start on book 2 and continue on!!

Best book I have ever listened to!

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

Yes! Davina Porter is the best narrator out there. Everyone if her character voices are different and believable

What about Davina Porter’s performance did you like?

Great Scoitish accents and wonderful delivery, a tru actress

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

There are so many I can't count