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)

Outlander Series is now on STARZ

Where does Outlander rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Absolutely my favorite--Davina Porter has excellent command of different character voices which enhances the story and keeps your interest. I actually joined Audible primarily to be able to listen to this series, and have become so addicted to listening in my car, I have a substantial wish list and ever-growing library!

What did you like best about this story?

I am relatively new to this series which has its beginnings in the 1990's...the author is a master at storytelling and keeping all the facts and "trains of thought" moving forward, or looking back to enhance the details. There are 8 books in the series currently, number 9 is in progress and hope to have book 10 in the future. STARZ has been doing a commendable job of bringing our favorite stories to life--the sets, the outdoor scenery, and most of all the costumes all brilliant and finally getting some industry recognition. I HIGHLY recommend this series for those who love continuing sagas.

Which scene was your favorite?

One of my favorites is The Wedding...written beautifully detailed and brings the scene to life in a deliciously explicit manner, yet doesn't seem like pornography in any way.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

My extreme reaction can only be counted as an obsession. I read everything I can get my hands on about the books, the author, the show, the actors, costuming info, etc. I have never in my 50+ years of reading ever become so absorbed in a book, and I laugh, cry, and just sit in stunned silence sometimes at what I am reading...I have even had the honor of meeting the author, Diana Gabaldon and I have several copies of signed editions.

Any additional comments?

This series fits into several categories: romance, mystery, violence, time-travel, history, art--appeals to a large audience, including many men! I have read all eight books (and they are BIG books), and I have listened on Audible to all of them as well. Can't recommend enough. Fans can become even more involved by joining the Facebook communities of Outlanders! Ms. Gabaldon has also written various companion books, and expanded stories on some of the popular characters with their own books.

Pronouciation

She read well but I was distracted by some of her pronouncing of words like 'plaid' which should be pronounced plad rhyming with glad. Also other words were incorrect.

Of course, I love it!

Story is great. Narrator is fantastic. I'm on to the next & next & next.

Good, but very long audio book.

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

This was quite well voiced - although I had just finished the Help when listening to this and I have to admit anything will be a bit negative after that amazing performance.

I have not read the book, so I cannot say which one is better. Assume that due to the many long winded descriptions of things and places the audio version might be a bit better.

What other book might you compare Outlander to and why?

This was a step outside my normal reads - it was on sale for $ 4.95 and very well reviewed so figured would give it a shot. Liked it a lot and will certainly - after a bit of break from it - continue on to the next books in the series.

What about Davina Porter’s performance did you like?

Thought her Scottish accent was quite good and enjoyed the way she read this. I will absolutely be listening and specifically searching for more work from her. She did a good job.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Fell asleep several times (not sure if this is the type of extreme the question is looking for), which was mainly because a lot of bla-bla takes place between events (which is how this turned into 1000+ pages and over 32 hours of audio). However, many parts were very good and I certainly caught myself holding my breath at various times. Laughed aloud a few times as well, but no crying....

Any additional comments?

This is a good book. It is the first audiobook I have listened to by this actor and writer. Not sure if I would have enjoyed the written version as much as the actor added a lot extra to this story which I really enjoyed. It is over 32 hours long and I would certainly need a break and listen to a couple of other books before I move on to the second one in the series.

An instant classic!

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

Love, destiny, fortitude. (Yep, that sounds a little cheesy, but I only got three words. ;) )

Who was your favorite character and why?

Jeez Louise...I have to pick between Claire and Jamie? Okay, Jamie, but Claire is a great yin to his yang.

Which character – as performed by Davina Porter – was your favorite?

Jamie. She did a wonderful job with accent, intonation and feeling.

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

Isn't it 39 hours or so? (I didn't check just now.) That probably wouldn't be much fun to listen to all at once. But, yes, more than once I found myself working in the kitchen (where I listen to audiobooks) longer than I had anticipated, finding new projects, just so I could keep listening!

Any additional comments?

My first comment is that I'm not a fan of the Q&A format of reviews. They're likely to miss a lot of good feedback.

As for "any additional comments," yes, my whole review! In abridged format, it would be:

This is one of my favorite books. I picked up the paperback around 1995 in a hotel shop because I had finished my other book earlier than I expected. I figured "$4 for 800/900 pages? At least it's a good value per page." :)

Well! I see now why they offered a steep discount on the first in the series. Once you read that, you most definitely want to read the next...and the next...and the next. And the full price of a hardcover (or audiobook) was not much in the way of a deterrent.

So, I will confess that I bought this as an audiobook despite the fact that the book was one of the few I had read not only twice, but more than twice. The plot twists, thus, weren't much of a surprise. Just the same, it was an out-and-out delight to listen to it, especially with the outstanding narration.

In sum: highly recommended!

The Outlander is an Outstander!

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

Absolutely, it is a fantastic story and Ms Porter brings the characters to life. It has something for everyone. It is a fantasy but so well done you forget it as she carries you along. It is a love story but not a soapy one. It is an historical account of the period but is more interesting than any history course you ever studied. It has mystery, intrigue, violence and much more.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Outlander?

There are so many it is hard to choose one. It starts with a very memorable one as she is transported back in time. Perhaps one of the most memorable is when Claire chose not to return to her real time but to stay with Jamie.

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

This was a first for me, as far as I know and I think I would remember.

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

That would have been nice but I couldn't do that, but I always came back to it ASAP.

Any additional comments?

I can't wait to listen to the rest of the series.

Excellent. Just started Dragonfly

Wonderfully entertaining! Set your mind to Open, embrace the possibilities, and you will enjoy this exquisite sampling from a great Storyteller... The performance of the Orator is spot on! So why wait? Go! Get it now! Lol.

A pair of quest and sensuality that won't quit!

This was my 3rd attempt at this story. Tried to read it twice before going to an audio book. Not to the fault of the writer, only that it's hard to read and also get things done.

The narrator does a fantastic job of representing the characters in a way that you can tell who's speaking before you're told.

Great Series

Diana Gabaldon has written a great series of books.The only problem is that book 5 and 6 are not available at audible.com in unabridged. I am disappointed that I cannot get them all.. Davina Porter is wonderful as the narrator... These are a must read....

I fell in love after chapter one...

This entire series is amazing, I love it so much my husband and I are planing a trip to scotland for our 10 year anniversary. The voices in the story are amazing it really helps you to drift away into the story, ive read some of this series in paperback and its sooo not the same...