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)

Best Book EVER!

Would you listen to Outlander again? Why?

No but just because I am not the type reader that reads something twice.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Outlander?

When Jamie and Clare finally built a true relationship together, after they were married.

What does Davina Porter bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She is the best. She has such a range of voices. She makes the characters come to life and makes it easy listening knowing who is saying/doing what. Excellent!

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

YES! I stayed up late and took a road trip just so I could listen. Even got lost a couple of times on the road because I was paying more attention to 1700's instead of 2015.

Great story, a bit much sex for my taste

This is a good story, well written and well read. The sex scenes are a bit long story, a bit much sex from a male point of view. This may be a chick flick type of thing. But the romance is good. You may need to listen on headphones when the grandchildren are visiting.

Audible should note which titles are embarrassing to listen to without headphones.

Great on ReRead Too!

Read for Fun (Kindle)
Overall Rating: 4.50
Story Rating: 4.50
Character Rating: 4.50

Audio Rating: 4.00 (not part of the overall rating)

ReRead Thoughts: I am not sure that I ever wrote an original review for Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. My physical copy has lots of notes in it: Loved Jamie (who doesn't), intrigued by Frank (most people aren't), hate Black Jack (you are supposed too), and secretly want to give Dougal a hug (I am not sure why I wanted to do that but on the reread I felt the same way--guy is not lucky in love). I also wrote this on the cover: LOVED IT because it is a time-travel story with a bit romance not a romance with a bit of time-travel.

How do I feel now? Pretty much the same about all of it. I have always liked that even though the romance between Jamie and Claire is what we talk about the most--it really isn't the main focus of the story. This is Claire's time-travel adventure. Her bumps, triumphs, and adjustments to living "out of time". Her decisions through out the story and what the impacts of those decisions have on history and Claire herself. Jamie is just a nice bonus and yes I still like Frank! Claire is a lucky girl!

Audio Thoughts:

Narrated By Davina Porter / Length: 33 hrs and 8 mins


Even though this time I didn't listen to the audiobook, I have listened to this audiobook 3 times previously. Davina tackles all 33 hours of this story with great pacing, tone, and delivery. Very few narrators can pull off epic tomes of storytelling but Davina is one of them!

Great story

The story line and characters were well planned. Made me want to time travel backwards.

Excellent

I am a fan of Davina Porter. She really brings this book to life. I am hooked on the series and apparently will have to buy the books published after Voyager. The chemistry between Jamie and Claire is exciting and at first subtle but the reader knew something was going to happen. I completely enjoyed immersing myself in this story.

Loved it!

Wonderful narration...didn't want the story to end. Can't wait to listen to another book by this author.

Wonderful

What did you love best about Outlander?

I love the narrator.

What other book might you compare Outlander to and why?

Pillars of the Earth. Well written like that book.

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

Jamie... Of course. But I love the confusion that arises when Claire slips and uses modern cuss words.

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

Yes. Could na put it down you can.

Any additional comments?

Someone keeps coughing in the background. Like in the other room from the narrator. A disgusting noise. It doesn't happen all the time but often enough to be a distraction.

Third time through and still get thrills!

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

This first book in the Outlander series grabs the reader and won't let go.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Claire's firebrand heroism and positive attitude in the face of insurmountable obstacles gives the reader hope and a way to escape into the reading of the book.

What does Davina Porter bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Davina Porter has the most extraordinary ability to create a multitude of different voices that perfectly match the characters she is portraying.

Wow

This was my first audible listen and I figured one credit was worth 32 hours of listening. I read all the reviews and was pleased with this purchase. I'm already listening to it again for the second time. I was very surpised at this find! This is something I usually wouldnt read or listen to but I will finish the series now. 32 hours is 32 hours and some parts may seem long and dragging but it makes the story come together so nice.

An Awesome book to listen to....

I loved this book and can't wait to hear the next in the series. The narrator does an exceptional job with the characters and makes the entire book a pleasure to hear. Not to mention how well the writer did in making it all seem real, and plausible. It's about a 30 hour listen, but time seemed to go by very fast. It was interesting to hear bits of history put into an enjoyable read. Not just romance, but pain and heartache and page turning (listening) plots, kept me glued to my MP3 player. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.