Outlander

Outlander, Book 1

De: Diana Gabaldon

Narrado por: Kristin Atherton

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The first book in Diana Gabaldon’s acclaimed Outlander saga, the basis for the Starz original series.

One of the top ten best-loved novels in America, as seen on PBS’s The Great American Read!

Unrivaled storytelling. Unforgettable characters. Rich historical detail. These are the hallmarks of Diana Gabaldon’s work. Her New York Times bestselling Outlander novels have earned the praise of critics and captured the hearts of millions of fans. Here is the story that started it all, introducing two remarkable characters, Claire Beauchamp Randall and Jamie Fraser, in a spellbinding novel of passion and history that combines exhilarating adventure with a love story for the ages.

Scottish Highlands, 1945. Claire Randall, a former British combat nurse, is just back from the war and reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon when she walks through a standing stone in one of the ancient circles that dot the British Isles. Suddenly she is a Sassenach—an “outlander”—in a Scotland torn by war and raiding clans in the year of Our Lord . . . 1743.

Claire is catapulted into the intrigues of a world that threatens her life, and may shatter her heart. Marooned amid danger, passion, and violence, Claire learns her only chance of safety lies in Jamie Fraser, a gallant young Scots warrior. What begins in compulsion becomes urgent need, and Claire finds herself torn between two very different men, in two irreconcilable lives.

©1991 Diana Gabaldon (P)2025 Recorded Books

A Narrator makes all the difference!

could NOT get passed the old narrator, who I found unappealing and boring. I finally understand the rave about this book, as this new narrator brought the book to life. wonderful new rendering, waiting for book 2 with new narrator!!

Great story complimented with a great narrator

Love, history, and adventure—this book truly has it all. Kristen Atherton delivers a phenomenal performance, breathing life and depth into every character. Be warned: once you start, you’ll be swept onto an emotional rollercoaster. Expect to laugh, cry, swoon, and rage; to feel joy, sorrow, and hope. This isn’t just a story you read, it’s one you experience.

The start of a journey thru history

Rereading this series to visit old friends. Great characters, great storytelling, eternal love the story.

Outstanding new narration by Kristen Atherton

April 2025 audiobook release with the new narrator, Kristin Atherton, who is an actress that appears in the TV series. I hadn’t read any of the books or watched the show previously and only read this because I’m working my way through the PBS 100 Great American reads list, but I loved it so much I almost started it again after I finished! I’d be shocked if Kristin Atherton doesn’t receive an award for outstanding narration - she’s magical!

Well done!

Wonderful, adventurous story aside, the performance made me forget the world outside of me existed. She does the voices for the different characters without sounding remotely foolish. I enjoyed every single sentence of this book.

Outstanding new narration

I've been an Outlander fan for years, and enjoyed the original narrations by Davina Porter. This new narration by Kristin Atherton is an absolute revelation. The characters come to life far more than they ever have before for me. The accents are spot on. The emotions are rich and nuanced. The sexy times are absolutely scorchingly hot. Highly recommend, and I can't wait for the rest of the books to come out.

Love this book!

Great story and storytelling by an excellent author! Diana Gabaldon is a genius at writing

Narrator is remarkable!

The narrator brings this book to life! An excellent listen. Easy to feel immersed in the story.

Excellent

I was happy with The performer. I of course watched the series first and loved it The book is almost exactly like the series very well done

Great story, and performance! But Problematic “Romance” 😬

The performance was absolutely stunning! The accents, pronunciations, and slang all really made the characters feel like real Scottish highlanders come to life. The story itself was gripping and I was very enthralled in the political intrigue and danger.

But the romance is where things get… difficult. Without spoiling anything, the book contains cheating and adultery (the author “justifies” it and clearly agrees with it), dubious or questionable consent between the main couple which is treated as romantic or erotic, and worst of all, physical abuse and discipline treated as humorous and justified.

Essentially, the main heroine is saved from danger by her allies, and is then physically punished by her husband (she verbally, physically and violently resists). She is blamed for her kidnapping and putting everyone else in danger (ignoring the fact that they kidnapped her to begin with).

All in all, it is clear the author is creating wish-fulfilling scenarios for the main heroine, and treats problematic and toxic behavior as trivial and romantic. It is difficult to enjoy the romance when it is immoral and dated in so many ways.