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)

Gifted!

My daughter gifted Outlander on Audible to me during recovery from an injury and surgery. My first experience but I'm hooked. Not only did I immensely enjoy the story but the narration was awesome as well. It was addictive and I couldn't wait to hear the next chapter filled with Claire and Jaime's adventures and passionate devotion. Very well done. Now onto the next book in the series!

Can't wait for the second book!

I thoroughtly enjoyed this book. The characters were engaging and the plot was exciting and innovative. I am new to "audio books" and this narration was the best I'd ever heard. She did an amazing job with the different voices and her rendition did not take away from my enjoyment of the book (which has been the case with other books I've listened to). I listened to Outlander everywhere - while cooking in the kitchen, while driving during my commute, while lying in bed ... everywhere! I highly recommend it!

Thoroughly enjoyable

I have been watching the series but after listening to this have gained better understanding of the series. This is a book I will enjoy listening to more than once.

New to the book series

I ABSOLUTELY RECOMMEND THIS AUDIBLE BOOK. I've tried books on cd before written by my favorite author. I must say I never made it past the first hour let alone cd always falling asleep. Falling asleep is primarily why I'd quit reading in general. Sleep apnea, extreme special needs child and another child keeping me in an existence of mild zombie state. Anytime I'm physically resting it seems sleep ensues. However I fell in love with the Starz series and have been encouraged to read the books. I tried but had difficulty getting into it in my mind with the writing of accents and Gaelic. I had free books here on Audible though and have decided to give it a go. I am in love with it already. Surprisingly enough my tv has only been turned on once all weekend by me at least. I'm halfway thru the book and am impressed with the narrator. I had worries that I'd be able to get into a woman reading male & female parts and adjusting for character but have been pleased to say the least. It's proving a nice refresher of season 1 at the same time. I'm torn between whether or not to continue the books past the point of the Starz series or not. At the end of the last season I've been scared of the prospect that Jamie & Claire may never reunite and it saddens me deeply. So far I've found the stories to be on par. ENJOY!!

Crazy time traveling and romantic sex

I liked this book because I could get lost in the story and I enjoyed the romance. I never thought I would be into time traveling and romance but this was a book that I could listen to and wash dishes, workout, sculpt, drive, and fold laundry or go for a walk. That's really what I'm looking for in a book and that's what I got. There were times where the story kept me up at night because I wanted to see what was going to happen next. You are warned that there is both violence and sex in the story: The first time the characters had sex, I turned red and turned it off. By the next few times, I attacked my husband and he didn't mind at all. Can't be bad to have that kind of story running through your head. Clearly, I'm hooked now and I'm downloading the next. The writer is fascinatingly creative and I can only hope that she writes as well throughout the other stories. I don't want to give away anything but I'll tell you that there is a point of weird s&m and I'm not sure what the author did there but whatever, she got me through that part some how.

Don't know why I waited so long to "read" this book!

For a long time Outlander has been recommended to me. I was always interested but never got to reading it. When I came across it on audible I had to listen and, man am I glad I did! Davina Porter was simply an amazing narrator. Doesn't matter who she was speaking as, she nailed it every time. She really brought this great story to life. I loved the way Diana Gabaldon wrote this story. I have a feeling her books (and hers only) will be occupying my time for the foreseeable future. Kudos to both ladies!

Best book ever

I’ve read his book twice, and now have listened to the audio version twice. Now there’s a TV series to go along, it’s a story I can’t get enough of and Davina Porter does such a marvelous job with the narration.

decent

Narration was excellent. story was a bit long winded but entertaining nevertheless. I'm continuing on with the next in the series

Fall Into The Past

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

Completely entertaining.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Outlander?

It is difficult to say what was the most memorable moment in the book. There are so many exciting, joyful, sad, and thrilling moments. If one were to stand out, it would have to be the run-in the Claire has with Captain Randal, her 1945 husband's ancestor.

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

I loved the Scottish lilt to her accent! It carried you along with the story in a way that only a Scott storyteller can.

Best book I have read this year!!

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

At the top of the list with an exceptional few others

What other book might you compare Outlander to and why?

I don't think I would compare it to anything I have read before. I found it unique.

What about Davina Porter’s performance did you like?

She is what narrator's should aspire to be like. You don't get any better than her.

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

Yes, but due to the length it would never be possible.

Any additional comments?

This is the first time I have been compelled to express my opinion on an audiobook. I loved every minute of this book and am so glad there are 7 more for me to listen to. One of my all time favorites.