The Space Between

By: Diana Gabaldon

Narrated by: Davina Porter

Length: 4 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's Summary

Number-one New York Times best-selling author Diana Gabaldon returns to her Outlander universe in The Space Between, an irresistible novella brimming with adventure, history, and suspense - and available for the first time as a standalone audiobook.

Joan MacKimmie is on her way to Paris to take up her vocation as a nun. Yet her decision is less a matter of faith than fear, for Joan is plagued by mysterious voices that speak of the future, and by visions that mark those about to die. The sanctuary of the nunnery promises respite from these unwanted visitations...or so she prays. Her chaperone is Michael Murray, a young widower who, though he still mourns the death of his wife, finds himself powerfully drawn to his charge.

But when the time-traveling Comte St. Germain learns of Joan’s presence in Paris, and of her link to Claire Fraser - La Dame Blanche - Murray is drawn into a battle whose stakes are not merely the life but the very soul of the Scotswoman who, without even trying, has won his heart.

©2013 Diana Gabaldon (P)2014 Recorded Books

A Delight!

I have to confess that I am an Outlander addict. I love all the books in the series and I do believe Davina Porter is one of the best narrators I have heard. I have been counting the days for Diana Gabaldons next book so "The Space Between: An Outlander Novella" has been the perfect little taste before the next book. This audio book is only just over 4 hours long so it is a little pricey if you compare that to the 40+ hours of the other Outlander series books.This novella is just a fast little story about Michael Murry (Jamie and Clair's nephew.) Joan (Jamies step-daughter) who is on her way to the convent in France,the Comte St Germain (we all thought he was dead!) and best of all Master Raymond! Hearing Master Raymond was like hearing from an old friend! The story is really short and telling you more then what Amazon says in the description would be a spoiler I think.
For me it was well worth the credit just because it has been so hard waiting for" Written in My Own Hearts Blood" but I have to say if Diana Gabaldon should write more books or novellas about these characters I would most definitely read or listen to them. I sure hope she does cause it would be way to hard to wait for the next book after this one!

52 of 55 people found this review helpful

DG and DP are the dynamic duo

I'm thinking as long as it's written by Diana G and read by Davina P it will get 5 stars from me. If this is the start of a new series I'm in. It had me from the start and kept me spell bound to the end. I want more, thank you very much!!!!!!!!

17 of 18 people found this review helpful

Loved it...

I really loved this story and there's only one bad thing about it...I wish it was longer. I'm a fan of the Outlander series...the first two books in the series are definitely my two all time favorite books. I loved seeing a bunch of minor characters from the second book and seeing different view points from that time as those characters think back to the events that occurred in Dragonfly in Amber. There's no Jamie and Claire in this book but they are referenced a bunch of times and you see the impact they had on others. The two main characters in this book, Michael and Joan, and very interesting and I enjoyed reading about them. I just wish I had been able to spend MORE time with them...those 4 hours went by so fast.

Davina Porter is an excellent narrator. I always enjoy listening to her and her voice definitely suits the Outlander stories and works well with Diana Gabaldon's writing style. I definitely recommend this to anyone but definitely to fans of the Outlander series.

14 of 15 people found this review helpful

Le Comte and the Frog!

This book is set in June 1778 when Joan McKimmie travels to France to enter a convent. Joan is accompanied by Michael Murray son of Ian and Jenny. Michael is mourning the recent death of his wife and his father. I won't go into the story other than to say this book will answer many questions raised thirty years before and is the perfect book to listen to whilst you wait for the 10th of June. Absolutely fascinating!

Davina Porter's narration is amazing as always.

17 of 19 people found this review helpful

I hope this story continues!

Would you consider the audio edition of The Space Between to be better than the print version?

I haven't read the print version, but I prefer audio books.

What other book might you compare The Space Between to and why?

Diana Gabaldon's other novels and novellas. I wish I knew of more similar book series that have great drama mixed with scifi.

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

Accents and voice influctuations.

Who was the most memorable character of The Space Between and why?

Joan. We learn a lot more about her and her motivations.

Any additional comments?

More please!

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

a good filler

The author, Diana Gabaldon, evidently wrote this short story as a filler between book #7 and book #8. The two main characters are faimly to Jaime and Clare and you get to know them both much more than in previous stories. You suspect Michael and Joan play a more prominent role goin forward but you can only only guess what that might be. The book is 4 hours long and it was perfect for a 5 hour road trip. Davina Porter is great as the narrator as usual. The book really gets you ready for book 8.

7 of 8 people found this review helpful

I was not expecting that...

Would you consider the audio edition of The Space Between to be better than the print version?

I don't know, I didn't read this one in print.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Space Between?

At the end when you find out why the Compte wasn't killed all those years ago.

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

Michael. I'm hoping he comes up again in later books.

If you could rename The Space Between, what would you call it?

I wouldn't. The name is perfect, and each person has their own definition. You have to read it to see.

Any additional comments?

While I did enjoy this book and am glad I read it, I think I could just tell friends in a sentence or two what happened and they wouldn't have lost much by having the bare bones facts vs listening. Which I would not say is the case with any of DG's other books, including A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows.

6 of 7 people found this review helpful

Worth a Listen- Divine Narration & Engaging Story

I originally read this as part of the Trail of Fire anthology, but had the opportunity to snag it on audio and did. I am enchanted with the incomparable Davina Porter's audio work.

It's been a while since I read Michael Murray, son of Ian and Jenny, and Joan McKimmie, Jamie's step-daughter's tale. Michael is a widower working as a wine merchant in Paris and is on the way back from his da's funeral. He agreed to escort Joan to Paris where she will become a nun. The struggle to survive his grief is hard, but interest in Joan's affairs start to bring Michael back to life.

Joan's purpose in becoming a nun would shock anyone she told. For she hears voices and she can tell when someone is about to die. This all disturbs her and she seeks answers and comfort with the church and Mother Hildegarde. Then the voices force an encounter with the Comte St. Germain who believes her to be the daughter of Claire and Jamie.

The Comte is seeking answers about being a traveler through the stones. I wishes to regain his youth and is prepared to make a large gamble to do it. He is certain that Master Raymond will have the answers.

And all the stories end up in the same place for an unforgettable moment.

I really enjoyed how this tale that falls just before Written in My Heart's Blood catches up with the lives of several minor characters. And there are answers to a few mysteries leftover from Dragonfly in Amber. I do love it when the mysterious Master Raymond makes an appearance. I get the feeling that the whole Outlander story happens because of him.

Naturally the audio narration work was fantastic. Davina Porter nailed the cast of characters, their accents, and the emotions of the scene.

All in all, it was well worth the second visit to the story and I adore the Outlander World. Greatly recommended to historical fiction lovers who enjoy a bit of magic, romance and mystery on the side.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Searching, searching...

It was such a pleasure to new new Outlander material. I found myself searching for where to place The Space Between in the context of the Outlander series, I am re-reading them now and watching the series on STARZ from the beginning. I need a bit of other reality just now and this fills the bill.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Excellent

Davina Porter's reading voice makes this story come to life. Listening to her read is relaxing and enjoyable.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

The Space Between

ĺoved it as I do all the Outlander and Lord John Books. Thank you Diana

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

thank you! for filling my head

with wonderfulness! !!! a really great filler !! I hope Joan and Michael makes more appearances in the storie as it moves on ! they work so well together ! and ! I cNt wait to see more of Raymond .

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Loved it.

What a great little Novella. Leaves me with so many new questions now. Just wish it had been longer.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Another good read

It's always nice to fill in the missing pieces of the full story. It ties everything together in one fabulous masterpiece known as Outlander. I'm a great fan and have visited every location that was filmed in Scotland and highly recommend the visits to any Outlander fan. Everything is as was apart from the stone's and Inverness is actually Falkland.