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)

Something for everyone

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

This ranks pretty closely with the game of thrones series I've listened to through audible. I love the narrator and the story is well done! I'm listening after watching the show and was pleased that the show follows the books quite closely. That's good writing for you.

What did you like best about this story?

I love Claire's interest in medicinal plants and botany and her constant problem solving in trying to fit into the 18th century. The story not only has all the elements of action, romance, and adventure, but there's always some interesting tidbit of information that you take away from each scene whether it's about history, politics, medicine or even fighting off a wild animal.

Which scene was your favorite?

Any scene Jamie is a part of, obviously. Everybody wants Jamie.

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

This love story is less than soft and fuzzy- in fact, it deals with the gritty realties of 18th century life, often graphically. It can be a bit dark at times, especially when dealing with issues of trauma, torture, and rape. Luckily the author is tactful and respectful. She manages to conjure the realism without being too shocking or controversial. I especially appreciated its neutral treatment of religion which is often an area that can turn me off of a book completely.

Any additional comments?

Claire is kind of a narcissistic self involved b***. I was impressed at how well the actress in the show perfectly captures her obnoxious temperament. But whether you love her or love to hate her, she definitely grows on you and her narration is believable and compelling.

Loads of Romance

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

Time travel romance

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

I felt that the Porter did a fabulous job of research to make each historical period she represents feel real. The details were compelling.

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

I'm not a great fan of romance, but I love historical fiction. I was pleasantly surprised about by the history the story presents. I will be reading the next in the series.

Best selling bodice ripper

The narration was superb and brought the story to life. The narrator, a female, does an incredible job in portraying the burly romantic Jamie - as well as Claire. Quite an accomplishment.

Outlander - a great summer read!

This was a great adventure, and love story. The author uses language so beautifully, it's especially wonderful hearing the voices and accents.
I'm very much looking forward to
reading the next book!

loved it!! super story of love, danger and advent

Loved it, great character development, adventures and an out-of- time romance. Diana is an exquisite word-smith.

Love it!

I loved the story and the narrator did a very good job of voicing the different characters, but sometimes she mixes Scottish phonetics with an English accent. Otherwise it was fantastic

Addiction!

Would you listen to Outlander again? Why?

My hubby is a long distance trucker and I ride full time I tried to get him to listen to my Daniele steel books but that didn't go so well. Lol 🙃 I downloaded him a series of spy books which I hated it! When were visiting family on another state over the holidays when I complained to hubby's nieces that I got nothing good to listen to, that's when they recommended me the outlander series Now I am addicted, I spent most of my time listening to the book. It's a great combination of romance and time travel( which usually isn't my cup of tea)& I didn't want to go back to current time after listening to this book.

What other book might you compare Outlander to and why?

I listen to the books by Barbara Longley True To the Highlander that somewhat similar

What about Davina Porter’s performance did you like?

I loved Davina Porter's performance so much that once I am done with this series I'll be looking for her narrating different books

Loved this book

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

Adventurous, Dramatic, Fun

What other book might you compare Outlander to and why?

The closest books I can come up with would be Karen Marie Moning, but not just one book. You would have to combine all of them to compare for the drama and romance without being too descriptive. The other would be Anne MacCaffery for the story telling ability and adventure.

What about Davina Porter’s performance did you like?

I think she is wonderful. The characters she portrays and the ability to keep in character is amazing.

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

I have had multiple reactions to the story. It captivates, makes you smile and laugh out loud, cry, hate and morn the people within.

Any additional comments?

My daughter and I have both listened to the first book. I am just starting the 2nd while my daughter is 2 parts into it. Outlander is well written and read. It has been a most enjoyable adventure so far.

such a masterpiece

Would you listen to Outlander again? Why?

I would Listen to this book over and over again, Gabaldon beautiful story made me laugh out loud, cry and fall in love with its characters.

What did you like best about this story?

the real true love between Jamie and Claire

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

Jamie, Never thought a female narrator could read a male charactor so well you forget there is a narrator, Davina Porter brings all the characters to life

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

I would have loved to, It was to long to do.. but I enjoyed all the detail in the story

listened to it 3 times

I am on my third time listening to this series and it gets better every time.