Outlander - fantastic listening

I read this story a couple of years ago and really enjoyed this powerful fiction, which is linked to historic happenings. Now driving for a couple of hours a day, listening to Outlander has provided hours of moving, emotional, physical and powerful drama. I'm looking forward to listening to the second book and hope that audible will be able to provide the others soon.

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Fantastic

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, in fact I already have done. It was deep, exciting, romantic and surprising at each turn. I was spellbound.

What other book might you compare Outlander to, and why?

Kingmaker by Toby Clements has a similar historical excitement to it but this feels ultimately more feminine with a touch more fantasy and escapism to it.

What about Davina Porter’s performance did you like?

She was faultless I thought, emotional without being hard to follow and very clear even when listening while driving. She was good at doing different genders which I think is often where narrators fall down; they get a bit caricatured. I thought she was good at finding variations on the Scots accents to make it easy to follow who was talking.

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

I started listening because I'd been enjoying the TV version but found the depictions of the violence too much; I felt the humorous tones that frequent the narrator in this really made it less about the violence and more about the humanity. It's very visceral; very, very violent but I think the book allows it to be about the emotional responses to violence rather than the shock and awe of their depictions for excitements sake.

Any additional comments?

There was a point in the middle where I was a bit done with the repeated graphic sex scenes/depictions. It's not that I'm prudish or wish they weren't there I just got a bit bored of them and wished the plot was going at it as much as they were.

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What a fantastic story

Have read the books and watched the show so thought I would try audiobook, was not disappointed. The story came to life for me ear phones on so I could hear it at home where ever I was. Enjoyed it so much have bought the second book.

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Exceptionally Good Historical Romance

This is a great example of a historical romance with a difference. Two timelines, two loves, two marriages, one woman and one decision. The time travel aspect draws Outlander into the realm of fantasy, but despite the obvious difference that 200 years makes on so many different levels, Diana Gabaldon's evocation of Scotland (past and present) translates to text easily.

The romance is sexy, but tasteful and not clichéd, there is an adherence to clear moral standards in sexual relationships, and there is always a crystal clear distinction between consensual relations and those which constitute abuse.

The characters are realistic in all their complexities, imperfections and very human character traits. Jamie Fraser, in particular, is beautifully complex and is easily my favorite character.

Performance-wise, the narration is exceptional. Davina Porter is a delight to listen to and portrays each character with depth of understanding and emotion. This was a long book but it flowed beautifully, and I look forward to Book 2!

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Exhausting

How much spare time do you have? Once you start these books prepare for an emotional siege. You can't stop listening. Fire. Flood. Sleep. Cleaning, will all pass you by. As my mother used to say '... and not a child in the house washed!' This will be your story, friends will call around worried that you fell down the stairs and couldn't get to the 'phone. Prepare for all of the above and get on the Diana Gabaldon rollercoaster.

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Excellent story & narration

I loved the story and the narration/perfornance. I started watching the TV series and have gone onto the books, they give so much more back story of the characters and history of the period and people. I now envisage the actors when listening to the books. Will look forward to the 2nd book.

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The best story ever written

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

Best Story Ever

What did you like best about this story?

The characters, and the history used to tell the story.

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

She's wonderful, so many different voices.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Jamie & Claire, as amazing love story

Any additional comments?

I have all the audio books, except The Scottish prisoner. I have the book, together with all the others, but it's not been released in Audio.

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In depth story to immerse yourself in

Would you listen to Outlander again? Why?

Yes, the characters are so well described as is the story and the back ground, by the end of the book, you care what happens with the characters.

What did you like best about this story?

The depth of the story

Have you listened to any of Davina Porter’s other performances? How does this one compare?

Yes the other outlander books, just as good

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The wedding ring bit

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Good book. Nice and long too!

I usually don't like female narrators because I find the attempts at male voices usually pretty lacking. But wow! Very good narration here!
Only thing is that you can hear background noise of the recording every so often which is distracting (talking, laughing, coughing).

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Beautifully written and narrated

Fantastic book. Been my mothers favorite for over 20 years since it was first published. Now in my 20s I have come to love it too. Such mixed feelings in every chapter, love, hate, humor, horror. It has everything.

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