Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon     Narrated by Davina Porter

From Melinda and Lea’s Shared Favorites

Claire Randall is a former World War II combat nurse on a trip with her husband Frank when she comes upon an ancient stone circle that upon touching hurls her back in time to Scotland in 1743 – a time of war and border clans. Her modern dress makes her appear to be some sort of strange spy but the Clan MacKenzie takes her in after she exhibits her knowledge of healing – especially is saving the life of  Jamie, a young Scots warrior. Soon Claire finds herself involved with Jamie Fraser, a courageous and honorable man, who is forced upon her by the clan to provide her protection from those who would seek to harm her.

Melinda: Outlander was my very first audiobook – I had already read it several times, and read online someone encouraging people to listen to the audiobook to experience even more of the series. WOW WAS THAT EVER TRUE! Even having read the book so many times, I’ll admit I’m a skimmer – my eyes just naturally jump over whole bits of prose for no good reason. Davina Porter is so wonderful, and hearing her give voice and accent to Claire and Jamie and all the characters completely changed the experience for me, especially hearing some of it for the first time since I skimmed.

Lea: Although Outlander wasn’t my first audiobook, it was one of my early listens. When I started listening to fictional audiobooks, I believed I needed to first read a book to fully enjoy the audio version. I guess my ear wasn’t attuned to the intricacies of listening (something I believe we need to develop). Outlander was my first straight listen and now I can’t imagine merely reading any of the books in the series. How could I have ever imagined the likes of the magnetic Jamie Fraser? And I wonder if my brain could have so completely wrapped around the sensible yet dynamic Claire?

Melinda: Well, I read the first four multiple times before embarking on the audio journey, but since I started audio, I haven’t “read” any of the rest – including the Lord John series. My own pitiful rendition of Jamie and Claire pales next to Davina Porter!

Lea: Davina Porter is simply magnificent and I must say that her narration of Outlanderclearly ranks as my number one narration. Other romance readers stated the same in the2011 Speaking of Audiobooks Favorite Romance Audiobooks Poll with Outlander clearly taking the Favorite Romance Audiobook award.

To say that Outlander is rich is saying too little. To say it is an adventure doesn’t begin to speak of its numerous intertwined sub-plots that all build into one grand tale. To say it has many interesting secondary characters doesn’t begin to explain the personalities performed by Porter making each distinct and real. To say it is romantic, doesn’t begin to explain the intense deep love shared by Jamie and Claire – a love that transcends all others I have read to date. Maybe that’s due to the fact that I have watched their love grow and mature over many years with the first four in the series.

Melinda: Yeah! What you said! LOL! But that’s just the STORY – add Davina Porter’s voice to it, and you have really reached audio nirvana! I’m curious how the story and the characters will hold up to the mini-series treatment, although I think for video interpretation of such a long story, mini-series is the only way to go.

Lea: I’m one who is really looking forward to that mini-series. It looks as though Starz has picked it up. I’m  hoping it becomes the next Game of Thrones!

For those thinking “It’s too long for me to listen to”, I agree that it can be a challenge at 32+ hours (and subsequent books in the series contain as many as 57 hours) but the investment carries such a payoff. Keep another audiobook on the side to vary your listening if you must (that’s what I have done each time) – just take the leap!

Melinda: You know, people saying it’s too long to listen to makes me think of people who say what a long trip it is to drive across Texas. Let me ask you this: If Texas was broken into five smaller states, would the drive be any shorter? NO! It’s the same with Outlander – I think anyone who isn’t planning to listen to several hours of audio probably ought to stay away from audiobooks altogether and stick with podcasts! Think of Outlander as one glorious journey that you hope never ends. There’s another adventure, another family, another mystery, right around the bend. Yes, Jamie and Claire are the main couple, but there are so many other characters and stories in the series. It’s the same as listening to several books, in every way.

Lea: And for those listeners who may pause at the time travel aspect, don’t let it hinder you from starting. Outlander is not science fiction – it’s a beautifully written historical tale around the time (and including) the Jacobite uprising in 1745.