Tuesday, August 7

Audiobook Review: OUTLANDER by Diana Gabaldon

Author: Diana Gabaldon
Narrator: Davina Porter
Title: Outlander (Outlander #1)
Genre: Historical Romance, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, & Fiction
Pages: Audiobook
Published: June 1st 1991
Where I Got It: My shelf (Audible)

The year is 1945. Claire Randall, a former combat nurse, is just back from the war and reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon when she walks through a standing stone in one of the ancient circles that dot the British Isles. Suddenly she is a Sassenach—an “outlander”—in a Scotland torn by war and raiding border clans in the year of Our Lord...1743.

Hurled back in time by forces she cannot understand, Claire is catapulted into the intrigues of lairds and spies that may threaten her life, and shatter her heart. For here James Fraser, a gallant young Scots warrior, shows her a love so absolute that Claire becomes a woman torn between fidelity and desire—and between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives.

By far the longest Audiobook I have ever listened too. I’m glad I listened to it though. 

I tried reading the book a few weeks ago before even attempting to listen to it, but the first chapter did not grab me, so I decided to try the audio version next. I was hooked right away. Sure, the beginning is looooooooooooooong and took forever for anything to really happen, but the narrator was good and kept me hooked. 

I get WHY the beginning was long and took forever, but I just wanted Claire to be tossed into the past so we could get our story started. Frank is okay, but we all know that he is nothing compared to Jamie ;) However, I did feel bad for Frank and for Claire. They did love each other and had been married for a long while, so it was sad to completely be Team Jamie. Frank is a boring, but a good man. 

Oddly…it took me a while to fall for Jamie. Sure, he seemed like a hottie and brave and nice and etc, but, like Claire, it took me a while to really warm up to him and fall for him. Not sure why. I actually enjoyed just going along with Claire as she fumbled with getting used to this country and time period. Thank goodness Frank had been a total history nerd so she remembered some of his ramblings so she was able to fit in sometimes. It took forever for any romance to happen, but it did seem to be okay. It didn’t bug me overly much. 

There were a LOT of areas that dragged ON and ON, but the author did well overall to keep such a long book trudging along. I did enjoy the fact that yes this is a romance, but there is a lot going on. I worried at every page about Jamie and Claire and some of my side characters. 

SPEAKING of side characters….I want Jenny’s story!!!! Maybe there is a short story or something out there, but I want to see her story. She was my favorite side character. I would want her to be my bestie in this world. She kicked butt. 

SO the narration was awesome. I really loved her voice. She really brought the characters to life. She did well with switching accents on the drop of a hat. There were times she slipped with going from Scottish to English, BUT you can easily say that Claire would’ve picked up a touch of an accent while being around it NONSTOP. This narrator really made me hooked to the book and I am glad I decided to give up reading and just listen. It was an adventure indeed!

I was worried about the ending since I knew there are other books, however, I must applaud the author. No real cliff-hanger. Nothing of the sort. She left it so you can be content with just reading book 1. I am shocked!! But I really did love it. A good ending. I am curious about book 2 and how all that will unfold. We shall see. I may just listen to book 2 especially if it is by the same narrator. I’ll check. 

In the end, I really enjoyed this book. I am happy I decided to listen because I enjoyed it more than when I tried reading it. The story had been meh, but the narration got me past the hump and hooked to the story. The beginning could’ve used some slimming down, but I get why it was long. It gives the reader a chance to know Claire and Frank in normal life. I get it, but eh get to the time traveling bit! But yes. Good story. Good characters. GREAT ending and GREAT narration. I highly recommend this book. I’ll give this 4 stars overall. 

6 comments:

Carole said...

Have you watched the tv series? It was ok but I prefer the books, I think. You have more control over what you dwell on. I have tried audiobooks on flights but couldn't enjoy them. Cheers

Blodeuedd said...

One day then!

Melliane said...

I have the books but I confess that I haven't read any

Carole Rae said...

Carole, I used to be like you but I am growing in love of audios. I am curious about the show.

B, yessss and I want to host your review

Melliane, you should :)

Anachronist said...

I am yet to listen to my first audiobook...

Carole Rae said...

I am with B! you must!!