Speaking of Audiobooks: The Outlander Series
The audiobook standard of excellence in my opinion is undoubtedly the unabridged version of Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series as told by narrator Davina Porter. Specifically, I am talking about the first four in the series: Outlander, Dragonfly in Amber, Voyager, and Drums of Autumn. Rarely have I been entertained to this degree for such a sustained period of time and that’s quite a statement given that these four books represent 159 hours of listening enjoyment with barely a boring moment.
Although I own all of these books in print, I have never actually read any one of the four. My immense satisfaction with this series comes solely from listening to the unabridged audiobooks. Now, I can’t imagine just settling for the printed word when I choose to revisit Frasers and company. It’s as though there is another whole dimension beyond the mere reading that totally captures my mind’s eye.
It goes without saying that Diana Gabaldon’s writing is the basis of the love herein. Without her exceptional storytelling, where would we be? However, when it comes to audiobooks, there is a second star in the wings who vividly brings these books to life and that is narrator Davina Porter. Much of today’s column is high praise of one sort or another for Ms. Porter’s ability to so completely engage my emotions while providing easily distinguished characterizations. Seldom did I need a “he said” or a “she said” once a character was introduced. Told in first person, the warmth or occasional smile in Porter’s voice further defined Claire’s character and her objective view of the world.
Awareness of a character’s accent doesn’t usually enhance my enjoyment of a book and, in fact, serves as more of a distraction since I can’t effectively play those enunciations in my head. However, in the hands of Ms. Porter, accents were a purely positive experience and hearing her distinctive Scottish brogue played against a more common English accent worked to create a greater sense of drama.
Similarly, words such as didna, canna, wasna, or ye’d are not likely to inspire a favorable view of any character in my mind but those words coming from Jamie’s mouth, as interpreted by Ms. Porter, were the utterances of a thoroughly virile man and forever changed my view of a Scot’s brogue. My heart melted a little each time I heard Jamie call Claire “Sassenach” since I could clearly hear his love for her (and sometimes patient tolerance of her actions) in that endearment.
As I have more time to listen to an audiobook than actually sit down and read a book, I spent hours each day listening to the Outlander series and found myself so steeped in the action that I felt a real kinship with this large cast of characters. I’m convinced the listening, rather than the reading, made my heart swell even more with emotion and my smiles grow all the larger because I had the luxury of staying with the story even as I cleaned the kitchen or walked my dog.
But this type of immersion in the action also had its downside for me with the series’ numerous incidents of torture and violence. There is no skimming ahead when Jack Randall is abusing Jamie yet again and I wasn’t too fond of hearing the intricacies of hanging a traitor or burning a witch either. My smiles may have been bigger at times because of the non-stop listening experience but occasionally my stomach definitely felt all the weaker for it. Sometimes it became a test of endurance which led to many an “otherwise occupied” moment as I attempted to remove myself a little from what I was hearing. Fortunately I discovered a faster speed on my iPod (thanks to LinnieGayl) and although it sounded a little funny, I found it quite helpful. Those very effective pauses Davina Porter utilizes so frequently became a mere catch of breath.
Over the past few months, I re-listened to these first four Outlander books and found myself enjoying this round of listening even more than the first. Having a general sense of the books’ happenings as well as an understanding that there is a purpose to all of those seemingly insignificant storylines, increased my listening pleasure substantially. For example, with my first listen of Outlander, I failed to grasp the importance of a very simple passage with its subtle shift of direction. But as I listened again and heard Jamie tell Claire before their wedding ceremony that his name was “James…Fraser”, I felt chill bumps of anticipation. At Davina Porter’s very effective delivery of those two words, I rubbed my hands together and said “Here we go!”
Now that I am familiar with this series’ audiobooks, I see it as a comfort listen (despite those torture scenes) as its rather episodic nature lends itself easily to starting or stopping at almost any point. Peggy P’s comments inspired me to view this series as such in an earlier Speaking of Audiobooks discussion:
“I have an MP3 player dedicated to just Outlander, I’ve got all the available books on it and when my commute gets really ugly and I need to chill out – that’s my comfort listen. Since I’ve read/listened to the books so often, I can start anywhere and pick up the story…”
Now I have a specific purpose for my little second generation iPod nano when I replace it with a larger capacity device at Christmas. I’ll use it exclusively for comfort listens of the Outlander series.
Availability and Cost
Although I’ll eagerly listen to the Outlander series in any format, I recently did so on my iPod nano and found it much less cumbersome. Listening to Books 1-4 on my cassette tape player five years ago required that I change or turn over a cassette tape 226 times (and I don’t think the CDs are much different).
If you chose to buy rather than borrow or rent this series, the MP3 format is the least expensive. CDs and cassette tapes are relatively affordable for Outlander and Dragonfly in Amber but Voyager and Drums of Autumn can cost considerably more. You will find significant price variations at a number of online sites so I recommend you check around before purchasing any of these books in either CD or cassette tape format.
For those of you familiar with the Outlander series, you may ask why I restricted my discussion of this series to the first four books. Primarily this is due to the fact that affordable copies of the unabridged versions of Book 5, The Fiery Cross and Book 6, A Breath of Snow and Ashes have been difficult to find in the past for purchase and often are unavailable through public library systems as well. In our September 29th Speaking of Audiobooks column, MarissaB shed some light on this confusing issue:
“I found the following under Diana Gabaldon on wikipedia.com and thought you might find it interesting. The Outlander series has been released in unabridged audiobooks (read by Davina Porter) and abridged audiobooks (read by Geraldine James). The licenses for the abridged books have not been renewed and the unabridged versions, which Diana Gabaldon prefers, will be the only ones available when the licenses expire. Several of the Lord John books have been released in audiobook form, read by Jeff Woodman.
Because of a non-compete clause in the abridged-audio contract, the unabridged versions cannot be sold in retail outlets (including bookstores and audible.com) until the license of the corresponding abridged book has expired. For this reason, The Fiery Cross and A Breath of Snow and Ashes are not yet available on audible.com, but will be as soon as those licenses expire. In the meantime, unabridged recordings of these books are available from Recorded Books.”
As I was finalizing this column, I discovered that A Breath of Snow and Ashes has recently become available in unabridged CD format. Possibly those licenses have expired!
It should be noted that the latest in the Outlander series, Echo in the Bone, is easily available in CD, cassette tape, or MP3 formats.
My second reason for sticking with Books 1-4 for purposes of this discussion is much easier to explain. I am perfectly satisfied with the ending of Book 4, Drums of Autumn. I’m ready for Jamie and Claire to lead a somewhat normal life and don’t especially want to read more of their trials and tribulations. In saying that, I feel a bit disloyal to the series but I’m all for happy endings and on that, Drums of Autumn delivers completely.
Time for Your Thoughts
Although today’s column is written to encourage a general discussion of the audio aspects of this beloved series, please feel free to make comments about content as well, especially in regards to Outlander. Discussion of plot elements in Books 2-7 is encouraged as well – I only ask that you include a spoiler warning with those particular comments.
What are your thoughts on the Outlander series of audiobooks?
Did a particular scene stand out for you in the audio version?
Was listening to the torture or graphic details hard for you?
What format did you use for listening?
What source do you recommend for buying or borrowing?
Do you have any general questions about the series in audio?
What is your favorite line or passage of the Outlander series? Mine is from Outlander when Jamie says to Claire after they are married, “Don’t be afraid. There’s the two of us now.”
And, as always, do you have any general tidbits to share with us about your latest audio successes or failures?
I’ll see you again later this month when we discuss December audiobook new releases.
-Lea Hensley
Hi, Leah! May I just say “”ditto”” to everything you wrote above? You took the words right from my head!
Hi, Leah! May I just say “”ditto”” to everything you wrote above? You took the words right from my head!
I am not sure where you’re getting your information, but great topic.
I am not sure where you’re getting your information, but great topic.
Od dawna szukałem artykułu na temat Speaking of Audiobooks: The Outlander Series All About Romance’s News & Commentary Blog . Dzięki
Od dawna szukałem artykułu na temat Speaking of Audiobooks: The Outlander Series All About Romance’s News & Commentary Blog . Dzięki
I love how easy and convenient it is to load baby in and out of the pouch/carrier. I also like that you can face your baby towards you or away from you! Really great product!
I love how easy and convenient it is to load baby in and out of the pouch/carrier. I also like that you can face your baby towards you or away from you! Really great product!
I do not agree in all parts of your argumentation, but overall it is a real good text with lots of things to think about. Thank you, Frank
I do not agree in all parts of your argumentation, but overall it is a real good text with lots of things to think about. Thank you, Frank
I was lucky enough to meet DG at a book signing in Adelaide late last year and had my copy of Echo in the Bone signed – it’s a trade paperback as that was all that was on offer but I’m happy!
Roger “”appears”” in Echo so I did get to hear how Davina Porter did his voice – I’m very much looking forward to when the contracts for the abridged versions run out so that the MP3 unabridged versions of TFC and ABOSAA will be easily available on Audible and such. Then I’ll have them all. I have all the books.
At the end of Echo I was just sad – now I have to wait for years for the next instalment! (How frustrating to DG that must be!!).
I was lucky enough to meet DG at a book signing in Adelaide late last year and had my copy of Echo in the Bone signed – it’s a trade paperback as that was all that was on offer but I’m happy!
Roger “”appears”” in Echo so I did get to hear how Davina Porter did his voice – I’m very much looking forward to when the contracts for the abridged versions run out so that the MP3 unabridged versions of TFC and ABOSAA will be easily available on Audible and such. Then I’ll have them all. I have all the books.
At the end of Echo I was just sad – now I have to wait for years for the next instalment! (How frustrating to DG that must be!!).
Kaetrin, I have the Fiery Cross on Recorded Books Playaway. Davina does a wonderful with Roger’s voice. I’ve also got ABOSAA on CD. It was wonderful being able to listen to ALL the books, one after the other, in preparation for Echo. I always get the HC so I can get an autograph. The audio is icing on the cake for me. :)
Kaetrin, I have the Fiery Cross on Recorded Books Playaway. Davina does a wonderful with Roger’s voice. I’ve also got ABOSAA on CD. It was wonderful being able to listen to ALL the books, one after the other, in preparation for Echo. I always get the HC so I can get an autograph. The audio is icing on the cake for me. :)
Don’t be afraid of Echo in the Bone. As for John and Claire – it makes sense – I don’t want to spoil it for you so I won’t give away how it comes to be but it’s in context and she hasn’t thrown Jamie over – dont’ worry!!
I can’t wait until The Fiery Cross and A Breath of Snow & Ashes are available in their unabridged format – Davina Porter rocks! (Although I do feel very sorry for her having to do Rogers voice after his throat is damaged – it sounds painful!).
The great thing about Echo in the Bone is that it is available on audio – which is how I inhaled it – I have the book too but I prefer the audio – Davina brings something to the characters that my own imagination doesn’t I think.
Don’t be afraid of Echo in the Bone. As for John and Claire – it makes sense – I don’t want to spoil it for you so I won’t give away how it comes to be but it’s in context and she hasn’t thrown Jamie over – dont’ worry!!
I can’t wait until The Fiery Cross and A Breath of Snow & Ashes are available in their unabridged format – Davina Porter rocks! (Although I do feel very sorry for her having to do Rogers voice after his throat is damaged – it sounds painful!).
The great thing about Echo in the Bone is that it is available on audio – which is how I inhaled it – I have the book too but I prefer the audio – Davina brings something to the characters that my own imagination doesn’t I think.
Lea, Hate to sound stupid but which of the Let’s Talk Forums predominately discuss the Outlander series?
Lea, Hate to sound stupid but which of the Let’s Talk Forums predominately discuss the Outlander series?
Kaetrin, I LOVE to discuss the books! Only one of my friends has read the series so I am so willing to have great discussion with others who share this passion. I have read them all at least twice and, as I said before, thoroughly enjoyed the Outlander audiobook. Also, as I previously posted, I think ABOSAA was my second favorite (after Outlander). I have not read Echo as I am so afraid of major disappointment after following a lot of the discussion on the book. I am not afraid of spoilers but I couldn’t believe John and Claire???? If you have read Echo, let me know your opinion. Lea AAR, thank you for directing me to another forum.
Kaetrin, I LOVE to discuss the books! Only one of my friends has read the series so I am so willing to have great discussion with others who share this passion. I have read them all at least twice and, as I said before, thoroughly enjoyed the Outlander audiobook. Also, as I previously posted, I think ABOSAA was my second favorite (after Outlander). I have not read Echo as I am so afraid of major disappointment after following a lot of the discussion on the book. I am not afraid of spoilers but I couldn’t believe John and Claire???? If you have read Echo, let me know your opinion. Lea AAR, thank you for directing me to another forum.
@ First Generation Scot
I looked on the forum to see whether you’d posted a thread but I couldn’t find it if you did. If you still want to discuss Outlander, I’m in! (If not, this comment will just float happily away in cyberspace)
As to your questions, I don’t know the answers of course, but I thought that Jamie wanted to be with Claire soon after the rape because he was afraid that if they were not their connection would be strained or broken and he couldn’t face that. Also, there was a small chance that Claire could get pregnant and he wanted the possibility (if that happened) for both he and Claire that the baby could be theirs rather than the rapist’s. I don’t know if Jamie’s actions were right – ie, whether or not waiting would have damaged their relationship or not but I think that was what Jamie’s concern was.
As for where Claire had meningitis, I thought maybe Jamie went out because he couldn’t stand it anymore and needed to do something physical. I would have liked to have seen more from his POV at this time because I love those angsty moments (especially when you know everything’s going to be okay). Plus, there’s no way Jamie would have let Mrs. Bug & Malva cut Claire’s hair if he’d been in the room, so it was a necessary plot device!
That’s what I think anyway, for what it’s worth. What do you think?
@ First Generation Scot
I looked on the forum to see whether you’d posted a thread but I couldn’t find it if you did. If you still want to discuss Outlander, I’m in! (If not, this comment will just float happily away in cyberspace)
As to your questions, I don’t know the answers of course, but I thought that Jamie wanted to be with Claire soon after the rape because he was afraid that if they were not their connection would be strained or broken and he couldn’t face that. Also, there was a small chance that Claire could get pregnant and he wanted the possibility (if that happened) for both he and Claire that the baby could be theirs rather than the rapist’s. I don’t know if Jamie’s actions were right – ie, whether or not waiting would have damaged their relationship or not but I think that was what Jamie’s concern was.
As for where Claire had meningitis, I thought maybe Jamie went out because he couldn’t stand it anymore and needed to do something physical. I would have liked to have seen more from his POV at this time because I love those angsty moments (especially when you know everything’s going to be okay). Plus, there’s no way Jamie would have let Mrs. Bug & Malva cut Claire’s hair if he’d been in the room, so it was a necessary plot device!
That’s what I think anyway, for what it’s worth. What do you think?
First Generation Scot – I need to make a change to my previous comments. Once you are registered at AAR, you should post your thoughts here:
http://likesbooks.com/boards/viewforum.php?f=6
Thanks!
First Generation Scot – I need to make a change to my previous comments. Once you are registered at AAR, you should post your thoughts here:
http://likesbooks.com/boards/viewforum.php?f=6
Thanks!
First Generation Scot – As with most blog posts, responses are fewer as the post gets older. You have raised two very good discussion points and I think you can garner some responses if you post your questions on AAR’s Let’s Talk forum. Are you familiar with AAR’s message boards?
If you are not, you will need to register on AAR first and then post one or both of your questions here:
http://likesbooks.com/boards/index.php
You will see a place to register at the top of the page on the right and once your registration is approved, you will post your thoughts on the same page. Any spoilers should be identified as such.
This is AAR’s forum dedicated to talking about books and we usually have a large number of readers who love to talk about the Outlander series. I think you may receive many answers to your questions.
If you have any difficulty, please contact me. I so appreciate your comments and wish we had the audience to carry off this discussion right here at this time!
First Generation Scot – As with most blog posts, responses are fewer as the post gets older. You have raised two very good discussion points and I think you can garner some responses if you post your questions on AAR’s Let’s Talk forum. Are you familiar with AAR’s message boards?
If you are not, you will need to register on AAR first and then post one or both of your questions here:
http://likesbooks.com/boards/index.php
You will see a place to register at the top of the page on the right and once your registration is approved, you will post your thoughts on the same page. Any spoilers should be identified as such.
This is AAR’s forum dedicated to talking about books and we usually have a large number of readers who love to talk about the Outlander series. I think you may receive many answers to your questions.
If you have any difficulty, please contact me. I so appreciate your comments and wish we had the audience to carry off this discussion right here at this time!
How wonderful to read the posts here. I have just finished A Breath of Snow and Ashes and believe it to be my second favorite after Outlander. I just got into the series at the end of October and have read all six books and listened to the wonderful audio book of Outlander. Needless to say, my productivity has been way down! I do have two questions after reading ABOSAA that perhaps you would give opinions on. First, was Jamie really afraid of
Claire being pregnant after she was captured and raped or did he feel that he needed to “”join”” with her asap in order to keep her from emotionally spinning away forever from him due to the trauma she had experienced? The second is when Claire has meningitis and Jamie was sure she was dying. Why do you believe he left her side to go out and do some mindless farm chore when he said he knew she would be dead when he came back to the house?
How wonderful to read the posts here. I have just finished A Breath of Snow and Ashes and believe it to be my second favorite after Outlander. I just got into the series at the end of October and have read all six books and listened to the wonderful audio book of Outlander. Needless to say, my productivity has been way down! I do have two questions after reading ABOSAA that perhaps you would give opinions on. First, was Jamie really afraid of
Claire being pregnant after she was captured and raped or did he feel that he needed to “”join”” with her asap in order to keep her from emotionally spinning away forever from him due to the trauma she had experienced? The second is when Claire has meningitis and Jamie was sure she was dying. Why do you believe he left her side to go out and do some mindless farm chore when he said he knew she would be dead when he came back to the house?
I have recently been introduced to the Outlander series and I am in love!!! I read Outlander, and listened to a little over half of Voyager on playaway from the library before I had to return it. :( Little did I know it would take over 2 months to get it back! Long story short, I am tearing my hair out to get back to it, so I managed to take out Part 2 of Voyager on CD. Here’s my problem- I wrote down where I was on playaway (6 chapter 27 with 23 min left) but I have absolutely no idea where the CDs pick up- and there are 18 of them! I feel like I have the winning lottery ticket and the place to cash it in is locked. Can anyone help and tell me what disc I should start with??? I’ve looked online and can’t find anything. I want my “”me time”” back! Thank you!!!
I have recently been introduced to the Outlander series and I am in love!!! I read Outlander, and listened to a little over half of Voyager on playaway from the library before I had to return it. :( Little did I know it would take over 2 months to get it back! Long story short, I am tearing my hair out to get back to it, so I managed to take out Part 2 of Voyager on CD. Here’s my problem- I wrote down where I was on playaway (6 chapter 27 with 23 min left) but I have absolutely no idea where the CDs pick up- and there are 18 of them! I feel like I have the winning lottery ticket and the place to cash it in is locked. Can anyone help and tell me what disc I should start with??? I’ve looked online and can’t find anything. I want my “”me time”” back! Thank you!!!
What a wonderful site this is! I was just introduced to the Outlander series in mid-October and am now half way through the Fiery Cross and have re-read the first three to make sure I have my characters, timelines, battles,etc. clear in my mind. Believe me, it has taken a toll on my productivity but I am simply wrapped up in Jamie and Claire’s devotion and passion and their willingness to walk through the flames of hell for each other (which they certainly do!) I am rather obsessed with the ghost that Frank runs into early in Outlander. Obviously it is Jamie and I know DG says it will all be revealed about the ghost but I theorize that she has already given the clues to us. In the Fiery Cross the Stag Broach is clearly described as Jamie puts it on as he dresses to lead the Militia. (same description that Frank gives of the broach the ghost was wearing). Of much more importance to me is the quote at the end of the second book when Jamie is sending Claire back through the stones, telling her how much he loves her and says, “”I will find you,”” he whispered in my ear. “”I promise. If I must endure two hundred years of purgatory, two hundred years without you–then that is my punishment, which I have earned for my crimes.”” For me this says that indeed Jamie is the ghost as it is two hundred years or so later and he has found Claire at the inn with Frank and knows that she will soon be coming to him. What do you all think??
What a wonderful site this is! I was just introduced to the Outlander series in mid-October and am now half way through the Fiery Cross and have re-read the first three to make sure I have my characters, timelines, battles,etc. clear in my mind. Believe me, it has taken a toll on my productivity but I am simply wrapped up in Jamie and Claire’s devotion and passion and their willingness to walk through the flames of hell for each other (which they certainly do!) I am rather obsessed with the ghost that Frank runs into early in Outlander. Obviously it is Jamie and I know DG says it will all be revealed about the ghost but I theorize that she has already given the clues to us. In the Fiery Cross the Stag Broach is clearly described as Jamie puts it on as he dresses to lead the Militia. (same description that Frank gives of the broach the ghost was wearing). Of much more importance to me is the quote at the end of the second book when Jamie is sending Claire back through the stones, telling her how much he loves her and says, “”I will find you,”” he whispered in my ear. “”I promise. If I must endure two hundred years of purgatory, two hundred years without you–then that is my punishment, which I have earned for my crimes.”” For me this says that indeed Jamie is the ghost as it is two hundred years or so later and he has found Claire at the inn with Frank and knows that she will soon be coming to him. What do you all think??
I totally recomend this audiobook. Great blog.
I totally recomend this audiobook. Great blog.
I was at a DG booksigning last week (lucky me!). I asked her when she plans to end the series and whether we’ll find out about the ghost. She answered that there is at least 1, maybe 2 or more books left in the series – after all, she said, it took her 3 books to write about the 1745 rebellion and that only lasted 6 months and had 3 major battles – the American Revolution was longer and had a larger number of major battles. She did say that the ghost will be explained and that will be right at the end – so I guess that’s how we’ll recognise the last book! (Her website has said the series will end in 1800 and will have a happy ending, FWIW).
She’s also working on a “”Through the Stones II”” – I’m going to be getting a hold of the first one soon I hope – I think in the US it’s called “”The Outlandish Companion””.
She also said she’s contracted to do a new Lord John Book and she doesn’t know a lot about it yet other than it is called Lord John and Scottish Prisoner and it will be told from 2 points of view – Lord John’s and (yay!) Jamie Fraser’s.
She was a very interesting lady to listen to and I must say, she looks pretty good for 57. Seeing her, it helped me to better visualise how Claire can be the age she is in The Fiery Cross – which is the one I’m reading at the moment (cause I can’t get the unabridged audio at a reasonable price – grrr), – I think she’s 52 or 53 where I’m up to – and still look so good to everyone else in the book.
I was at a DG booksigning last week (lucky me!). I asked her when she plans to end the series and whether we’ll find out about the ghost. She answered that there is at least 1, maybe 2 or more books left in the series – after all, she said, it took her 3 books to write about the 1745 rebellion and that only lasted 6 months and had 3 major battles – the American Revolution was longer and had a larger number of major battles. She did say that the ghost will be explained and that will be right at the end – so I guess that’s how we’ll recognise the last book! (Her website has said the series will end in 1800 and will have a happy ending, FWIW).
She’s also working on a “”Through the Stones II”” – I’m going to be getting a hold of the first one soon I hope – I think in the US it’s called “”The Outlandish Companion””.
She also said she’s contracted to do a new Lord John Book and she doesn’t know a lot about it yet other than it is called Lord John and Scottish Prisoner and it will be told from 2 points of view – Lord John’s and (yay!) Jamie Fraser’s.
She was a very interesting lady to listen to and I must say, she looks pretty good for 57. Seeing her, it helped me to better visualise how Claire can be the age she is in The Fiery Cross – which is the one I’m reading at the moment (cause I can’t get the unabridged audio at a reasonable price – grrr), – I think she’s 52 or 53 where I’m up to – and still look so good to everyone else in the book.
Diane – so glad to hear you think the audio version is superior to the print! Since I have never read these books, I can only relate to the listening experience.
And, I envy you – all on audio in unabridged. You all have inspired me to listen to Books 5 & 6 once they are affordably available.
The Ghost – I didn’t know about the series ending as related to the Jamie’s ghost. Deep down I’m afraid it will be very sad or, at best, bittersweet.
Christina – The characters do come to life under Porter’s masterful touch! I think Claire returning to Jamie is probably my second favorite scene.
Denyse – thanks for sharing how reading this series helped pull you out of the “”muck”” as you refer to it. I know for me, listening to a good audiobook can be a real cure for negative thoughts.
How I wish I had someone around here to share the wonder of these books. You are so fortunate there. Thank goodness for AAR where I can find others to do so.
Diane – so glad to hear you think the audio version is superior to the print! Since I have never read these books, I can only relate to the listening experience.
And, I envy you – all on audio in unabridged. You all have inspired me to listen to Books 5 & 6 once they are affordably available.
The Ghost – I didn’t know about the series ending as related to the Jamie’s ghost. Deep down I’m afraid it will be very sad or, at best, bittersweet.
Christina – The characters do come to life under Porter’s masterful touch! I think Claire returning to Jamie is probably my second favorite scene.
Denyse – thanks for sharing how reading this series helped pull you out of the “”muck”” as you refer to it. I know for me, listening to a good audiobook can be a real cure for negative thoughts.
How I wish I had someone around here to share the wonder of these books. You are so fortunate there. Thank goodness for AAR where I can find others to do so.
I so enjoy reading everyone’s comments and thoughts. I discovered DG in 2004 after my mother died I had lost my job of 15 years and was simply mired in my own muck. I checked Outlander out from my library and didn’t pull my nose out of it for anything except absolute necessity.
I loved it! Diana is so talented that I was inspired to get my life back on track, after all if she could write such amazing books, getting back into moving forward was nothing in comparison. Just recently I started listening to the audio cds I am almost thru Dragonfly in Amber, I can’t wait to listen to Voyager – even though I remember an amazing amount of details, listening vs reading is like a whole new story/discovery.
I’ve gone from dreading my hour+ commute to hoping traffic will be bad so I can listen longer!
I found the violence to be a little disturbing but it really reflected the times, life was brutal then, I was outraged though when Jaime beat Claire with his leather belt (Outlander), I was a little surprised he would do it but more surprised that she seemed to forgive it so easily and again when Claire offers to allow Jaime to beat her with nettles (Dragonfly in Amber) for having sex with King Louis – to get Jaime out of the bastille so he could meet Murtagh – but it was very moving when they were on the cliff at Louise’s country home and made their peace with each other. The poignancy of Jaime’s tears when they found the skeleton couple in the cave embracing each other was the best!
I have shared my addiction with two of my sisters and we talk about Jaime & Claire so much the rest of the family think they are a couple we 3 know.
I’m so glad Diane mentions the ghost in Outlander, its been driving me nuts trying to figure out what it means and where the story will end up.
The description made me think it was Jaime looking up into
Claire and Frank’s room at the Scottish B&B at the beginning of the story, pining for her. What a wickedly delightful puzzle Diana has given us :)
I so enjoy reading everyone’s comments and thoughts. I discovered DG in 2004 after my mother died I had lost my job of 15 years and was simply mired in my own muck. I checked Outlander out from my library and didn’t pull my nose out of it for anything except absolute necessity.
I loved it! Diana is so talented that I was inspired to get my life back on track, after all if she could write such amazing books, getting back into moving forward was nothing in comparison. Just recently I started listening to the audio cds I am almost thru Dragonfly in Amber, I can’t wait to listen to Voyager – even though I remember an amazing amount of details, listening vs reading is like a whole new story/discovery.
I’ve gone from dreading my hour+ commute to hoping traffic will be bad so I can listen longer!
I found the violence to be a little disturbing but it really reflected the times, life was brutal then, I was outraged though when Jaime beat Claire with his leather belt (Outlander), I was a little surprised he would do it but more surprised that she seemed to forgive it so easily and again when Claire offers to allow Jaime to beat her with nettles (Dragonfly in Amber) for having sex with King Louis – to get Jaime out of the bastille so he could meet Murtagh – but it was very moving when they were on the cliff at Louise’s country home and made their peace with each other. The poignancy of Jaime’s tears when they found the skeleton couple in the cave embracing each other was the best!
I have shared my addiction with two of my sisters and we talk about Jaime & Claire so much the rest of the family think they are a couple we 3 know.
I’m so glad Diane mentions the ghost in Outlander, its been driving me nuts trying to figure out what it means and where the story will end up.
The description made me think it was Jaime looking up into
Claire and Frank’s room at the Scottish B&B at the beginning of the story, pining for her. What a wickedly delightful puzzle Diana has given us :)
I read Outlander when it first came out, and the only one I haven’t read is the newest. I bought it, but I haven’t cracked it open yet. I think I had Breath of Snow and Ashes for a year before I read it. Sometimes I just have a hard time cracking open big books and getting started. Then after I did read BOSAA I wondered why I’d waited because it was very good.
I love the series, and when I discovered it on audio I was in heaven. I agree with many of the previous comments. I listened to Outlander again this past month, and in the middle of listening I had to go reread parts in the next three books. I love the parts when Claire goes back to find Jamie and Brianna meets Jamie.
Davina Porter is such a master. What strikes me about her narration is that I really feel like I’m listening to a bunch of different people. I forget that it’s just her.
I read Outlander when it first came out, and the only one I haven’t read is the newest. I bought it, but I haven’t cracked it open yet. I think I had Breath of Snow and Ashes for a year before I read it. Sometimes I just have a hard time cracking open big books and getting started. Then after I did read BOSAA I wondered why I’d waited because it was very good.
I love the series, and when I discovered it on audio I was in heaven. I agree with many of the previous comments. I listened to Outlander again this past month, and in the middle of listening I had to go reread parts in the next three books. I love the parts when Claire goes back to find Jamie and Brianna meets Jamie.
Davina Porter is such a master. What strikes me about her narration is that I really feel like I’m listening to a bunch of different people. I forget that it’s just her.
Thanks Lea – I get what you mean. (I had been wondering if there was something in the book I missed but I can see that it was more personal for you than that). I suppose I will have similar moments when I listen to Outlander again – I’ve only heard it once to date. I’ve just started reading The Fiery Cross because I can’t get it on audio in my price range (ie less than a gazillion dollars it seems!) – I’d much rather have the audio though…. well, someday!
Thanks Lea – I get what you mean. (I had been wondering if there was something in the book I missed but I can see that it was more personal for you than that). I suppose I will have similar moments when I listen to Outlander again – I’ve only heard it once to date. I’ve just started reading The Fiery Cross because I can’t get it on audio in my price range (ie less than a gazillion dollars it seems!) – I’d much rather have the audio though…. well, someday!
Lea, thanks for having this discussion. I am really enjoying everyone’s comments. I discovered Diana Gabaldon’s books back in 1994 when Voyager came out in paperback. I did not realize until after I bought the book that it was part of a series. Of course I had to buy the first two books before I could read this one. And yes, I had already read the first 6 books before I found the audiobooks. I have to say that as much as I enjoyed reading the books I am loving Davina Porter’s reading of them much, much more. She is able to bring the story to life in such a way that reading the flat words pales in comparison.
Concerning the ghost in Outlander, Diana has said over and over again that all will be revealed at the very end of the series. As long as none of the books end with anything tying up the ghost bit we know there will be at least one more new book. I’ve been to 5 of her booksignings and this was discussed at each one. :)
Back to the books. I have all 7 books in hardcover and they have been autographed and placed in one of my bookcases only to be used for reference. I have all but The Fiery Cross and A Breath of Snow and Ashes from Audible on my iPod, CDs of both Outlander and A Breath of Snow and Ashes and The Fiery Cross from Recorded Books on their Playaway mp3 device. All versions are unabridged. I refuse to do abridged. :) I also did a complete re-listen to of the first 6 books in preparation for An Echo in the Bone. I was immersed in this world for so long that it was a major shock to my system when I got to the end.
Lea, thanks for having this discussion. I am really enjoying everyone’s comments. I discovered Diana Gabaldon’s books back in 1994 when Voyager came out in paperback. I did not realize until after I bought the book that it was part of a series. Of course I had to buy the first two books before I could read this one. And yes, I had already read the first 6 books before I found the audiobooks. I have to say that as much as I enjoyed reading the books I am loving Davina Porter’s reading of them much, much more. She is able to bring the story to life in such a way that reading the flat words pales in comparison.
Concerning the ghost in Outlander, Diana has said over and over again that all will be revealed at the very end of the series. As long as none of the books end with anything tying up the ghost bit we know there will be at least one more new book. I’ve been to 5 of her booksignings and this was discussed at each one. :)
Back to the books. I have all 7 books in hardcover and they have been autographed and placed in one of my bookcases only to be used for reference. I have all but The Fiery Cross and A Breath of Snow and Ashes from Audible on my iPod, CDs of both Outlander and A Breath of Snow and Ashes and The Fiery Cross from Recorded Books on their Playaway mp3 device. All versions are unabridged. I refuse to do abridged. :) I also did a complete re-listen to of the first 6 books in preparation for An Echo in the Bone. I was immersed in this world for so long that it was a major shock to my system when I got to the end.
Okay – let’s see if I can get that one phrase correct. “”Ready, get set, go!””
Okay – let’s see if I can get that one phrase correct. “”Ready, get set, go!””
Kaetrin – those two words represented an important turning point for me personally. All of a sudden, Outlander was centered on James Fraser. I think it is the first time we hear him say his full name (correct me if I am wrong). It’s the whole sense of “”This is THE character who appears at the top of favorite heroes list – this is the hero who so many love and discuss endlessly – this is the hero I consider the best of them all…and I am about to start on this tremendous journey with him all over again.””
The emphasis Davina Porter places on those two words plays a part in my emotional reaction to that simple phrase. Her voice is full of promise and it was a “Ready – get start – go!” moment for me. I began to see Jamie as an independent person – not someone who is being asked by his family to marry. My first time listening to Outlander, I didn’t see him as a strong character at that point. However, on my second listen, my mind imagined that in those two words “James…Fraser”, he was saying to Claire “I’m a Fraser and very confident as such.”
Of course, just about everything on that second listen seemed to stir within me a greater depth of feeling. But I was so greatly impressed by Porter’s narration at this particular point that I stopped the audiobook and recorded my reaction to this simple delivery of Jamie’s name.
Kaetrin – those two words represented an important turning point for me personally. All of a sudden, Outlander was centered on James Fraser. I think it is the first time we hear him say his full name (correct me if I am wrong). It’s the whole sense of “”This is THE character who appears at the top of favorite heroes list – this is the hero who so many love and discuss endlessly – this is the hero I consider the best of them all…and I am about to start on this tremendous journey with him all over again.””
The emphasis Davina Porter places on those two words plays a part in my emotional reaction to that simple phrase. Her voice is full of promise and it was a “Ready – get start – go!” moment for me. I began to see Jamie as an independent person – not someone who is being asked by his family to marry. My first time listening to Outlander, I didn’t see him as a strong character at that point. However, on my second listen, my mind imagined that in those two words “James…Fraser”, he was saying to Claire “I’m a Fraser and very confident as such.”
Of course, just about everything on that second listen seemed to stir within me a greater depth of feeling. But I was so greatly impressed by Porter’s narration at this particular point that I stopped the audiobook and recorded my reaction to this simple delivery of Jamie’s name.