Drums of Autumn by Diana Gabaldon
Narrated by Davina Porter
Series: Outlander #4
Dell / Recorded Books
Publication Date: December 30, 1996 (print) & March 28, 2008 (audible version)
Date Read: November 2, 2016 (2nd read)
Source: Audible Purchase
Length: 44 hours 54 minutes
★★★★★
The fourth novel in the bestselling Outlander series.
How far will a woman travel to find a father, a lover a destiny? Across seas, across time – across the grave itself.
It began in Scotland, at an ancient stone circle. Claire Randall was swept through time into the arms of James Fraser whose love for her became legend – a tale of tragic passion that ended with her return to the present to bear his child. Two decades later, Claire travelled back again to reunite with Jamie, this time in frontier America. But Claire had left someone behind in her own time – their daughter Brianna.
Now Brianna has made a disturbing discovery that sends her to the stone circle and a terrifying leap into the unknown. In search of her mother and the father she has never met, she risks her own future to try to change history – and to save their lives. But as Brianna plunges into an uncharted wilderness, a heartbreaking encounter may strand her forever in the past – or root her in the place she should be, where her heart and soul belong…
This series. I just can’t even say how much I am in love with this series. I first read this book years ago and my family nicknamed it “the brick” because it is quite a large book. I have been working on re-reading the first four books in the series before moving forward with books that I have yet to read. I am so glad that I decided to listen to this book because the narrator brings the story to life. I actually believe that I liked this book even more during this second read.
This story is epic. There is really so much going on in this book and all of it is completely entertaining. Jamie and Claire are in America working to find their place. The story also has a focus on Brianna, their daughter, and Roger. There are so many exciting things that happen in this book. There are pirates, bears, Indians, and even a dinner party surgery.
I am in love with the characters. Maybe a bit obsessed as well. I just love Jamie and Claire. Over the span of 4 books, I have grown to know them and really almost feel like they are real. I love how much they care about each other and how easy it is to feel their emotions throughout the book. I liked Brianna and Roger but not nearly as much. This is really the first book in the series that their role is so pivotal to the overall story. They are still working to figure out their relationship and they really go through a lot in this story. Some of it was very painful to watch.
The narration of the audiobook was phenomenal. Davina Porter is the voice of Claire and Jamie. She is able to differentiate between all of the characters wonderfully. I think one of her strengths is her ability to bring the characters’ emotions into the story. This is an emotional book and I really felt everything along with the characters as I listened to the book. I was able to listen to this book for hours at a time largely because of the quality of the narration.
I would highly recommend this series to others. This is the fourth book in the series and this series really should be read in order. I can’t wait to continue with this series. I am ready to move on to the fifth book, The Fiery Cross, which will be a new read for me and I can’t wait.
About the Author
Photo: © Nancy Castaldo Diana Gabaldon is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the wildly popular Outlander novels—Outlander, Dragonfly in Amber, Voyager, Drums of Autumn, The Fiery Cross, A Breath of Snow and Ashes (for which she won a Quill Award and the Corine International Book Prize), An Echo in the Bone, and Written in My Own Heart’s Blood—as well as the related Lord John Grey books Lord John and the Private Matter, Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade, Lord John and the Hand of Devils, and The Scottish Prisoner; one work of nonfiction, The Outlandish Companion; and the Outlander graphic novel The Exile. She lives in Scottsdale, Arizona, with her husband.
Yes!!!! I agree that Davina Porter is outstanding as the narrator for the series. Like you I've been listening to them as my re-read experience. I've finished Voyager, but haven't moved on yet b/c of review commitments, but I will.
Loved your review for such a long one.
I'm obsessed with Claire and Jamie, Carole! I even managed to use Outlander for one of my Master's papers 😀 That's how obsessed I am 😉
I didn't really enjoy the narrator, though, so I have read all of the books. Maybe I'll try again, as I know I got several of the audios as well.
Have a fantastic Friday and happy reading.
Lexxie @ (un)Conventional Bookviews