Audiobook Sample

Listen to the sample to experience the story.

Please wait while we verify your browser...

Dear lovers of epic storytelling and timeless connections,

Listening to Diana Gabaldon’s *Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone* audiobook, narrated masterfully by Davina Porter, is akin to stepping into a historical tapestry woven with threads of love, loss, and resilience. As someone who has journeyed through deserts and dined at tables where stories flow as richly as the food, this audiobook reminded me of the power of oral storytelling to transport us to another world entirely.

When I first heard the opening strains of Porter’s voice, I was immediately reminded of evenings spent in Oaxaca, sitting by a crackling fire while an elder told stories of love and war with the same cadence of wisdom and warmth Porter’s narration exudes. Her ability to embody Claire Randall’s steadfastness or Jamie Fraser’s unyielding loyalty feels as intimate as listening to a trusted friend recount their deepest truths.

Gabaldon’s novel plunges us into the year 1779, as Claire and Jamie Fraser navigate the tumultuous backdrop of the American Revolution while building their lives on Fraser’s Ridge. The reunion of their family, including Brianna, Roger, and their children, is as heartwarming as it is fraught with uncertainty. The narrative explores themes of loyalty, survival, and the unbreakable bonds of family against the ever-looming specter of war. Gabaldon’s prose is lush and immersive, brimming with historical detail that feels both alive and unrelenting. You can almost hear the rustle of leaves in the North Carolina backwoods or feel the tension of divided loyalties among Jamie’s tenants.

This audiobook, however, is not only about the grandeur of historical fiction—it is about the quiet moments, too. The tender scenes between Claire and Jamie, the joy of family reunited, and even the bittersweet musings of Lord John Grey offer a respite from the chaos of revolution. It reminds me of the time I drove through the Atacama Desert, listening to Gabriel García Márquez’s *One Hundred Years of Solitude*. The surreal beauty of the landscape outside mirrored the magical realism of the story I was hearing, much like Gabaldon’s vivid world-building mirrors the emotional landscapes she crafts.

Davina Porter’s performance amplifies this experience tenfold. Her narration is not just reading; it is an act of storytelling so rich and textured that you feel as though you are sitting at Fraser’s Ridge, listening to Claire recount her adventures. Porter’s ability to seamlessly shift between characters, accents, and emotional tones is nothing short of mesmerizing. Her portrayal of William Ransom’s internal struggles or Brianna’s determination adds depth to Gabaldon’s already robust characters.

From an audio quality perspective, Recorded Books has done an excellent job. The sound is crisp, the pacing is steady, and the production enhances Porter’s voice without overshadowing it. This careful balance ensures the listener remains fully immersed in the story’s world.

Nevertheless, the audiobook does have its challenges. At nearly 49 hours, its sheer length may feel daunting to some listeners. While Gabaldon’s intricate plotting and character development are commendable, there are moments where the narrative pace slows, dwelling on details that might test the patience of those seeking quicker resolutions. However, for true fans of the Outlander series, these moments are likely to be appreciated as an extension of their beloved world.

In comparison to other historical fiction audiobooks, such as Kristin Hannah’s *The Nightingale* or Ken Follett’s *The Pillars of the Earth*, Gabaldon’s work stands out for its seamless blend of historical accuracy and deeply personal storytelling. It is a rare feat to make a sprawling historical narrative feel so intimately human, and Gabaldon achieves this with grace.

Who should listen to this audiobook? If you are a fan of richly detailed historical fiction, compelling romance, or the Outlander series itself, this is a must-listen. If you have never ventured into Gabaldon’s world but enjoy epic tales of love and resilience set against tumultuous times, this audiobook is an excellent place to start—but be prepared for a deep dive into a narrative as expansive as history itself.

As the audiobook’s title suggests, the act of telling the bees feels deeply symbolic. It is a reminder of the importance of communication, connection, and remembrance—values that resonate deeply with my own experiences as a travel writer who has spent years chronicling human stories across the globe.

In conclusion, *Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone* is not just an audiobook; it is an experience. It invites you to witness history, to feel its heartbeat, and to connect with characters whose struggles and triumphs feel achingly real. With Davina Porter’s unparalleled narration bringing Gabaldon’s vivid prose to life, this audiobook is a journey worth taking.

Warmly, and with a storyteller’s appreciation,
Marcus Rivera

May your journeys, whether through time or place, be filled with stories worth telling.