Hi, Barbara,

In terms of the text and stories that Diana has written, there is only one true “version” of the Outlander series of novels, all written in the English language since she is an American author. So I am not sure what you are referring to.

Over time, different EDITIONS of each Outlander novel has been published in the U.S.A., first in hardcover, then in paperback formats too. There is different cover art for each edition of a novel, but the text is the same, save for any minor corrections. Some editions have some special items added, but the text of the original novels is the same.

All of Diana’s Outlander novels are also published in Canada, the U.K., Australia, Germany, Japan, and many other countries. These international versions are edited by the publishers in those countries, with some minor changes to appeal to that audience. And, of course, some of the books are translated into other languages. All of the publishers and translators work to be true to the original English version, first published in the U.S.A.

As for the Outlander TV show by Sony/Starz, it is an ADAPTATION of Diana’s novels to video format. An interpretation. Each major Outlander novel is 700+ pages, so the writers for the series had to tell the stories in a different way that would work in a season of one-hour episodes. TV video is a visual and sound medium, so much of the descriptions of people, places, and events are portrayed by settings, props, wardrobe, and skilled actors. Every Hollywood or other video adaptation of novels always has changes of some sort. The tv producers and writers worked hard to portray the Outlander novels as Diana intended. But yeah, they did make a few changes. And the series is ending before Book Ten is finished and published, so that will likely make it a bit different too.

I have also loved The Lord of the Rings books by Tolkien since the 1970s. The 3 movies did a wonderful job of translating those three books to the screen, but changes and a few omissions were made there too.

About the audio books, I think there may be abridged (shortened) versions as well as the ones which are read by voice actors in their entirety. Will have to check. A lot of Diana’s readers love the versions read by Davinia Porter, which are the entire books, I am pretty sure.

Myself, I have to actually read a book, especially those as detailed and lush as Diana’s, because listening to someone reading any book goes in one ear and out the other. I can’t do podcasts, either. Nothing better than several hours a day with a favorite book, is there?

Any questions, feel free to send me an email, or to Diana and her staff at dgabaldon@aol.com.

Love it that you are a professional seamstress! Sewing has always been part of my life, too. Mostly clothes for myself and family, costumes, and special outfits. Like Diana, I love to knit also.

All best,

Loretta
Diana’s Webmistress
webmaster@dianagabaldon.com

Sinto que nunca irei ler um universo construído como o seu, a mágica que você fez foi enorme na minha vida, lhe escrevo na esperança de fazer com que entenda o quão importante você é na vida de milhões de pessoas. Sinto que somos amigas a muito tempo, mesmo eu estando aqui no Nordeste do Brasil. Com toda a minha sinceridade eu lhe envio bençãos e paz de espírito em seu coração, por gentileza recorde de solicitar com urgência assim que terminar seu décimo livro, um box para nós brasileiros, a cada ano que passa está cada vez mais difícil ter acesso aos seus livros, eu mesma ainda não consegui comprar pois sempre estão em falta! Ansiamos por esse desfecho em lindos exemplares!

E se não for pedir muito…venha nós visitar em Fortaleza, CE Brasil, para nos dar autógrafos e receber nosso carinho.

Te amamos muito, abraços.

Translation from Google:

Dear Diana,

I feel as though I will never read another universe as beautifully constructed as yours; the magic you have woven has had a profound impact on my life. I am writing to you in the hope that you will understand just how important you are in the lives of millions of people. I feel as though we have been friends for a long time—even with me being all the way here in the Northeast of Brazil. With all sincerity, I send you blessings and wish you peace of mind. Please, remember to make an urgent request—as soon as you finish your tenth book—for a boxed set specifically for us Brazilians; with each passing year, it becomes increasingly difficult to get access to your books. I haven’t even been able to buy them myself yet, as they are constantly out of stock! We are eagerly awaiting this conclusion in beautiful editions!

And if it isn’t asking too much… please come visit us in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil, to sign autographs and receive our affection.

We love you very much. Warm hugs.

I have just finished your 9th Outlander book (after having gone back to reread Book #8). I have so enjoyed this series and will be so sorry for this saga to end. Thank you for writing such a wonderful story and sending me on a journey to the past and adventure.

Lol, I told a friend of mine once that when I passed away, I wanted to be cremated. To start the flames, I wanted to use all of the Outlander series, including the John series. That way I could bring them with me into eternity.

Thank you again

Yours
Kerry Becker

My only thinking on this is that you wrote more than one version for each area of the world. And translations can be tricky. But the one that is so obvious is the Father Bain Character, plus leaving Murtague out of the picture after his introduction to Claire with Jack Randle.
And I think I wish you hadn’t given your permission/free will to the Staz writters cart blanch to change your books. I was and am saddened, that I am not even watching Season 8. In fact I quit watching TV at all over 8 months ago. Realizing I wasn’t going to see all 10 books protraite
d , on Starz. Besides, why pay for something that doesn’t follow through with the whole project.
I am very disappointed in the whole situation.
The TV rewrite/revamp lost most of my interest after season 5, too many changes.
And hearing on Google that they are taking Fergus out, is a shame. I wanted to see the rest of his story, and his chance to be a Count, like is birth father, but a better man. Which you have protracted so far as a better man. There are so many characters to follow , I would love to know more.

Sincerely,
Marie Correia
Lower Lake, CA.

Lisa Spirit Heart
Pennsylvania

A COOL SYNCHRONISTIC connection is 38 years ago, on March 6th, 1988 was/is my birthday and I was on train from Paris to Italy – and I never forgot waking up to an all white snowy vision of nature and just how magical it all felt.

I’m looking forward to reading last chapter of Outlander.

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

CHEERS,
LAURA

I actually started with the second novel I found in a used bookstore in 1994, not realizing about the first.
I soon found the first novel Outlander and have been an avid fan since!! I shared my love of the series with my sister Pattie and we have been reading and rereading the novels since!!!! Thank goodness for Kindle because it is a lot easier to bring my phone everywhere, I used to bring my books with me everywhere I went before Kindle. I feel like part of the Fraser family when reading the novels, close knit family ties interwoven with so many!! Thank you sooooo much for starting a novel in 1988 (my 8th grade Graduation) {g}, you have touched so many people with your words.

I love your Imagination,

Kellie Dunn