In the rugged Australian Outback, three generations of Clearys live through joy and sadness, bitter defeat and magnificent triumph — driven by their dreams, sustained by remarkable strength of character… and torn by dark passions, violence and a scandalous family legacy of forbidden love.
It is a poignant love story, a powerful epic of struggle and sacrifice, a celebration of individuality and … individuality and spirit. Most of all, it is the story of the Clearys’ only daughter, Meggie, who can never possess the man she so desperately adores — Ralph de Bricassart. Ralph will rise from parish priest to the inner circles of the Vatican… but his passion for Meggie will follow him all the days of his life.
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One of my faves. I need to read it again…
On my list of best-ever historical fiction is this book at number ONE. I’m always hard-pressed to come up with my very favorite book, but if asked, I end up saying The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough. Written over 30 years ago, the book still appeals in all the right ways. And I’m shocked to find out that the Kindle version can be bought now …
A timeless classic, this was my third reading of The Thornbirds, and I enjoyed it just as much after a 20-year interval.
Popular and acclaimed Australian author, Colleen McCullough explores three generations of the Irish Cleary family, ranchers who carve out their lives from the rugged, beautiful and harsh land of their home in the Australian …
Every now and again I dip back into a book from the past that holds found memories for me. Set in the Australian outback, this incredibly evocative novel is a masterpiece of setting.Colleen McCullough has a deft and deep writing style, although she has been dismissed to easily asa romantic novelist. For me, this book is anything but. It’s a …
I read this book many, many years ago and I loved it. Great writing, great characters, and wonderful descriptions of Australia and life there. There is also a movie with Richard Chamberlin and many other stars. The book is well worth your time to read and I would suggest you read it and then watch the movie. You won’t be disappointed
REad it two or three times. A classic
This was the best Saga I ever read…
I loved getting lost in this book all those years ago. Maybe it’s time for a re-read!
What a great story!
Read it many years ago and loved it. Was thrilled when tv show came on. One of the few books I would read again.
One of my favories.
An epic family saga set in the wilds of Australia from early 1900s to the late 1960s.
My mom tried to get me to read this book for many years. I remember when the TV miniseries came out and it was all the rage with her friends and coworkers. I finally sat down and read this book at a slower pace than I normally read a book. I wanted to drink it …
This book had everything! A great story and wonderful intro to Australia
Could not put down
Classic
I loved this book. I hated to finish it—wanted to keep reading. Saw the mini-series—it was good too. It was all wonderful. What a story!
I read this years ago and don’t recall specifics. It is one I need to read again. I remember how much I enjoyed it at the time – about 40 years ago!
I had watched the mini series a few times and LOVED it; so was very curious if it followed the book or ‘chopped’ it up. I wasn’t disappointed in the least! The book is even better than the movie! (and the movie is a fav of mine!) The movie does stay true to the book but the book has so much more in it. And written so that you feel you are right …
Great love story
Loved it!