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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Well written book, a great story, I lived this as I read it: )
My favorite book ever
One of the best books I’ve read, and it was many years and many books ago.
Loved this book! Such an involved story line, I was so into the characters, etc
This is one of my favorite books of all time. A story of intense attraction, it is epic in its portrayal of love’s pull on the soul, regardless of insurmountable odds. The characters are wonderful, multi-faceted and so very real. I can’t say enough about the quality of this book, both the writing itself and the lasting impression it leaves with …
I read this a long time ago and it was even made into a movie. What made the most impression on me is that the author actually condemns the sort of hypocrisy of the man who becomes a cardinal. In his early days he befriended a family who truly lived in the outback and the girl in that family bears his child. However, he abandons her and pursues a …
Read this years ago and it is still a favorite.
Great romantic epic about Australia
Has been my favorite book for years. I rate it with Gone With the Wind and Where the Crawdads Sing.
This is an old book worth revisiting. If one knows nothing about life in Australia’s outback, this will give an impression that seems accurate and interesting.
Loved it.
Thought the book was unrealistic to true life!!!!
Read it a long time ago, but I would read it again. A guilty pleasure read if there ever was one!
My favorite novels are historical fiction, and this book had a wonderful plot and well developed characters.
An all time favorite. I felt like I had been to Australia!
Tragic
Read this book quite a while ago, then saw “The Thornbirds” series on TV. Loved both; the book was a page-turner for me. Interesting characters, relationships, Catholic priest/bishop, family topics. This book/series set in Australia had it all. Highly recommend for everyone.
Read many years ago & enjoyed very much. Will have to read again.
I read this book years ago. Everyone I knew was reading it, and we were all blown away. It was a very long book, but I savored every page. Sometimes, it’s great to reach for an old best-seller that has earned its audience.
I have enjoyed all of McCullough’s books. The Thorn Birds isn’t simply a romance novel; it is an epic description of the land and its challenges, the attitudes of those who inhabit it and the beauty it contains.