The Thorn Birds

by

mass market paperback, 673 pages

English language

Published 2009 by Avon Books.

ISBN:
978-0-06-083755-6
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(1 review)

Colleen McCullough's sweeping saga of dreams, struggles, dark passions, and forbidden love in the Australian Outback has enthralled readers the world over. This is the chronicle of three generations of Clearys, ranchers carving lives from a beautiful, hard land while contending with the bitterness, frailty, and secrets that penetrate their family. Most of all, it is the story of only daughter Meggie and her lifelong relationship with the haunted priest Father Ralph de Bricassart - an intense joining of two hearts and souls that dangerously oversteps sacred boundaries of ethics and dogma.

A poignant love story, a powerful epic of struggle and sacrifice, a celebration of individuality and spirit, Colleen McCullough's acclaimed masterwork remains a monumental literary achievement - a landmark novel to be cherished and read again and again. (back cover)

38 editions

reviewed The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough

Not particularly good in any sense of the word

I was going to write a full review but to be honest this book isn't worth the hassle. The narrative drives a cast of characters too flat to be of any interest. The central plot may have been scandalous when published but now appears downright vile in light of the past quarter century of scandals involving the church. I think it's a popular book thanks to a long story, because it certainly isn't because of the characters or themes. One star for sparking an interest in Australia.

Subjects

  • Mccullough, Colleen - Prose & Criticism
  • Fiction - General
  • Fiction
  • General
  • Fiction / General
  • Historical - General