The Thorn Birds
by Colleen McCullough
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Book Reviews of The Thorn Birds
Book Review: Brought Americans a New Reading World To Explore
Summary: 5 Stars
Author Colleen McCullough arrived on the book scene with a smash hit in the USA with the release of this novel. Setting her story in the then unfamiliar (to us) Australian Outback, in the era surrounding WWII, was enticement enough to buy this book. However, she also had the brilliant idea of giving us the love story between two characters who were constantly torn apart by his religious vocation. These are Meggie and Father Ralph, a Roman Catholic priest, who travels far, including into the world of the Vatican. Thus, there is also the contrast of life lived in the very rugged and very rural outposts of the world with the very cosmopolitan city life. This is a very great love story that grabs hold of you and doesn't let go. This was also made into a very good television miniseries that was nevertheless a bit of a letdown for me after the book. I wish it had been made into a full theatrical release film with some higher powered acting talent in the lead roles other than Richard Chamberlain and Rachel Ward.Book Review: Admirable Effort
Summary: 3 Stars
This book is so bittersweet - isn't that the way of life? Ms. McCullough has weaved an intricate, captivating tale. The story was extremely compelling, dramatic, and tragic. The cursed love affair of Meggie and Ralf digs at the thorns all readers surely have in their own sides. As a Protestant, I was enthrawlled by the spiritual issues grappled with through Catholic theology. I so admire Ms. McCullough taking on such an epic story that it pains me to give it only 3 stars, but I did for the following reasons: 1. The last third of the book falls flat as the climax (Ralf and Meggie) occured too soon and Justine couldn't hold it together on her own. 2. I am a huge fan of description and detail, but the detail in this book became tedious at times. 3. Because the book spanned 60 years, it was hard at times for me to feel connected to the characters when say 8 years had passed without any knowledge of what had been going on in their lives. But on the whole, a very admirable effort!Book Review: The best book ever!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
There is no other book like The Thornbirds. How could Colleen McCullough dream up such amazing situations and beautifully in depth descriptions. It made me feel so deeply the pain that the characters themselves went through. I cried for them more than I have ever wept for myself. When I read this book I had my own image of the characters. When I saw Richard Chamberlain as Ralph, though, I thought, "That is not how I could have ever imagined him". The book described him so gloriously. Meggie became my favorite female; she was so innocent, naive, and sheltered, but always so strong. She developed greatly as she grew up, into quite a lady. I always wanted Meggie and Ralph to be together, but when they finally were, on Matlock Island, I realized that I couldn't really be satisfied with happily ever after or always apart. And that feeling the others' pain so deeply was rare, even in real life! This is the most well-written, lesson teaching, and beautiful novel I have ever read.Book Review: A must read
Summary: 5 Stars
This is the first novel I had read in my life. I was probably 13 or 14 years old..maybe even younger. After I finished reading this massive book. I turned around and read it again. This book gave me my first taste of what a pleasure it is to read. Now as I am approaching my 35th birthday, I can still feel that special something about this book. The story is about Megan from the time she was 4 until she was an older woman. The joys and sadness of her life growing up on a cattle ranch in Austrila. Her forbidden love of her priest and his forbidden love of her. Her family of brothers and strict mother and loving father. Of her children that she raised and what different turns her live took. When the movie came out in 1983 I could hardly contain myself to watch it. I was so excited to see my favorite story coming to life. Boy was I disappointed. The book was just too good and the tv could not compete. Read this story you will not be disappointedBook Review: A must read...
Summary: 5 Stars
I am usually not a big fan of romance novels...so it is a big suprise to me that this is one of my all-time favorite books. I think one of the most difficult tasks as an author is to describe characters that are not only well-rounded, but believable as humans. In the Thorn Birds we love the characters for their human flaws, and struggles. For example, Ralph's struggle between his love for God, his love for Meggie and his undying ambitions. What I loved most about this book is it's realism. None of that hollywood, unrealistic, happily ever after cliched garbage. The characters must face fate which is not always helpful (ex/spoilers when the fire kills Patty & Board Stewy). And like in many families, our lives turns out to be like that of our parents. (Meggie's like is very similar to that of her mother). If you are ready to love/hate characters, be engrossed in one of the most passionate yet tragic love stories of all time..this book is a must.