The Thorn Birds
by Colleen McCullough
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Book Reviews of The Thorn Birds
Book Review: My all time favorite novel.
Summary: 5 Stars
I am a reader. I love reading classics, plays, all kinds of things. Yet, when people ask me what my *all time* favorite is, it is The Thorn Birds. When telling people about it, it seems kind of like a trashy novel, not real "literature". I can't describe it, it is just SO GOOD. The story is wonderful, more then just a love story. There is a web of amazingly rich characters that you end up caring about. Mary Carson is one of the best characters in the story, yet she is only in a fraction of the book. Luke O'Neil, Paddy, Fee, Justine, even Mrs. Smith the housekeeper are such well developed characters with their own sorrows and joys.
Another reviewer mentioned how it transports you to Australia. I totally agree. You can almost see the landscape, feel the heat, hear the sheep...
Honestly, whenever I need a pick me up because my own life is just too stressful and I want to escape, this is the first book I go too.
Book Review: Classify under "Romance"
Summary: 2 Stars
If you're looking for a long, romantic yarn, this is a pretty decent one. The writing is quite good--you can feel the dust and heat of Australia, as it works its way under your skin. And you feel for the protagonist; you feel for a woman who has few options in life, and who's life is inevitably chained to one man or another. Although I'm very sympathetic to this position, I felt a little bit lost inside of this woman's mind, and felt that her men were caricatures, rather than developed characters. I wanted to be a part of her thinking, but this bias in the writing threw me off.
In the end, after hundreds of pages and a bit too much saga, we are to rejoice that her chains have become easier. It's a little hard to swallow. I don't think this qualifies as a feminist work. I'd tell men to skip this one altogether, and advise readers that this is, ultimately, just a well-written romance novel, for better or for worse.
Book Review: Real Life Pales in Comparison...
Summary: 5 Stars
I am not a fan of romance novels, however, a few years ago, my Mother asked me to read her favorite novel as a favor to her. She was so certain that I would like it. That novel was The Thorn Birds. From the first page, it was the most breathtaking story I have ever read. I was fascinated by Ralph's fascination with Meggie. I am a Catholic and have often pondered the vow of celebacy. There love for each other seemed to transcend age, time, and even God... Every triumph and tragedy of the Cleary family brought tears to my eyes. The ultimate triumph-of Meggie carrying Ralph's child was incredibly powerful. On the back of the book a reviewer said "Real Life Pales in Comparison". I couldn't agree more! Many thanks to my Mother and Grandmother who introduced me to their favorite book. I cannot wait to introduce my daughter to my favorite book...Book Review: I find the best books, but this one I will never forget.
Summary: 5 Stars
Well, how shall I say this. The Thorn Birds is by no doubt the best book in history. I've read Little Women as well, but the Thorn Birds, well, it's just wonderful. It's about the Cleary family, moving from their small house and shabby life in New Zealand, to Drogheda, Australia. At first their life is no better; their son Frank leaves home and ends up in jail, Meggie, terribly in love with priest Ralph de Bricassart since the age of ten,is upset to witness her brother (Frank)trying to fight with his father, Padraic Cleary. But things grow better. Paddy's wealthy sister Mrs. Carson leaves them the large house on Drogheda. Meggie marries, bares a daughter, Justine, and then leaves her husband, only to meet Ralph, and then she bares his son, Dane. Life is tough with first the Depression, then war and drought, and they all keep up. Excellent book.Book Review: MY ALL-TIME FAVORITE LOVE STORY ... I LAUGHED AND CRIED! BITTERSWEET!
Summary: 5 Stars
I've read this book four times through the years since I first bought it. The love between the two main characters, though a forbidden love, is so beautiful and magical it made me cry for Meggy and Father Ralph.
Not only is this an unforgettable love story, it's also a great education about sheep farming in Australia. Magnificent description of a then harsh land. The dialogue is believable, the characters so very real ... I didn't simply read this book, I experienced it. When the characters laughed, I laughed, and when they cried, my heart broke for them.
Poor little Meggy ... poor father Ralph. How bittersweet and memorable.
I really can't get over the quality of this book and the sensitivity of the author.
Review by Betty Dravis, author of a new epic love story, 1106 GRAND BOULEVARD