Here is the towering epic about three generations of a remarkable family in the Australian outback that was the basis for one of the most beloved television miniseries of all time.

Very good!

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McCullough's sweeping saga captivates from the first page as you are swept along into the lives of all the characters. You won't want this one to end!

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Colleen McCullough's wildly popular epic blockbuster, first published in 1977, follows the fortunes of the Cleary family over three generations, but concentrates mainly on Meggie and her passionate, obsessive love for a Catholic priest, Father Ralph. The complex, passionate plot, along with McCullough's vivid descriptions of the Australian outback, made the book a best-seller--and the movie made from it in 1983 a huge success.

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A heart-rending epic of violence, love, piety, family roots, passion, pain, triumph, tragedy, roses, and thorns.

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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.

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I really enjoyed this family saga! The setting, in Australia, really came alive and all the characters were vibrant and interesting.

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An oldie, but a goodie! This is a sweeping story filled with love, lies, and tragedy. The detailed locations provide the perfect backdrop in terms of how the story unfolds as well as how the story comes full circle.

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I read this book years ago.....before it became the fantastically sucessful miniseries back in the early 80's. I have read many novels over the years and this one is hands down one of the best and most well written. Ms. McCullough has tremendous insight into the human heart and psyche as her very well developed characters demonstrate. Although this is not an altogether "happy" story, it is superbly powerful and moving nonetheless. Utterly believable.

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The Thorn Birds is a beautiful book that concentrates on family and the love between them.

Quite honestly it has been years since I read this book, however, I do remember that it was one that I thoroughly enjoyed.

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Ohmygoodness, I love this book. It's such an epic story that spans 40 years and 3 generations of the Cleary family. The only thing that people may object to is the priest's throwing away of his ordination vows. But it's such a well-written book that we almost forgive Father Ralph for succombing to his passion for Meggie.

I re-read it every now and then and remind myself of how much I enjoy this book.

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A wonderful saga that takes you through several generations of an Australian family. If you loved the miniseries, you definitely need to read the book as many other facts and details are included that make everything come together even better.

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Excellent book with a lot of deapth in the relationships, it will leave you with something to think about.

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This is the type of novel I love to read-spanning generations in the same family. The characters are wonderful and memorable- Paddy, Fiona, Frank, Meggie, Ralph and Meggie's children, Justine and Dane. McCullough has written a novel set in her native Australia.

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