“The bird with the thorn in its breast, it follows an immutable law; it is driven by it knows not what to impale itself, and die singing. At the very instant the thorn enters there is no awareness in it of the dying to come; it simply sings and sings until there is not the life left to utter another note. But we, when we put the thorns in our breasts, we know. We understand. And still we do it. Still we do it.”
The Thorn Birds is a multi-generational novel that follows the Cleary family from their humble beginnings in New Zealand to their life on a vast sheep station in the Australian outback. The story centers on the passionate and forbidden love between Meggie Cleary and Father Ralph de Bricassart, a Catholic priest. Their relationship unfolds against the backdrop of the harsh, beautiful landscape and the family's struggles with faith, duty, and personal desires. The narrative spans decades, delving into themes of longing, loss, and the enduring power of love, while also examining the complexities of family bonds and the cost of ambition. more
Colleen McCullough, born on June 1, 1937, and passed away on January 29, 2015, was a renowned Australian author. Known for her historical novels and medical novels, her most famous work is 'The Roman Empire'. McCullough's works are celebrated for their rich historical background and vivid character portrayals. more
“And I know how he feels–it’s so good it hurts.”
“We are great writers on the same dreadful typewriter”