I do not tend to re-read books. When I do it's always a lovely experience and I'm glad I did it. Thus, after a conversation with a friend, Julie, during Covid Summer 2020, she volunteered to lend her re-read copy of The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough.
I cracked it open over Christmas and was transported once again to Australia in 1915. Meggie Cleary, a stunningly beautiful four year old, enters my life, along with the whole Cleary clan. And of course, Father Ralph de Bricassart, a golden god on earth. His patron, Mary Carson - rich and cunning - the matron of Drogheda - the land, the home, the sheep - all a character itself.
This sprawling novel covers 1915 to 1969 - love, death, fights, family quarrels, jealousy, rage, every emotion possible. The writing has you sweating in the Outback heat, fighting to survive in the dreadful runaway fires, and then drowning in the drenching rains. Australia is a land of extremes. The Cleary's are a clan of extremes. Together, The Thorn Birds is a winningly powerful heart wrenching soap opera of a book in a grand way.
I loved it again, had forgotten so much, and was sad to read the last paragraph. This book gave me memories of my mother - she and I raced to read it on loan from the library. "Did you get to the part where....?" "Oh my goodness, can you believe...?" We both loved the book and then the mini-series starring Richard Chamberlain (be still my heart back in the day) and Rachel Ward.
You can read a book with fresh eyes and enjoy a cherished friend.
Oh, Joanne. This is one of my favorite books of all time. My daughter's name is Meghann and we call her Meggie for short, yes, that spelling it appears on page 34 on my copy of The Thornbirds and that is exactly who our daughter is named for. I still have the book on my shelf and every few years have to read it again. Such a story of strength and resiliency and enduring love. Might be time for another re-read...
ReplyDeleteabsolutely. Such a grand read and so glad your daughter's name is Meggie for short. Perfect. You need to re-read and enjoy - you both should like my mother and I did. She'd be happy with this post. It's a grand saga!
DeleteI haven't read this one but your great review.....I think I will.
ReplyDeleteTake care Joanne.
Yvonne.
an oldie but goodie - sweeping drama!
DeleteEvery note sure is hit by the sounds of it. Reading with fresh eyes is great indeed.
ReplyDeleteit proved to be a gem again and I could feel my mom reading over my shoulder
DeleteHi Joanne - I just remember the tv series ... and perhaps I should read the book all these years later - another one to add to the list for the library in due course. Memories of youthful desires!! All the best - Hilary
ReplyDeleteIt's so good. And as I said above, my mom was reading over my shoulder again. It's a grand saga.
DeleteYou make me want to reread it! I remember it as a hauntingly beautiful read.
ReplyDeleteIt was fresh to me, as I had forgotten so much. Definitely worth revisiting and enjoying the saga.
DeleteWhen I come over to your house, I would like to read some! It sounds so good!
ReplyDeleteI had to return the book to my friend, but maybe we can get you a copy at Half Price books.
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