The Thorn BirdsThe Thorn Birds
What it's about
In 1915 the Cleary family moves from New Zealand to Drogheda, a vast sheep station in the Australian outback owned by Paddy Cleary's wealthy sister. The novel follows them for more than fifty years, through drought, fire, war and loss. At its heart is Meggie, the only daughter, and her lifelong love for Father Ralph de Bricassart, a handsome, ambitious priest who loves her back but loves the Church and his career more.
Why it's worth reading
It's one of the best-selling novels ever, around 33 million copies, a #1 New York Times bestseller for months, and a pick on the BBC's Big Read. It's a sweeping family saga that has kept readers up late for nearly fifty years.
You'll love it if you liked
Gone with the Wind, Outlander or The Far Pavilions
Good to know
It's a long, old-fashioned melodrama in the best sense. It deals with a relationship between a priest and a woman much younger than him, which began when she was a child.
By the numbers
- Readers84 out of 100 · counts 40%+38
- Critics0 out of 100 · counts 14%+0
- Bestseller85 out of 100 · counts 32% (its stronger lane)+31
- Buzz0 out of 100 · counts 15%+0
Critics and Bestseller are two ways to earn a place: a book's stronger one counts more. Buzz rewards recent bestseller weeks and prizes, so older books start at zero.
On the BBC's The Big Read list. One of the best-selling books ever (about 33 million copies). 4.25★ from 371K Goodreads ratings.
Where it ranks
- #8 of the 108 romances we rank
- #29 of the 251 historical novels we rank
- #42 of the 519 classics we rank
- #123 of the 1,404 books we rank
Bestseller
- One of the best-selling books ever (about 33 million copies)
- #1 New York Times bestseller (16 weeks at #1)
On the lists
- BBC's The Big Read
Reads as
Moving, Epic, Uplifting
