40 pages • 1 hour read
The Thorn Birds
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
692
Novel • Fiction
Australia • 1910s-1960s
1977
Adult
18+ years
990L
Super Short Summary
The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough traces the lives of the Cleary family over three generations, from their poor existence in New Zealand to their move to Australia, where they face personal joys, tragedies, and the consequences of desire. Central to the plot is the forbidden love between Meggie Cleary and the local priest, Father Ralph de Bricassart, which impacts the entire family's lives. Sensitive topics include acts of domestic violence and religious conflict.
Melancholic
Romantic
Bittersweet
Mysterious
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
368,758 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough is praised for its sweeping and evocative portrayal of an Australian family saga, rich character development, and vivid setting. Critics highlight its compelling storytelling and emotional depth. However, some feel the narrative is uneven, with melodramatic elements. Overall, it remains a memorable and engaging read.
Who Should Read The Thorn Birds?
A reader who would enjoy The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough is likely drawn to sweeping family sagas, rich character development, and dramatic storytelling. Fans of Gone with the Wind and East of Eden will appreciate the novel's intricate plot and historical depth, set against the exotic backdrop of the Australian Outback.
368,758 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Ralph de Bricassart
Ralph de Bricassart
A Catholic priest with a captivating allure, whose ambitions and interactions with other characters influence the unfolding events in the narrative.
Fiona Cleary (Fee)
Fiona Cleary (Fee)
A woman from an aristocratic background who struggles with her role as a wife and mother, later developing a more profound relationship with her daughter and reflecting on her life’s challenges.
692
Novel • Fiction
Australia • 1910s-1960s
1977
Adult
18+ years
990L
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.