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The Thorn Birds

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The Thorn Birds

By: Colleen McCullough
Narrated by: Greta Scacchi
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About this listen

Sometimes when he didn't know he was being watched, Meggie would look at him and try desperately to imprint his face upon her brain's core. And he would turn to find her watching him, a look in his eyes of haunted grief, a doomed look. She understood the implicit message, or thought she did; he must go, back to the Church and his duties. Never again with the same spirit, perhaps, but more able to serve. For only those who have slipped and fallen know the vicissitudes of the way.©1977 Colleen McCullough (P)2007 Hachette Audio Fiction Friendship Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Romance
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Critic reviews

"One of those books that will be read as long as women love, and men care." ( Daily Mirror)
"I simply could not put it down. If it hadn't been wrenched from me at mealtimes, I'd have starved." ( Daily Mail)
"A true epic....It's easy to see why this stunning tale has been called the Australian Gone With the Wind." ( Daily Telegraph)

What listeners say about The Thorn Birds

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what was missing

This was an edited version of the Thorn birds which disappointed me. Not what I expected

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1 person found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars
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Disappointed that this was an abridged version

I loved the book and thought I would enjoy listening to it but I was disappointed that this was an abridged version.

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2 people found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars
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Need the unabridged version

I loved this series back in the day when it was on tv. I really enjoyed listening to this book and Greta Scacchi narration is great but it’s too short. I would have given 5 stars all round for the full version.

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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A proper family saga

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, hadn't seen the TV series, I loved the in and outs of the Cleary family, the descriptions of the landscape, the complex characters. slightly icky that Ralph ended up sleeping with Meggie who he'd known since age 10, but hey ho. Highly recommend.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars
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Heartbreak at Drogheda

I remember the series back in the day of love and loss. So great to listen to the story again

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Epic love story

What a great way to spend time. This is a heartbreaking tale. I loved it.

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1 person found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars
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Prefer the unabridged version

some great parts of the story have been missed out in this abridged version, sad!!!

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1 person found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Abridged version

I had not realised this was an abridged version, having read the Thorn Birds 3 times previously - it has always been one of my favourite books, however, I was disappointed that it was not the full version. It was read beautifully - I just wished it had been the full version.

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11 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Loved it.

Timeless story, and although it was of its time I think it is still charming.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Relationships

I read this book many years ago and it was great to listen to this unusual love story once again.

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