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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

 'Excellent' DAILY TELEGRAPH

'A true epic . . . this stunning tale has been called the Australian Gone With the Wind' DAILY MAIL

'One of the biggest-selling, most widely read books in the history of fiction' OBSERVER

In the rugged Australian Outback, three generations of Clearys live through joy and sadness, bitter defeat and magnificent triumph - driven by their dreams, sustained by remarkable strength of character and torn by dark passions, violence and a scandalous family legacy of forbidden love.

It is a poignant love story, a powerful epic of struggle and sacrifice, a celebration of individuality and spirit. Most of all, it is the story of the Clearys' only daughter, Meggie, who can never possess the man she so desperately adores - Ralph de Bricassart. Ralph will rise from parish priest to the inner circles of the Vatican . . . but his passion for Meggie will follow him all the days of his life.

A timeless epic romance - a battle between faith and the heart.©1977 Colleen McCullough (P)2007 Hachette Audio Fiction Friendship Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Romance

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

what was missing

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

Heartbreak at Drogheda

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

Prefer the unabridged version

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

Epic love story

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

Disappointed that this was an abridged version

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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.

A proper family saga

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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.

Need the unabridged version

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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.

Abridged version

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I love this beauriful story. i have watched the films many times and read the original book. But how sad this is. This Audible recording must be only about half the story. Seriously abridged, and rather spoilt it...sad, but would rather have the real thing pkease Audible...

love this story...but....

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

Loved it.

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