The Thorn Birds

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

Father Ralph de Bricassart: There's a story--a legend, about a bird that sings just once in its life. From the moment it leaves the nest, it searches for a thorn tree, and never rests until it has found one. And then it sings--more sweetly than any other creature on earth. And singing, it impales itself on the longest, sharpest thorn. But, as it dies, it rises above its own agony, to out-sing the lark and the nightingale. The thorn bird pays its life for just one song but the whole world stills to listen, and God in His heaven smiles.

Young Meggie Cleary: What does it mean, Father?

Father Ralph de Bricassart:

That the best is bought only at the cost of great pain.

The bird with the thorn in its breast follows an immutable law; it is driven by it knows not what, to impale itself, and die singing. At the very instant the thorn enters there is no awareness in it of the dying to come; it simply sings and sings until there is not the life left to utter another note. But we, when we put the thorns in our breasts, we know. We understand. And still we do it. Still, we do it!

Colleen McCullogh

The Thorn Birds, 1977

The Thorn Birds, starring Richard Chamberlin and Rachel Ward, debuted the tv screen in 1983 and was the 2nd most watched mini series (after Roots) of all time.

Second only to Gone With the Wind, this is MY favorite of all time love stories. As luck would have it, I found the book a couple of weeks ago at my favorite junk store. Reading it stirred up memories of Richard Chamberlin in his priestly black soutane. OMG, was he ever so handsome!! And, who alive can outshine the beauty of Rachel Ward? That was a couple made for the screen.

As with many books vs movie versions, the two end differently. I actually prefer the movie's ending over the book. If you haven't ever read the book or seen the series, this is a good read. I know it made a lasting impression on me! The book is still available on Amazon.com

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit today. We love having company!

Au revoir,