The Thorn Birds (original 1977; edição 1977)

began while in hospital after giving birth to Peter - hardcover - still remember parts vividly ( )

I had really high expectations for this one and, unfortunately, the book just didn't live up to them. I was told by multiple people that I wouldn't be able to put it down and instead had to keep forcing myself to pick it up. I gave it 266 pages before putting it down. The writing itself was good and the story had some really interesting themes that would have been fun to explore a bit further. But there was too much that bogged the plot down between a few exciting moments - too much about the weather, the landscape, the sheep shearing, etc. Oh, and the romance was way too over-the-top, to the point of irritating me a bit. It had the potential to be a sudsy, fun summer book but didn't work for me (though I think the miniseries could improve on my issues with the book). Though it was somewhat interesting, I couldn't face committing another 400 pages to these characters.

An intriguing family drama with an Australia that defies imagination is overwhelmed by an ocean of soap and topped with a mountain of fromage. That romance was just too much for me--and way too creepy in its origin. ( )

AG-4

Engrossing! I really loved the way the author described the passions, the landscape and the characthers ( )