I guess I'm just not a Thorn Birds person. All those decades ago when it was first published and became a best-seller, I dipped into it and very quickly decided it was boringly bad writing. I didn't bother going any further.
Just recently a friend asked why it wasn't on Australia's list of top ten books (recently decided by poll) and enthused about its romanticism and drama. I wondered if I should reconsider; maybe I'd missed something. Then I saw it in the DVD shop and thought maybe I'd like it better on screen.
It was the old series with Richard Chamberlain and a number of other renowned actors, in a three-disc version. I watched the interminable Part 1 on the first disc. I'm not sure why I lasted so long. Even good actors couldn't redeem that material from being the most ridiculous melodrama, though Lord knows they tried. It wasn't their fault; it was the way the characters were written. I can't bear the thought of persevering through the other two discs, not even to find out the rest of the story. I can't care about those unconvincing characters. Yes, I know both book and series were incredibly popular. I guess I'm just not a Thorn Birds person.
Rosemary, I remember the Thorn Birds craze... I was on board with the book, but not the miniseries. Funny, though, a woman saying that is like admitting she didn't like "The Bridges of Madison County," which I didn't!! Cheeky and fun post, thanks. Amy
ReplyDeleteWell, I must confess I thought Bridges badly written, but I enjoyed the movie.
DeleteDear Rosemary,
ReplyDeleteAt first, I was crestfallen to see your review of Thorn Birds (not really). I read the book when I was in high school and was deep in the throes of my own first relationship. So, of course, I lapped it up, as did all my friends when they borrowed my copy. If I read it now, I have a feeling I'm not going to judge it charitably. So I will most definitely avoid that. Thank you for the heads up. You have helped to preserve a tiny relic of the old "glory days."
Diane
Well, to be fair, the writing in the TV series was by script writers, I suppose. Still, they would have to have used dialogue from the book, I also suppose.
DeleteP.S. I recently bought Bridges at a tag sale. I have a feeling I'm not going to love it. But I, too, enjoyed the movie.
ReplyDeleteWell, you might love it. :) Lots of people did, including Andrew.
DeleteI loved both book and film when they came out, but I was a teenager. I doubt I'd feel the same now :)
ReplyDeletePS I saw TBOMC and then read the book. I thought the book was dreadful. Some things are better on screen.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. I read the book first, persevered because Andrew had liked it so much, but thought it was pretty bad. But I did like the movie.
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