THE THORN BIRDS

Could there be anyone who has not heard of Colleen McCullough's 1977 bestselling romantic saga set in Australia? If you're in the mood for a sweeping tale of love and fate, along with the drama of the Australian countryside, then make sure you listen to this version. Donada Peters's marvelous new reading adds nuance to McCullough's book with pitch-perfect Irish and Australian accents and thoughtful vocal characterizations. Well-born mother, Fiona, who threw her life away, has a controlled, tragic sound, while heroine Meggie is revealingly young throughout the story. A super performance. A.C.S. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/JUL 01]