The Thorn Birds What Women Watch

There is a legend about a bird that sings only once in its lifetime, but when it does, it sings sweeter than any other creature on Earth. From the moment it leaves its nest, it searches for a thorn tree and does not rest until it has found one. And when it begins to sing among the branches, it positions itself in such a way that the largest and sharpest thorn pierces it. Yet, as it dies, it rises above the agony of death, and its song sounds more glorious than the lark's jubilation and the nightingale's flute. An incomparable song, paid for with its own life. But the whole world stops to listen, and God in heaven smiles. For the best can only be achieved through great sacrifices... so the legend goes.

The stormy-romantic saga of the extraordinary Cleary family begins at the start of the 20th century, when Paddy Cleary emigrates from New Zealand to Australia with his wife and seven children to work on the farm "Drogheda" for his sister. Despite family tensions and the high demands that the harsh, rugged land places on the Clearys, the family seems to find some semblance of peace. However, this peace proves to be deceptive: Meggie, the youngest and only daughter of the Clearys, has harbored a deep affection for the attractive Father Ralph de Bricassart, who is closely connected to the family, since childhood. As Meggie comes of age, Ralph can no longer resist her charm. The unfortunate love story brings great suffering not only to Meggie and Ralph but also plunges their family into severe conflicts. The saga of the Clearys concludes in the third generation on the farm "Drogheda" more than half a century later, when Meggie's daughter, the brilliant actress Justine, sets out to seek her fortune in Europe.