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"The Thorn Birds" was a bestselling novel by Colleen McCullough that gained immense popularity in the 1970s. Its compelling storyline, set in the vast landscapes of Australia, unfolded through the lives of the Cleary family and the passionate and forbidden love between Meggie Cleary and the charismatic priest, Father Ralph de Bricassart. This tale delved into themes of love, faith, and the complexities of human relationships.