Anyone remember when mini-series were the rage on television? I think they hit their heyday before I turned 15. I remember when we lived in Knoxville, TN, my bedroom had pocket doors that didn't quite meet in the middle and a great view of the television. Through the crack in the door, I sneaked to watch a handsome Richard Chamberlain and a gorgeous Rachel Ward in a star-crossed love affair. I was not quite 14 years old. The following summer was the first time I read the book and loved it so much that I have periodically re-read it.
I don't think I had read The Thornbirds since I was in England -- so around 1996? What made me think of it after all this time? I was watching the movie Field of Dreams (Kevin Costner). At the end of the movie he sees the young version of his father, John Kinsella, and I got curious about who played him in the movie. (Cause he's H.O.T.) He's played by Dwier Brown. I really wish I could have found the image of him with his baseball cap on backwards.
A quick search on IMDB to see what else Dwier Brown was in led me to his role as Stuey in The Thornbirds. Which, of course, made me think of the book. (Yes, that is how my mind works and it can be a huge TimeSuck.)
I just finished reading it again and it is as wonderful a saga as I remembered. There's a great summary of the book here on Amazon. Don't let the size of the book deter you. It doesn't drag, but it does span about 50 years. Yes, although I have read this book countless times, it gets a B+ from me. Trot on down to your local library. Remember, if it's late, just tell everyone you are supporting your local library system with your late fines.
And this rambling search reminded me that I had never read the book on which Field of Dreams is based. It is called Shoeless Joe and was written by W.P. Kinsella. (Yes, as in John Kinsella, which I discovered is in fact his father's name. See? More TimeSuckage.) I did enjoy Shoeless Joe. The book does differ some from the movie, but not significantly. I would give it a good solid B. Yes, I'll probably read it again sometime and I would recommend it.
The Thornbirds by Colleen McCullough - B+
Shoeless Joe by W.P. Kinsella - B
Tags: books, Colleen McCullough, Shoeless Joe, The Thornbirds, TimeSuck, W.P. Kinsella
Wow… I had no idea you were watching the TV through the little 2 inch space between the doors. You go Girl!