Colleen McCullough

Colleen Margaretta McCullough was an Australian author best known for her novel The Thorn Birds.

Born in Wellington and raised in Sydney, she began writing at age 5 and pursued a career in neurophysiology before turning to writing full-time.

McCullough's breakthrough came with Tim in 1974, followed by The Thorn Birds in 1977, which became an international bestseller.

Drawing inspiration from her family's experiences and personal loss, she crafted stories that resonated with millions of readers worldwide.

Despite mixed critical reception, McCullough's works, particularly The Thorn Birds, achieved immense popularity and financial success.

She authored 11 novels throughout her career.