Edna O’Brien, the celebrated Irish author known for her groundbreaking and controversial works, has passed away at the age of 93, per nbcwashington.com. Her publisher, Faber, and literary agency PFD announced that O’Brien died on Saturday after a prolonged illness.
O’Brien’s literary career spanned over six decades, during which she published more than 20 books, including novels and short story collections. Her debut novel, The Country Girls, published in 1960, catapulted her to fame and notoriety in equal measure. The book, which explored themes of sexuality and rebellion, scandalised her native Ireland and was banned and burned in her hometown.
Despite the initial controversy, O’Brien went on to become one of Ireland’s most acclaimed writers, known for her fearless exploration of taboo subjects and her lyrical prose. Her works often challenged religious, sexual, and gender boundaries in Irish society, earning her both criticism and praise.
Throughout her career, O’Brien received numerous accolades, including the Irish Book Award for lifetime achievement and the PEN/Nabokov prize. She was also known for her connections to various cultural and political figures, from movie stars to heads of state.
Born in County Clare, Ireland, in 1930, O’Brien’s early life on a farm and her experiences in a convent school heavily influenced her writing. She moved to London in her late twenties, where she began her literary career.
O’Brien’s passing marks the end of an era in Irish literature. She is survived by her two sons, Marcus and Carlos. Her publisher described her as “a defiant and courageous spirit” who constantly strove to break new artistic ground and write truthfully.
- Featured image: Edna O’Brien/Stefania D’Alessandro/Getty Images
