In 2009, Edna O’Brien’s son, Carlo revealed that his parents’ marriage had been volatile, with bitter rows between his mother and father over her success. Initially believing he deserved credit for helping her become an accomplished writer, Gébler then came to believe he was the author of O’Brien’s books. He died in 1998. [1]
Josephine Edna O’Brien, the internationally acclaimed author of more than thirty books, was born on 15 December 1930, in Tuamgraney, County Clare, Ireland. She grew up in a rural setting, surrounded by the landscapes and cultural influences that would later become prominent themes in her writing. O’Brien was the youngest child in her strict, religious family, and her early years were marked by a passion for books and storytelling.
In her youth, O’Brien attended a convent boarding school, an experience that she found “suffocating”. Here she developed a deep appreciation for literature and was introduced to the works of classic writers. Her academic pursuits eventually led her to Dublin, and in 1950, after studying at night at pharmaceutical college and working in a pharmacy during the day, O’Brien was awarded a license as a pharmacist.
It was during this time that she first encountered the literary scene and began to develop her own voice as a writer. She read such writers as Tolstoy, Thackeray, and F. Scott Fitzgerald.
In 1954, O’Brien met and married, against her parents’ wishes, the Irish writer Ernest Gébler and the couple moved to London. They had two sons, Carlo and Sasha, but the marriage ended in 1964.
Edna O’Brien’s literary career took a significant turn with the publication of her debut novel, The Country Girls, in 1960. The novel, which explored the experiences of two young Irish girls navigating societal expectations and their own desires, gained immediate attention and acclaim. However, its frank depiction of female sexuality and criticism of traditional Irish values led to its banning in Ireland, sparking both controversy and curiosity.
The Country Girls marked the beginning of a prolific writing career for O’Brien, who has gone on to produce a diverse body of work that includes novels, short stories, plays, and essays. Her writing often delves into the complexities of human relationships, societal norms, and the changing landscape of Ireland. Throughout her career, O’Brien has continued to receive critical acclaim for her literary contributions, earning many awards including the Kingsley Amis Award in 1962 and the European Prize for Literature in 1995.
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