Edna O’Brien is being remembered as an “extraordinary talent” whose childhood in Clare left a lasting impact on her writing.
The Tuamgraney native’s passing on Saturday at the age of 93 has prompted prominent figures across the arts, politics and entertainment to pay tribute to the iconic and controversial writer.
She was born on December 15th 1930 in Tuamgraney and was reared by her parents Michael O’Brien and Lena Cleary in a large house on a 600-acre site in the townland of Drewsboro.
Although she studied to become a pharmacist, her true penchant was for writing and this was first explored during a stint with the Irish Press.
After moving to London and entering a high-profile literary social circle, she published her infamous debut novel, ‘The Country Girls’, in 1960.
Due to its themes of female sexuality and presentation of taboo social issues, the book was banned by the Irish Censorship Board and was branded “filth” that “should not be allowed inside any decent home” by Archbishop McQuaid and then Justice Minister Charlie Haughey.
The book’s infamy only contributed to its popularity however and in 2019, it was celebrated as Dublin’s “One City One Book”.
Clare County Council Arts Officer Siobhan Mulcahy believes her childhood in Clare remained central to her work throughout her career.
Across her writing career, which spanned almost sixty years and yielded novels, plays, poetry, short stories, biographies and a memoir, O’Brien has honoured with a number of significant accolades.
She was bestowed the highest title of “Saoi” by the Aosdána in 2015 and won the David Cohen Prize in 2019.
Among those who have paid tribute to her in recent days are President Michael D Higgins who has called her a “fearless teller of truths, a superb writer possessed of the moral courage to confront Irish society with realities long ignored and suppressed”.
She is survived by her two sons Carlo and Marcus.
Properietor of Charlie Byrne’s Bookstore in Galway and Ennistymon native Vincent Browne says a key aspect of her legacy will be how she encouraged other writers and creatives.
You can listen to the full interview here:
