Image source, Getty Images
Acclaimed Irish author Edna O’Brien has died after a long illness, her publisher announced.
In a statement posted on social media, Faber said O’Brien died peacefully on Saturday.
O’Brien has written more than 20 works of fiction and won numerous awards for his writing.
Irish President Michael D. Higgins paid tribute to the author, calling him a “fearless truth teller.”
“Transforming the Status of Women”
Rector Higgins said she was “one of the outstanding writers of our time.”
“Edna O’Brien was one of the first writers to give real voice to the experiences of generations of Irish women through her insightful and humane work and she played a key role in transforming the status of women throughout Irish society,” he said.
“The beauty of her work was quickly recognised abroad, but it should not be forgotten that her work provoked hostile reactions among those who wished to keep women’s lived experiences out of the Irish literary world, and her books were shamefully banned when first published.”
“Thankfully, Edna O’Brien’s work is now recognised as the fine work of art it is.”
Image source, Getty Images
“Dear friend”
Her publisher, Faber Books, described her as “one of the greatest writers of our time.”
“With her clear, concise prose, she revolutionised Irish literature and deeply influenced many subsequent writers, portraying women’s lives and complex human situations,” the publisher said in a statement.
“A rebellious and courageous spirit, Edna always sought to break new artistic ground and to write truths that spoke from the depths of her feelings.
“The vitality of her writing reflected her passion for life. She was the best of company, kind, generous, mischievous and brave. Edna was a dear friend to us all and we will miss her terribly.”
Mr O’Brien was born in County Clare, Ireland.
She lived in London for many years.
Her first, and perhaps most famous, novel, The County Girls, tells the story of two girls from rural Ireland who grow up in a convent school before moving to Dublin to start their adult lives.
Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris said Ireland had lost an “icon” and described Mr O’Brien as “brave, talented, dignified and fascinating”.
Harris praised the author’s debut novel, “Country Girls.”
“Sixty-four years on, it remains not only a fantastic piece of work but also a landmark moment for Irish women and society,” he said.
“This book will be banned and burned, but Edna O’Brien will never be silenced,” he added.
“Most people would have stopped and hidden from the misogyny she faced, but Edna O’Brien continued to hone her artistry and become one of the most admired and respected writers in modern Ireland.”
