The country girls trilogy

As one of the BBC's '100 Novels That Shaped Our World,' this iconic trilogy vividly portrays the lives of two girls in rural 1950s Ireland. Edna O'Brien's debut novels revolutionized Irish literature in the 1960s, facing bans and censorship due to their candid exploration of sexual desire. This notoriety quickly transformed into fame, establishing the series as a bestseller and classic. Caithleen 'Kate' Brady and Bridget 'Baba' Brennan grow up in a repressive Irish village post-World War II. Kate is a romantic in search of love, while Baba embodies a reckless survivor. Expelled from convent school, they aspire to the bright lights of Dublin, only to encounter disappointment, bad luck, and misguided relationships. They marry and betray for the wrong reasons, all while challenging the societal expectations imposed on young women. Published in an omnibus edition with a new foreword by Eimear McBride, O'Brien's poignant exploration of innocence, love, despair, and resilience continues to resonate with readers, showcasing her bravery, lyricism, and humor. Edna O'Brien's latest novel, Girl, is set to be released by Faber in September 2019 and is available for pre-order.