The Country Girls
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Country Girls was the first novel written by Irish author Edna O'Brien. It was released in 1960, and later made into a movie.
[edit] Plot Synopsis
Kate and Baba, two young Irish country girls who have spent their childhood together. As they leave the safety of their convent school in search of life and love in the big city, they struggle to maintain their somewhat tumultuous relationship. Kate, dreamy and romantic, yearns for true love, while Baba just wants to experience the life of a single girl. Although they set out to conquer the world together, as their lives take unexpected turns, Kate and Baba must ultimately learn to find their own way.
[edit] Analysis
The novel is an exploration of the trials and tribulations of two friends set against the backdrop of 1950s Ireland. However to dismiss it as mere Chick lit would be wrong and an insult to O'Brien's talents. The novel shows the influence of James Joyce with a humane attention to detail and thought and the rather lyrical prose of the narrator Kate.
The ending where Kate is betrayed by Mr Gentleman can be considered as a call by O'Brien for a reconsideration of the values of Irish/Catholic society. Edna O'Brien helped to launch a new generation of Irish writers more focused on the demands and values of society such as Anne Enright, Nuala O'Faolain and Colm Toibin.
