Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Publication
Orion Pub Co (1997), Edition: First
Description
DOWN BY THE RIVER begins, deceptively, in an idyllic rural setting somewhere in Ireland. By the end, its consequences have addressed and divided the political and judicial fabric of the nation. A crime of passion results in an emotional battlefield for one and all, with opposing factions taking militant sides. In the centre, a young girl struggles with the conflicts of mind and body, the teaching of her faith and her mounting bewilderment at what she might do. This is her rite of passage, a stark progress from the role of child to that of woman; an initiation into terror and beyond it to wisdom.
User reviews
LibraryThing member jayne_charles
This is based on a true story and as I read it I found myself recalling the media coverage of the case.
Edna O'Brien has a very individual style of writing. She doesn't so much tell as imply. Though her prose is quite poetic, it is can also be hard to follow. There were many of these short chapters
Edna O'Brien has a very individual style of writing. She doesn't so much tell as imply. Though her prose is quite poetic, it is can also be hard to follow. There were many of these short chapters
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that I had to re-read to make sure I had got the point. Sometimes I couldn't work out what the point was. Though I think I just about got the story, it sort of fluttered at the edge of my vision like a dream straight after you wake up. An acquired taste in literature I think! Show Less
Subjects
Awards
Dublin Literary Award (Longlist — 1998)
Language
Original language
English
Physical description
7.91 x 5.24 inches
ISBN
1857998731 / 9781857998733